Cosmetic Clinics

Originally developed by scientists to treat muscle spasms in the eye region, the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium we know today as Botox is one of the most highly desired anti-aging treatments available on the market today.

Thanks in part to Hollywood; the supply and demand has risen so wildly that Botox is quickly becoming an affordable luxury, even for middle class mums and dads who secretly crave that "ten-year younger" look. Below, you'll read about several sensational benefits of getting a Botox treatment.

1. Anti-Aging - Without a doubt, this is the most popular reason that Botox injections are administered by trained medical professionals every single day. The ability to walk into a clinic and receive a treatment that reduces those highly noticeable wrinkle regions such as crow’s feet, frown lines and brow lines, is nothing short of a modern day fashion miracle. How would you like to walk into a room and drop jaws because you look like you're 10 years younger? That's quite a common reaction that many Botox recipients receive, and with today's more lenient societal acceptance of cosmetic enhancements, one no longer has to keep it a secret.

2. Migraine Killer - Statistics say that over 6 million people in the UK are affected by the dreaded migraine headache. Thanks to recent breakthroughs with the help of modern day medical science, it's been discovered that Botox treatments won't only give you the ability to look twenty years younger, but it can also be used to treat and lessen migraines. For those with especially debilitating migraine issues, this is phenomenal news.

3. Prostate Shrinker - Another absolutely amazing discovery (and also a reason to bring your hubby to the doc's office) is that Botox, when injected into the male prostate gland, can actually give relief to those with enlarged prostates. The effect lasts up to a year, and the main reason it works is simple - it shrinks the gland, which in turn reduces the annoying and painful effects of an enlarged prostate such as frequent urination and urinary tract infections.

4. Excess sweating – Also known as Hyperhidrosis, this form of excess sweating can be generalized or localised to specific parts of the body. Hands, feet, armpits and the groin are among the typical regions of perspiration due to the relatively high concentration of sweat glands; however, any part of the body may be affected. Botox injections can be used to effectively reduce this sweating even where traditional toiletries such as anti-perspirants and talc have failed.

All in all, Botox, while having some potential for minor side effects, is a rock star substance that seems to be solving new problems every day. It is always advised to check with a qualified cosmetic doctor first, but if you're ready to treat yourself, both materialistically and medically, then Botox just may be the magic shot you need.

This month's focus is on Permanent Hair Reduction, or as it is more commonly know; laser hair removal.

The use of lasers has proven over many years to be without a doubt the best form of long lasting hair removal; we will go in to detail as to why later. Laser hair removal is most commonly used on the upper lip and chin area, the underarm and the bikini zone. However it is just as effective on the arms, legs and back areas. Obviously laser hair removal isn’t just for ladies either, and many guys have the procedure to be rid of excessive hair or unsightly body hair.

Now for the more technical part!

The principle of treatment is that light energy (Laser) is directed at the hair follicle. The wavelength of light energy is absorbed by the melanin pigment in the hair as it sits in the hair follicle, and this absorption results in a short heating effect that damages the cells lining the follicle and which are responsible for hair growth.

As it is the melanin pigment that is affected by the heat energy then melanin needs to be present and unfortunately this is only the case in dark hair (brown or black) thus it will not be effective on blond, grey, red or light hair. Many people believe that skin colour is a factor however this is not true; laser hair removal is safe to use for any skin type.

Now that covers the “why?” but what else makes it the best treatment? Well the other bonus is that unlike electrolysis for example, there is no scarring or sigh that the treatment has occurred, apart from some redness for a few hours.

“Wait a minute! Redness? So it hurts?”

Well to say it is painless would be untrue, but it is not painful per se either. It falls somewhere between, but an anaesthetic cream is used to ease the feeling on more sensitive areas along with the laser tip being cooled to make the experience more comfortable. The sensation is described as a slight stinging sensation by many people, and it’s probably about right; compared to electrolysis it is much more pleasant.

For best effects normally about 6 treatments are required, though good results can come after only 4. It is worth noting that on the face up to 8 treatments are sometimes necessary (due to hormonal reasons).

The benefits are normally visible after 2 or 3 treatments, and they continue up to the last. It also means that shaving, waxing and hair removal creams are no longer required and can give a huge confidence boost to people who have suffered with unnatural or excessive hair growth.

There are many clinics that can offer laser hair removal, but make sure you use a reputable clinic with an experienced cosmetic doctor.

All of the clinics in the Cosmetic Clinics Group provide laser hair removal and are all ran by experienced and fully trained professionals, plus you can use the website to find you nearest clinic and many of the clinics offer special deals such as Mulberry House in Northampton who offer a sixth treatment for free! If you pay for five laser hair removal treatments in advance, now that’s a bargain!.

For more information on laser hair removal or to book an appointment consultation or treatment for visit the Cosmetic Clinics Groups’ website at www.cosmeticclinics.co.uk