Expert Answers: My partner doesn't want me to use botox

What is Botox?

Botox is the commercial tradename for Botulinum Toxin Type A.

Botulinum Toxin is derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum.

When injected into muscles, Botulinum Toxin has a local effect. It blocks transmission between the nerve endings and muscle fibres around the injection site to cause weakness of the nearby muscle.

What is Botox used for?

Botox is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for moderate to severe frown lines. It is typically used in people from 18 to 65 years.

Botox works by blocking nerve transmission to temporarily reduce the contractions of the facial muscles that cause frown lines.

It has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles, and botox injections are becoming increasingly popular.

Who can have Botox treatment?

Your doctor will decide if you can have cosmetic treatment with botox.

Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have any disorders that affect your nerves and muscles, if you are breastfeeding, or if you are planning to become pregnant soon.

The Botox injection procedure

Your doctor will administer several tiny injections of botox directly into the muscles of your face.

Prior to injection, your doctor will determine where to administer the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in your brow area.

The entire botox injection procedure takes about 10 minutes and does not require anaesthesia. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief.

After the injection

You should notice an improvement in your frown lines within three to seven days, the effects of which can last up to four months. However, results may vary.

After a period, your frown lines will begin to reappear as the effects of botox wear off.

How often can Botox injections be given?

You can receive botox injections every four months.

With repeated treatments, thinning of the muscles occurs, which produces longer lasting results.

How much does it cost?

Each treatment costs about 200.

Possible side-effects of Botox:

headache

flu-like symptoms

temporary eyelid droop

nausea

squint/double vision

twitching of the eye

facial pain

redness at the injection site

muscle weakness.

Paul Charlson

GP from Brough

Botox, or botulinum toxin to give its proper name, is safe. It has been used medically for more than 25 years without major problems. I perform this procedure many times a week without issue. It has a high satisfaction rate and really does improve frown lines and crow's feet. Your partner's reaction is not uncommon and indeed there is a cohort of ladies who never tell their partners that they have Botox and it appears the husbands do not notice. I think it is your decision and not your partner's. You should first find a suitable practitioner, the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors has a list on their website http://www.cosmeticdoctors.co.uk/ and perhaps you should invite your partner to the consultation – that would allow him to ask questions and allay his fears.

Elaine Douglas

A chartered psychologist who specialises in family and child relationships

I do understand where you are coming from, and your comment about this being for you and not your partner does make sense. Strong self-esteem is vital to everyone. If we feel good about ourselves, we have the wherewithal to cope with what life throws at us. Part of that self-esteem and confidence lies in how we look and present to the outside world. Think about the phrase "a bad hair day" – it sums up the fact that how we look affects how we feel.

On the Botox front I have to say that I am no great expert. I know of people who have undergone this treatment – for example, a good friend of mine did it before her daughter's wedding, and she was thrilled by the results. Your partner's reaction is interesting. He obviously feels that you don't need this treatment and loves you for who you are. I would talk to him about why he is so anti this treatment You say that "everyone is doing it" – I'm not sure that that is the case. There are other ways to look after yourself.

Cary Cooper

Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University

I was a bit concerned by the last few words of your question, "and everybody is doing it". I certainly don't think you should go ahead with this for that reason. If you are really concerned about your looks and are considering any cosmetic intervention, I would advise you to find out as much as you can about it. How potentially dangerous is it? What are the side effects? And, indeed, what are the long term effects of the treatment? I would not rush into it without seriously checking out the treatment regime, finding the most qualified people to deliver the treatment, etc. Once you have all this information, you should discuss it with your partner, doing a cost-benefit analysis of it in terms of your health and wellbeing – and importantly, if you truly value your relationship with your partner, that he is on board with your decision.

Dr Carol Burniston

Consultant Clinical Child Psychologist

There is a lot of pressure to "keep young and beautiful" but there are lots of different ideas about what beautiful looks like. We are all individuals and some people choose to spend time and money on caring for themselves and presenting it to the world, others consider this less important than the person you are on the inside. You say that you want to use Botox "for me, not him", if that is really the case, why do you need to persuade him it's a good idea – why not just do it? Your partner has concerns about your safety and appears to love you as you are. I wonder what is driving this insecurity about your appearance? Lots of people think that if they just lost weight, had a nose job or were rich, they would then be happy, but happiness comes from inside, not outside. I wonder what aspects of your life are not providing you with the satisfaction or fulfilment you need? Perhaps reviewing what is really important to you might give you a different perspective.