Between lip fillers, Profhilo injections and mini face lifts, cosmetic procedures are increasingly becoming the norm. In fact, injectables like botox have migrated into everyday beauty routines so much so that they casually feature on our seasonal to-do list along with paying the parking permit and colouring our roots in.
But, for the uninitiated injectable beginners out there, a new entry level treatment that promises subtly smoother skin is the latest way to dip your toe into the world of needle-based nips and tucks. 'Baby botox' is the latest darling of the aesthetic world promising the same benefits of botox minus the scarily arched eyebrows or frozen face.
We should say here that all skin is beautiful regardless of a few lines and wrinkles, and injectables are not treatments to undergo on a whim, but if you're interested in trying a cosmetic procedure, then research and knowledge are your best weapons.
Read on for everything you need to know about 'baby botox' before you go under the needle...
What is 'Baby botox'?
Before you ask, no, it's has nothing to do with babies. We're talking about injectables here people! 'Baby botox' refers to a new technique for administering the more well known botox (Botulinum toxin) injectable treatment. Or, as aesthetic doctor, Dr Sophie Shotter, puts it: 'Baby botox is a term that has been coined to describe a light dose of botox, which may be suitable for younger patients. Hence the word "baby".'
How is 'Baby Botox' different to regular botox?
It's all about volume. Technically the solution being injected into your skin is exactly the same as regular botox with the same effects (relaxing muscles in areas that have been injected to reduce mobility and therefore wrinkles and lines as a result), but the amount of botox being injected is much smaller. Which means more subtle, natural-looking results that look less 'frozen' or obvious.
'Baby botox uses the same substance as regular botox, except the doses used might be slightly less than with standard dosing,' explains doctor and skin specialist, Dr David Jack. 'Nowadays, most sensible practitioners who treat in a subtle way will use light doses to gently treat the face and reverse the age-related changes in the dynamic muscles of the face, rather than heavy doses to paralyse the muscles completely.
'In the past (and in some dodgy clinics!) - botox was injected with the aim of completely obliterating all movement in order to treat the lines. Usually people will ask for "baby botox" if they are worried about looking overdone.'
If you're an injectable beginner, 'baby botox' could be for you. 'It's also a popular treatment for first timers or younger clients opting for the treatment for preventative reasons as it gives a more natural look,' says dermatologist and aesthetic doctor, Dr Salome Dharamshi, aesthetic doctor and founder of Sky Clinic.
What to expect from a 'baby botox' treatment...
A 'baby botox' treatment works in much the same way as regular botox, but for those who aren't au fait with the injectable, Dr David Jack breaks it down...
- First you would have a consultation, followed by consent and photographs.
- Next, you would potentially have some numbing cream applied to the areas being treated.
- I usually then mark the face in a range of dynamic movements using a white pencil to identify which are the areas of maximal muscle tension to direct where I will inject.
- The injections are then done with a tiny needle. All of this takes about 5 minutes!
'After the treatment you can have little bumps where the botox has been injected, which usually dissipate in about 5 minutes. More often than not there is nothing to detect by the time you leave the office.'
What areas of your face can you treat with 'baby botox'?
As with regular botox, the benefits of smaller doses or 'baby botox' apply in similar areas of your face. 'Common areas include the forehead and between the brows, crow's feet, under the eyes, bunny lines and the chin area (to reduce a dimpled chin AKA pebbled chin). The main benefit of all areas is to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles,' explains Dr Salome.
Who would benefit from 'baby botox'?
It goes without saying that undergoing any injectable treatment is a choice, rather than a necessity. A face with lines and movement is still a beautiful face but, if you prefer a smoother complexion or would rather a few less wrinkles (both options are entirely valid, FYI), then 'baby botox' is an effective option.
'Baby botox is an excellent choice for those wanting to try botox for the first time and younger patients looking to get botox as a preventative to fine lines and wrinkles. However, if you have deeper lines to target, you may be a better candidate for regular botox,' suggests Dr Salome.
How long does 'baby botox' last?
As with all injectables, the time 'baby botox' takes to kick in and how long it lasts will differ depending on your skin type, age, volume injected etc.
'Smaller doses will often mean result lasts slightly less time,' explains Dr Sophie Shotter. 'On average botox lasts for 3 - 5 months, but a lower dose "baby botox" approach will certainly last on the lower end of that. There should be a minimum treatment interval of 12 weeks between sessions.'
How much does 'baby botox' cost?
Where you go for your 'baby botox' will dictate how much you're paying. You don't necessarily have to visit Harley Street (although we can recommend several clinics), but ensuring your treatment is administered by a qualified professional in a clean environment is important.
Most treatments start around the £200 mark per area, and generally we like to follow the rule of if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Are there any side effects of 'baby botox'?
It's important to remember that botox or any other injectables are medical treatments and, as such, checking out the side effects before moving forwards is always a good idea.
Luckily, botox is an extremely low risk cosmetic procedure. 'With any botox treatment, minor side effects can include bruising around the injection area, asymmetrical results, pain, swelling, headache or flu-like symptoms,' says Dr Salome.
