Chat Ed : Welcome to this evening's webchat with Dr Patrick Bowler (cosmetic doctor from 10 years Younger in Ten Days!
Dr Patrick Bowler : Hi everyone... I'm a cosmetic dermatologist and my speciality is making people look their best. I'll be happy to answer some of your questions.
John_Burton : i was astonished when it said she had 60 injections OUCH do they hurt?
Dr Patrick Bowler : Some of them we give a local anaesthetic for, particularly around the mouth. Botox injections in the forehead are very tolerable, in fact I inject myself so that might tell you a lot.
sandrino : so how much for botox injections and is it 1 2 or more?
Charlie : How much did it cost for all the botox
Claire : hi how much is botox?
Dr Patrick Bowler : The cost depends on how many areas you want treating, but it's anything from £200 to about £330.
Charlie : how often do you have to update the botox
Veronica : what are the side effects of botox
Dr Patrick Bowler : We know that botox is a very safe drug because it has been used for medical purposes for over 16 years now. Common side effects are small bruises and droopy eyelids but these are very rare. To keep you looking your best you should have the injections two to three times a year.
Chris : what can I do about the dark rings under my eyes apart from concealer stick?
pk : Patrick, can you do anything for dark circles under ones eyes (due to sleep depravation)
Dr Patrick Bowler : Hi Chris, dark circles are notoriously difficult to treat. First off we will need to make a diagnosis because it could be dark blue blood vessels or pigmentation or shadows caused by sunken eye sockets. Treatments have variable success - it's a difficult area. pk, sorry no quick fixes, just more sleep! On a more serious note make sure you drink plenty of water and apply moisturiser under the eye.
Penny : How did you get involved in 10 years younger?
Dr Patrick Bowler : I have been performing these types of treatments for many years and Channel 4 approached me and asked me to be involved.
earlcebu : for the fact that is Botulinum Toxin , theres must be a negative effect in the long run
Meenu : Can botox be good for the face long term?
Dr Patrick Bowler : Botox has been used as a drug for over 16 years for treating various muscle problems and we know from the scientific data that there are no significant long-term problems, however I tell my patients although botox is a very popular and effective treatment at the moment new procedures will come into the market in the next few years so they do not need to look upon botox injections as a life-long procedure.
anna : Patrick, I am 30 years of age and I have crow’s feet around my eyes. Would Botox help or am i being a bit premature
dj : is 28 too young to have botox round the eyes
Kate : What is the minimum recommended age for cosmetic surgery?
Dr Patrick Bowler : Botox can be used for treating the crow's feet area very successfully. There is a good argument for using botox as a preventative measure so that even if you only have fine lines visible, by reducing the crinkling of the skin you will slow the appearance of deeper lines - in other words delay the ageing process. Good skincare programmes are vitally important and tonight's programme didn't really emphasise how important this is. So, daily protection and using a potent moisturiser containing vitamin A and vitamin C and AHAs can be a real benefit and they can enhance the effects of botox. Kate it's difficult to give precise age limits because we all age at varying rates, so for example it may be quite acceptable to perform a rhinoplasty (nose job) to somebody in their late teens but unacceptable to consider a facelift in your twenties.
Angela : is there a maximim age you can give someone botox?
Dr Patrick Bowler : Botox works best in the younger age group but that doesn't stop ladies in their 70s having botox injections with good results. They have to, of course, have realistic expectations of the outcome.
Bimbo : Are more men requesting surgery these days?
John_Burton : my mates need botox can men have it done??
Dr Patrick Bowler : Hi Bimbo, there has been a definite alteration in trends for all types of cosmetic procedures with an increasing number of men requesting treatment. In my practice ten years ago it was unusual to see a man, but now 10-12% of my patients are male. The most popular non-surgical procedure is botox for frown lines. The most popular surgical procedure for men is eye bag removal and liposuction.
pammy : did you enjoy doing the programme dr?
TheHomelessDetective : do you think if you went on for another 40 days you could make her look 5
Dr Patrick Bowler laughs
Dr Patrick Bowler : One of the great satisfactions of my job is seeing women and men look great for their age and Bernie was a fantastic example of that. I spoke to her this morning and she is still feeling really good about herself and full of self-confidence as a result of the makeover.
sammie : patrick, how would i get rid of acne scarring, and scars in general, is it an easy procedure, and where can i get it done?
Samantha : I have severe 'pitting' acne scars all over my face which have become larger and deeper with age, what could I do to improve the look of them?
Dr Patrick Bowler : Scarring of any sort is always a challenge for doctors like myself... Treatment depends on the type of scarring and its position on the face or body. You have to understand it's not possible to make the scars disappear, but it is possible to make them much less noticeable. There are a number of treatment options including lasers, peels and fillers. But you would need a personal assessment to determine the best treatment options for you.
