NEEDLE TIPS

Before going under the needle consider your budget. As with most things, you get what you pay for. Prices will vary slightly depending on where you live and the product used. Botox typically starts at about $350 per treatment site so if you spot cheaper deals, start wondering why. ( While it is rare, it is not uncommon for a product to be diluted or for it to be a knock- off.) It’s also common for nurses, rather than fully-fledged doctors, to do injections and many clinics will reflect that in their prices (the nurse will be cheaper). It also pays to be flexible: botulism toxin is charged by the unit, which means you may need more than you budgeted for. If that’s the case, save up until you can afford the treatment that has been recommended; the results will be better.

Procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers usually take minutes with little or no downtime. With Botox you may get a little bruising, which is easily disguised by makeup, and you will be advised not to exercise for 24 hours since increased blood circulation means your blood might sweep away some of the product from the injection site. It’s slightly different with fillers; some swelling, especially around the lips, is common, so don’t schedule an appointment directly before a big event. (Also, don’t book an appointment to have your teeth cleaned in the days after. When teeth are cleaned, bacteria are released into the mouth and bloodstream. The body recognizes fillers as a foreign substance and excess bacteria may increase the risk of infection.)

Results for Botox and fillers are different. Generally, fillers last longer (anywhere up to 18 months) whereas Botox lasts from four to six months.