YOUR GUIDE TO GETTING GREAT BOTOX

Curious about Botox? The team at Caci break down the details about what’s involved with the wrinkle-relaxing injectable treatment.

Remember back at school when you would stew on a question but you were too shy to put your hand up in case everyone laughed? It can be like that when it comes to skin and appearance treatments.

These days it seems like everyone has had something ‘done’ and while most people are happy to admit it, it can feel like they’re in a club you’ve not yet joined, and there’s not a lot of forthcoming chat on the ins and outs.

The team at Caci however, are of the belief that ‘no question is a silly one’ and visiting one of their 64 clinics around New Zealand is always an opportunity to ask away. We asked Caci’s Training Academy team; Caz Hodnett, Jo Fletcher-Morris and Bridgette Lawrence some of the most common queries.

WHY DO PEOPLE GET BOTOX?

Caz: Most of our customers are everyday Kiwis. Often they have been thinking about having treatment for quite a long time. As women, we often put our family’s needs before our own. A lot of customers are not sure what can be done but want how they feel to match how they look, saying ‘I look tired’ or ‘I look older than I feel’.

IS THERE AN IDEAL AGE TO START GETTING BOTOX?

Jo: There isn’t a specific time that is best to start, but if you are starting to see the beginnings of a frown line (perhaps like ones you see on older members of your family), come in! The sooner the better but it’s also never too late to start. Often older customers feel they might have ‘missed the boat’, but we have a range of treatments and skincare to help all kinds of concerns across all ages and stages. We want everyone to feel confident in their skin.

ARE BOTOX AND FILLERS SIMILAR?

Jo: No, they are quite different. Dermal filler is what it sounds like, it is an injectable that fills to address volume loss or deep folds and to enhance volume in certain areas such as the cheeks or lips. Botox relaxes the muscles it is injected into to restrict the movement that causes lines and wrinkles.

DOES BOTOX ACTUALLY GET RID OF WRINKLES?

Jo: It depends on how advanced and deep a wrinkle is. For some it may take a larger dose and more than one treatment to notice a more visible difference.

HOW DO I KNOW I’LL GET A NATURAL, UNNOTICEABLE RESULT?

Caz: This is a common concern, customers see social media posts of photos of celebrities who look ‘done’, when all they want is to look ‘fresh’. We focus on enhancing customers’ natural features to achieve that refreshed look. Our aim is that you love the results and your friends and family simply notice you looking and feeling great.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO CONSIDER EXPERTISE WHEN YOU’RE SEEKING TREATMENT?

Bridgette: The training, experience and expertise of the injector can greatly impact the results. All of our nurses train at our own national training academy – including ongoing assessments – to ensure they are equipped with the skills necessary to obtain a superior and natural result. Our team are also well trained to understand and identify any medical conditions or medications which may mean we would not carry out treatment as everyone is unique. Health and safety come first.

HOW DOES MY PROVIDER KNOW HOW MUCH TO USE?

Bridgette: While there is a strong correlation between the dosage and longevity of results, the treatment provider will always consider your anatomical needs, your budget and desired outcome before treating. This ensures a tailored, bespoke treatment for the individual needs of each individual customer.

I’M SCARED OF NEEDLES. WILL IT HURT?

Jo: There will be a small needle prick, but most customers don’t describe this as painful at all. Bridgette: An aversion to needles is actually a natural human response. Do make your treatment provider aware of this as they can implement ways of making your experience the most comfortable possible.

WHAT’S THE UPKEEP LIKE?

Caz: Regular Botox treatments every 3-4 months will maintain the effectiveness of the treatment, meaning you keep the muscles that are causing wrinkles relaxed, allowing your body to infill those lines with collagen, softening the appearance of wrinkles. Consistency means you can enjoy your refreshed look on an ongoing basis and regular treatments can help your results to last longer. Like any muscle in your body when it isn’t being used, it reduces in size and strength. At Caci, our membership and payment plan make this easy – we spread the payments out over time, and you come in for regular treatments.

Some people might treat themselves to a one-off treatment before a big event. It’s important to allow enough time before the event to let the results settle in. For Botox, results can be seen from 3 days to a more full effect at 2 weeks post treatment.

To learn more about Botox, book an appointment with a skin expert at caci.co.nz