The Misconceptions of Botox

Emirates Woman talks to Dr. Khan at Nova Clinic to get the low-down on Botox

Botox is the most commonly used non-surgical procedure, with four million people going under the needle every year as they seek to look and feel more youthful. The black comedy Death Becomes Heris now not just Hollywood fiction; Botox has become a common part of any beauty regime.

The first time Botox was used was in the realm of “40 years ago,” says Dr Khan. “We have a long track record of how Botox was being used and whether or not it was safe,” he says. “Back then people had ticks and spasms (as they might do now). However, then there was nothing to treat these spasms. Anything that involves an involuntary spasm, including migraines and diaphoresis (excessive sweating of the glands), could be treated with Botox as it works as a muscle relaxant.”

Khan goes on to further explain Botulism, whereby Botox hits the bloodstream and poisons the body. “Depending on what dosage you are given, or a chemical reaction to your body that could develop after you have tried Botox, these tend to be very isolated incidences where people have a negative impact from Botox." says Dr Khan.

Dr Khan has performed over 60,000 treatments ina career that spans more than 20 years, and carries out an average of 23 treatments a day. He even confesses that he uses the treatment himself. “Mine is actually wearing off and I need a top-up ,” he laughs .“There will always be sensational is at ion in the press about Botox but I love using it and Botulism is something to be aware of. However, it is a very rare effect to the treatment.”

With any treatment it is important to talk about the side effects and not shy away from what could happen if the treatment goes wrong. “There is a 1 per cent chance Botox can move involuntarily,” says Khan. “We do not know why, but this can lead to ptosis (the eyelid temporaliy closing). This side effect will last up to three weeks and you have to wait for it to go. You can take iopidine drops, which helps the ptosis clear up quicker. I tend to give this to my VIP clients, as you can’t get it in Dubai.”

“You can get blurred vision in the eye, or you might have restricted view. However, this is very rare and will go away within three weeks.” Of the many celebrities that have dabbled in Botox, Cindy Crawford has famously said “I’m not going to

lie to myself, past a certain age, creams work on the texture of your skin but, in order to restore elasticity, all I can really

count on is vitamin injections, Botox and collagen. I have a very simple, healthy life, which works miracles. I drink a lot of water, watch what I eat and exercise… but I owe the quality of my skin to my cosmetic surgeon.”

THE TREATMENT:

In the first step of the procedure the nurse will numb the forehead with a numbing cream and apply ice to the skin to ensure it is painfree. Dr Khan will then inject the Bo toxin small quantities to the areas in need of the treatment. This step of the procedure is very fast and only takes a minute or two. Results are not immediate. A slight tightening of the skin where the Bot ox injections were placed may be experienced a few hours after the treatment. Around two weeks after the procedure, skin will begin to look smoother and more youthful, while fine lines and wrinkles will begin to fadehello 25-year-old self.

All treatments are available at Nova Clinic ,1047 Al Wasl RoadDubai -043845666. Prices are subject to consultation.