Do you hate seeing those fine lines and wrinkles on your face? Do you want to make it less obvious? Botox is the solution to your problem! In this article, Dr CyChua will talk about the uses, procedures, side effects, and cost of Botox in Singapore.
What is Botox?
Botox is commonly used to treat muscular problems but can be used to remove and prevent skin wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles temporarily. It is one of the most popular skin treatments. Botulinum toxin or Botox as it is commonly known as a brand name of a substance that is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin is one of the poisonous substances that can kill as many as one million people with a single gram. But, there is no need to worry as Botox is considered safe when given in smaller doses.
Aside from being a popular cosmetic treatment, it can also cure migraine, bladder, and muscular disorders. Though it is known to be deadly if not used properly, Botox is still in demand. This treatment is also a popular choice for men.
How does it work?
Botox targets the muscles used for smiling and frowning. The substance is injected into these muscles and causes the muscle tissues to relax, resulting in a reduction of wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
Preparations before the treatment…
Your doctor will advise you to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin two weeks before the treatment. Alcohol must also be avoided one week before.
How is it done?
Botulinum toxin powder will be diluted in saline and injected into the target tissue. It will take effect approximately within 24 to 72 hours and may take up to 5 days to see the full results. Do note that this treatment is not allowed for pregnant women and people who have allergies with any Botulinum toxin ingredients.
Parts of the face where Botox is most effective…
Botox can only reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the part of the face that moves. It is most effective in the following parts:
- Forehead
- Sides of the eye
- Between the brows
- Around the mouth
How long do the results of Botox last?
The results of Botox may last between 4 to 6 months. This means that you have to do additional sessions if you wish to maintain your wrinkle-free face. Maintenance sessions should be done after 4 to 6 months after a treatment since Botox is not permanent.
If you decide to stop Botox, your wrinkles and fine lines will definitely appear again. The aging process of your face continues as the muscles begin to function normally again.
What are the side effects of undergoing Botox treatment?
If the procedure is done properly, there will be minimal side effects like redness and bruising in the injected area, but this will not last long. Some rare side effects may occur like allergies, fever, difficulty in speaking and swallowing. If this happens, report it to your doctor or skin specialist right away.
Here is the list of possible side-effects of Botox Treatment:
- Swelling
- Rashes
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Malaise
- Bleeding
- Numbness
- Headache
- Double-vision
- Hives
- Wheezing
Is it safe to undergo Botox Treatment in Singapore?
Yes, it is! As long as you consult the right doctor to ensure that you are getting the right Botox doses in your target areas. Achieving optimum results when getting Botox will factor in the expertise of your doctor, so it is important that you get the services of someone who is knowledgeable and highly skilled in administering this treatment. Also, openly communicate with your doctor any medical conditions or medications that you currently have or take in order to avoid any serious complications. Your doctor should be able to recommend an alternative treatment to address your skin needs.
For those who are hesitant to undergo Botox treatment, here are the alternatives:
- Collagen creams
- Chemical peels
- CO2 laser resurfacing
- Microdermabrasion
- Massage and cupping therapy
- Medical-graded creams with Vit. C, retinoid, tretinoin and a-hydroxy acid
How much does it cost?
The cost of Botox depends on the area you want to be treated. In general, a Botox treatment costs around $200 to $1800. Some clinics offer treatment packages, which is ideal for you if you have several areas that need a Botox treatment.
Here is the updated price list of Botox in Singapore:
- Forehead - $200 to $700
- Frown lines- $150 to $600
- Crow’s feet- $150 to $600
- Nose wrinkles- $100 to $500
- Gummy smile - $150 to $500
- Chin - $100 to $500
- Jaw Botox - $400 to $1700
The doctor and clinic of your choice also affect the cost of your treatment.
Three types of Botulinum toxins and their cost:
- Xeomin - $15 to $20 per unit
- Botox - $15 to $25 per unit
- Dysport - $12 to $20 per unit
All three brands have similar effects, but Dysport shows its effect faster compared to the two.
Bottom Line
If you are planning to undergo Botox or any skin treatments, make sure to consult your doctor first. Your skin must be assessed to see what treatment is suitable for you. Also, choose the right skincare specialist or doctor that will administer the treatment. In Singapore, many clinics and doctors offer Botox treatments. Ask for recommendations from friends or do some research to determine which clinic or doctor has the best rating when it comes to doing this treatment. Botox is a little risky, so it is important that the doctor you choose is an expert and qualified in the said treatment. Most importantly, be sure that they are using an approved brand of Botulinum toxin.