Look younger with Lesley

Anti-ageing guru Lesley Reynolds reveals the latest treatments to help you stay youthful

Botox is one of the most popular non-invasive treatments in the UK. Tempted? Read this guide first…

WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botox is the ultimate quick-fix for lines and

wrinkles. It’s estimated that more than 2 million Botox procedures are carried out in the UK each year, using a toxin called botulinum to stop muscle contractions that lead to lines and wrinkles. After treatment, you’ll see results in a few days, and they develop gradually over the following two weeks. Like any drug, Botox has side effects, but they’re minor and short-lived, and the procedure is perfectly safe. You can wear make-up immediately, but avoid the gym, alcohol, flying or facial massage for 24 hours after treatment.

THE BEST TECHNIQUE

Done badly, Botox can give women the

frozen forehead look. The correct technique is very precise and an experienced practitioner, who has the talent to judge the size of your facial muscles, will know exactly where and how much to inject to keep the face looking natural. The most delicate form of Botox treatment, known as Sprinkles, uses just a tiny fraction of botulinum and is injected all over the skin, rather than specific areas, and gives a relaxed look.

WHEN IT GOES WRONG

The ‘Mr Spock look’ can happen when the brow is over-injected, giving it a hyper-arched appearance making you look surprised. Too much Botox can also make the face look blank, and then you have to wait until the effect wears off – usually from three to six months. The goal should be for a softening of wrinkles rather than an erasing of facial expressions that looks unnatural.

AND DON’T FORGET…

A good Botox treatment should leave you looking refreshed. You don’t want to be asked, ‘Have you had something done?’

Botox is now offered on the high street from £99. This may seem very inexpensive, but in reality, most clinics offer Botox for three areas at around £299, so in effect it’s exactly the same cost. Always be careful when choosing your practitioner – make sure they’re a medical professional and available to you should you ever have a problem.

Botox can also stop embarrassing sweating from the underarms, feet and hands by blocking the body’s sweat-producing glands. One treatment will stop sweating within a few days and results should last from six to 10 months.