Major plastic surgery is cold. Non-invasive, zero downtime treatments are hot. They’re safer, they’re painless and you can do the during your lunch break before heading back to work looking great. Or are they? Recent tabloid stories of aging stars leaving a certain clinic in Chidlom with droopy eyelids certainly put a damper on the Botox-craze. And with some of these treatments costing over B10,000 a pop, we’ve got to ask: do they really deliver results? To find out, BK sent out some very brave guinea pigs to test five of these much-hyped, high-tech treatment.
The promise: Fewer winkles.
The guinea pig: Greg, 32, managing editor.
The weapon: Botox is Allergan’s brand name for Botulinum toxin. A teaspoon of the stuff could kill off 1.2 billion people claims Wikipedia, making it the most toxic substance know to man. Dermatologist Rassapoom Sumaetheiwit, M.D., prefer to call it a protein. “It blocks the nerves controlling your muscles,” he points out as he crumples a piece of paper in his hand. “When your facial muscles contract, this happens. Botox stops that. “As opposed to surgery, the treatment is fast and there’s no downtime.
The dangers: “Statistics say droopy eyelids occur in about 2% of case.” Admits Dr. Rassapoom. “Personally, I’ve never had a problem and I can say Samitivej Hospital has never had any incidents. It’s all about technique. In any case, a droopy eyelid will disappear within town months, it’s not permanent. Botox has been used for 40 years. It’s safe; as within three days it’s flushed out your system, not like collagen.”
The target: Most commonly, people in their 40s and 50s who wat fewer wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. But new Botox techniques allow doctors to perform a kind of facelift by paralyzing downward pulling muscles and leaving the others to naturally lift your entire face. Botox can also reduce cheek size and open up eye (particularly Asia eyes). Dr. Rassapoom admits using botox on patients as young as 17 as a non-invasive alternative to surgery.
The treatment: Hope you’re not afraid of needles. Dr. Rassapoom decided a little crow’s feet treatment was best for me, but most people get that, and the frown lines (between your eye browns) and the forehead done. Each side of my eye was injected about six times (ouch!) and the whole thing took about 5 minutes. A whole face lift could take up to 50 minutes.The result: After a couple days, the Botox really kicks in. When I smile, nothing really moves on the sides of my eyes. It does mean smooth skin and fewer wrinkles but also looks a bit creepy (see right). There is no numbness or tingling sensation whatsoever though and I can still squint. I have to admit, I’d like to try it on my forehead now.
Essentials: B5,000 would cover a small area, so you’d have to count B15,000 for crown’s feet, frown lines and forehead. The effects last 4-6 months. Think of it a subscription. For lifting or facial remodeling, you’re going to have to get a quote. Dr. Rassapoom is based at Samitivej Hospital, every wed, 8am-3pm.Contact Info
Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, 133 Sukhumvit 49, Bangkok, 02-711-8000
Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, 488 Srinakarin Rd., Suanluang, Bangkok, 02-731-7000
www.samitivejhospitals.com
Content By Sarita Urupongsa, BK Magazine
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