Botox has been used as both a medical and cosmetic treatment for many years now, but do you need a medical professional to administer it? Dr Krystyna, an aesthetic guru and cosmetic dentists says the answer is a resounding ‘yes!’

In this video Dr Krystyna explains how the toxin works, what can go wrong, and why its so important to have someone who knows and understands anatomy performing the procedure.

Botox is one brand name for the botulinum toxin which can be used for treating teeth grinding, excessive sweating and migraines. As it also relaxes muscles it can also be used for smoothing wrinkles.

Because it relaxes muscles Dr Krystyna says its vital that you have these injections done by an experienced practitioner with a solid understanding of anatomy. If it is injected into the wrong spot you can, she says, end up with a droopy eyelid or a raised ‘spock-like’ eyelid.

Dr Krystyna says the toxin is mixed with saline and injected. It doesn’t ‘freeze’ the muscle as people may say, but it bonds with the muscle receptors and inhibits the nerves ability to make the muscle contract.

It takes about 12 days for it to take effect and Dr Krystyna and the effects lasts about 3 months depending on how fast your body metabolises it. It works on expression lines, not lines from sun damage.

When do you start using it?

Dr Krystyna says its an individual decision but there is a chance that your muscles can atrophy or wither if you start too young or have too much and then it won’t work as well when your older.

She says she started using very small amounts of  botox in her late 20’s. Most of the women she sees are in their 30’s or 40’s and may require a little more. In the early 20’s it’s probably not necessary unless you have a specific problem you want addressing.

Can everyone have it?

It is not recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women or if you have a serious illness. It is not suitable for people under the age of 18 for cosmetic purposes.

You can find out more about Dr Krystyna here.