• Should I only get BTX when I develop wrinkles?

No.  It is best used as a preventative measure e.g. BTX should be used before you develop wrinkles.  Once wrinkles become deep, they are very difficult to smoothen and will need combination therapy including filler.

• How old do you have to be to start these procedures?

No one should ethically inject a person who is under the age of 18.

• BTX is just for wrinkles?

No.  As explained above BTX has many uses from controlling excess sweating, to teeth grinding and migraines.  It relaxes the muscle it is injected to.

• BTX is just for women.

No.  In this day and age, men are becoming more aware of the products available to them.  Some prefer the smoother look as a result of BTX.  It’s not called Bro-tox for nothing!

• BTX hurts.

No.  Very small needles are used to inject the toxin.  You may get bruising and soreness around the area, some immediate swelling but within 24 hours everything should have settled.   Some people get a mild headache – this is uncommon, however you may feel dehydrated so for the next few days keep water on tap!

• How long does it last?

It lasts up to 3 months.  You should come back for re-treatment when you feel the muscle movement start again.  Effects start from 3 days up until 14 days so don’t be worried if there is no immediate effect.  This is normal and how BTX works.

• Can I wear make up after? Can I go about my day?

No make up should be worn for the rest of the day.  The reason is makeup is very dirty and we have just made small punctures in the skin!  You can go about your day as normal but you may be bruised.  If you have a function planned you may want to do it a couple of weeks before for full effect and allow the bruising to settle.

• What are the risks of Botulinum toxin A?

You may develop a temporary weakness in an area not desired if the injected toxin migrates.

The injection area may bruise like any injection.

• What is this difference between Botulinum Toxin A (Botox/Azzalure/ Bocouture) and dermal filler?

BTX treats muscle movement and not static lines. Filler replaces lost volume and can treat some static lines.

• Is this a medical procedure?

This is a non-surgical non-invasive procedure which should ideally only be carried out by a medical professional.  Whilst many people are able to inject the face, only prescribers (doctors/dentists) are able to prescribe the reversal agent (in case of emergency) by prescription.  In case of a medical emergency who would you trust with your face?!

• How do people who aren’t doctors/ dentists obtain toxin and filler?

They can obtain it via a prescription from a medical prescriber (doctor/dentist).  The doctor/dentist must assess you first. This is a LEGAL requirement.  If you are not assessed by the prescriber then the injector will have obtained the toxin/ filler via a non medical outlet. These products are not regulated so could contain anything – causing harm to your face!

• What is a dermal filler?

 Dermal fillers contain Hyaluronic acid (HA).  HA naturally occurs in the connective tissue throughout out bodies – 50% is found in our skin and it’s role is to retain moisture.

This gives the skin a plumper, firmer appearance with a luminous glow – the Soko Glow.

• Why is dermal filler used?

It is used to add volume areas where volume is lost, or enhance areas with added volume.  It can also be used as a tissue conditioner to hydrate tissues.

Ageing causes our body’s natural production of HA to slow down, which results in dry, dehydrated and dull skin.

• What are the risks of dermal filler?

The risks of dermal filler are associated with the injector.  As HA naturally occurs in the body, it would be very unlucky if you were to have an allergic reaction.

The face is filled with many blood vessels and nerves.  If the injector were to inject into these areas then this may cause severe problems such as obstruction of the blood flow.

Suitability

All patients will have a  medical assessment prior to assess their suitability.

However you should not have this procedure

• if you are pregnant/ breastfeeding.

• have a neuromuscular disease (BTX).

• if you are susceptible to cold sores (lip fillers).