Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Left: After botox, Right: Before botox

Botox is not only for actors/actresses in Hollywood, California, as many Jamaicans are latching on to this cosmetic trend.

"It's very popular," said Anne Martin owner of the cosmetic store of the same name. She said individuals are increasingly visiting her day spa, The Medi-Spa of Anne Martin, for the service.

Botox injections are used to decrease the appearance of creases and wrinkles on the face. The product is used to only treat wrinkles caused by facial muscles.

"It tends to be anybody from mid 30s up," said Dr. Arusha Campbell-Chambers, a clinical and cosmetic dermatologist who works with the spa, of the age group of those who request the procedure.

Apart from wrinkle treatment it is also used to treat excessive sweating from the under arms (severe primary axially hyperhidrosis) but it should be recommended by your doctor.

Popular procedure

The procedure has become popular through advertisements on cable networks as well as numerous Hollywood actors and performers admitting to using the product. But the hype created by the entertainment industry and the apprehension which goes along with it, are what Jamaicans putting behind them.

"People are realising that it is quite safe once used by someone who is properly trained in the field."

HOW BOTOX IS APPLIED

Administered by a doctor, tiny needles with the product, which is made from a purified protein called Clostridium Botulinum, is injected into the facial muscles.

Wrinkles and creases occur after time on everyone's face through the repeated movement of the muscles in the face by smiling and talking. Wrinkles can be decreased by limiting the movement of these muscles with Botox. When injected into the muscles, it weakens them by stopping chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle, according to information from the website www.mydermatologysolutions.com.

Actresses who use it

Actresses like Nicole Kidman and Meg Ryan reportedly use the treatments but their faces often look puffy and stiff. Dr. Chambers- Campbell said she would prefer not to speculate what causes this look, her training has emphasised producing a more natural appearance.

"There is an emphasis on using minimal doses. Not to look as if you had something done but to give you a softer, youthful, more natural looking you," she said.

Side-effects

Patients may experience swelling and redness up to hours after the procedure. Other side-effects include drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow and bleeding. Non-underarm sweating, infection, headache, flu-like illness and throat inflammation may occur from the underarm treatment.

Results are usually seen after four to 14 days and last between three to six months.

Treatments are recommended once there is a sign of the problem reoccurring. The treatments will progressively get less until one is required per year.

sacha.walters@gleanerjm.com