Penny : Do you think people can sometimes have an exaggerated expectation from cosmetic techniques?
Dr Patrick Bowler : Yes, Penny, an essential part of cosmetic treatments of any sort is a thorough assessment and that first contact with the doctor is vitally important for them to explain what is possible and for the patient to understand what can be expected. Quite often those two do not meet so for the doctor it is vital to make the patient understand what is possible otherwise there will be disappointment all round. There is a rare psychiatric condition called body dysmorphic disorder where patients have a false body image - they think they look ugly but in fact will often be very beautiful. These patients who cannot be satisfied will require psychological assessment.
londoner : Can facial exercises help if done regularly? (As an alternative and cheaper!! approach)
jill : What about facial exercise. Does that help?
Dr Patrick Bowler : I think facial exercises are a double-edged sword. On the one hand it is good to tone up the facial muscles but on the other hand repeated movement may exaggerate the wrinkles. So, like many things in life, a middle road is probably the best way so some degree of facial exercise may be helpful.
Jen : To all at Channel 4 - really enjoyed the programme - thanks. Dr Bowler, can you tell me the most effective way of combating vertical lines above the upper lip. My mouth is looking like a cats a***e! I am an occasional but not a heavy smoker. Thanks
christina : what can be done for lines around the lips ?
Dr Patrick Bowler : I don't often look at cat's rear ends (!) but I think I understand your problem...This may be a family trait, a dental problem or most likely related to your smoking. There are two treatments available, one is dermal fillers which are temporary and the second is laser dermabrasion which removes the wrinkled skin and allows new wrinkle-free skin to grow through. However if you continue to smoke they will just come back.
Gail : can botox reduce sweating? I take throxine and that's a side effect. I work as a midwife and don't like dripping onto women. Drugs have failed to help
Dr Patrick Bowler : Excess thyroid activity can cause generalised sweating so it may be that your dose needs to be adjusted. If that is not a problem then it is possible to use botox to reduce sweating but only under the arms, on the hands and feet and to some extent around the hairline. It is an excellent treatment option which lasts 6-12 months. I have many patients whose social and professional lives have been transformed by the use of botox to reduce their sweating.
Chat Ed : Our half hour with Dr Bowler is almost up, so last few questions now...
Mrs Pool : Dr Bowler, can you tell me the qualifications I should look for in a therapist to perform botox correctly? Mrs Poole
Dr Patrick Bowler : OK... botox injections should only be given by a doctor or a surgeon. Nurses commonly give botox injections but should only do so under the direct supervision of the doctor. So ask the doctor how long they have been doing botox injections, how many patients they have treated and look for “before and after” pictures that they have done on their own patients. At the moment there is not a specific qualification needed to undertake botox injections but membership of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors (www.cosmeticdoctors.co.uk) have trained practitioners around the UK.
caroline hardy : is it possible to have botox or fillers after radiotherapy treatment of lower face and neck. If not, what is available to help cancer sufferers feel good about themselves ?
Dr Patrick Bowler : Yes I'm delighted to tell you it is possible to perform various treatments even though the skin may have been damaged by radiotherapy.
jackie : having lost 5 stone in weight i have saggy kneck, what can i do to help?
SusieB : Can anything be done for a crepey neck
Dr Patrick Bowler : Hi jackie, how old are you?
jackie : i am almost 51
Dr Patrick Bowler : OK... unfortunately the only real option at your age is likely to be a surgical one that is either a facelift or a neck lift but you would need a consultation to discuss that further.
Sare : I'm only 25 but I want to know what to do for my skin now so I don't have to worry about it later
Ticker : There are currently many Botox practitioners - how can I find a good one? (I haven't heard any personal recommendations)
Dr Patrick Bowler : Hi Sare, this is a good question and I see more people in their twenties coming and asking what they can do to maintain their appearance.
londoner : stay out of the sun!!
Dr Patrick Bowler : The most important thing is to avoid excessive sun exposure, don't smoke, drink alcohol only in moderation, have a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. The sun is the worst ageing factor. Protect your skin every day.
Chat Ed : That's it! Thanks for coming and talking to us Dr Bowler.
Patrick : thanks for a great programme= must rush but enjoyed the questions/answers
John_Burton : Hi DR thanks for the informative chat tonight thanks very much and hope you make many more women (and men) happy ; )
Bimbo : Is there a cure for ugliness?
Rubie : paper bag?
Dr Patrick Bowler : Thank you for your time in submitting your questions. This is a very exciting area and is always moving forward. If you'd like more discussion please don't hesitate to look at my website.
Dr Patrick Bowler leaves the room
