Botulinum Toxin and Filler FAQs at Beauty Centre Maastricht

Botulinum Toxin

What is the difference between botulinum toxin and Botulinum Toxin®?

Botulinum Toxin® is a brand name for botulinum toxin. Just as for skincare products where there are different brands for the same product, there are also different brands for botulinum toxin. Besides Botulinum Toxin®, there are other high quality brands for botulinum toxin on the market such as Azzalure® and Bocouture®. At BeautyCentre Maastricht, we only use Azzalure® for our treatments.

What preparations can I make before the treatment?

Do not take blood-thinning medication or pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, for a few days before the treatment. If this is not possible due to a medical condition, please consult your doctor and inform us. We also advise you not to drink alcohol 12 hours prior to the appointment due to the blood-thinning effect of alcohol. In this way, you will have less chance of bruising after the treatment. During the appointment, your skin will be cleaned and disinfected at the place where the injections will be made. For this reason, we advise you not to wear make-up to the appointment.

How long does the treatment last?

The Botulinum Toxin treatment is always preceded by a consultation. The purpose of this consultation is to assess your health and to discuss your wishes and expectations. It takes about half an hour. This is followed by the actual treatment which also takes half an hour, depending on how many areas of the face need to be treated. The check-up appointment, which takes place after 14 days, takes approximately half an hour as well.

What should I bear in mind after treatment?

After treatment, the skin may be a bit red and swollen for a short while. This will generally fade away within two days. A bruise may also appear after a few days that can be camouflaged with make-up if necessary. Other after-care instructions are:

Do not lie down or sleep for up to 4 hours after treatment
Do not rub or apply pressure on the treated area 4 hours after treatment
Avoid using make-up in the first 4 hours after treatment
Do not fly in the first 24 hours after treatment
Avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, frequent bending, or (power) sports, for 48 hours after treatment
No sauna for 48 hours after treatment
No sunbathing for 2 weeks after treatment
No facial treatments (e.g. massages, cosmetic) for 2 weeks after treatment

Can I still move my face after the Botulinum Toxin treatment?

Yes, you can. Botulinum toxin is injected in a very targeted way where only a few muscles are treated at a time. The muscles that have not been treated can be moved as usual. The muscles that have been treated are either partially or completely temporarily paralysed. With partial paralysis, you will still be able to use the muscle, but it will be less movement than you are used to. If the muscle is completely paralysed, you will not be able to use it. Whether the muscle is completely or partially paralysed depends on which muscle it is, what dose of botulinum toxin is used, and what your wishes are.

What side effects are to be expected?

Every (medical) product can cause side effects. Botulinum toxin is in that respect a very safe drug as serious side effects are hardly ever seen in practice. However, side effects can occur which are not so much caused by the botulinum toxin, but by injecting it. One of these side effects is bruising. The bruise will disappear on its own after a few days and does no harm to the final effect. If necessary, it can be temporarily concealed with make-up. It is also possible that the botulinum toxin will migrate: it moves to a muscle that should not have been treated which can lead to a drooping eyelid or a crooked face. Whether this can be treated depends on which muscle is affected. If it can be treated, we can do this for you free of charge. In some cases, unfortunately, it cannot be treated and you will have to wait until the botulinum wears off by itself after a few months.

When will the effect of botulinum toxin be noticeable?

Two to four days after the treatment, the first effects will already be visible. The maximum effect will be reached after fourteen days.

How long does the botulinum toxin work?

Botulinum toxin has a temporary effect and wears off by itself, generally after three to six months. This depends on how deep the wrinkles are and/or how strong the muscle is. With deep wrinkles and/or strong muscles, it will wear off more quickly. If the treatment is (almost) finished, it can be decided to repeat the treatment.

How much does a Botulinum Toxin treatment cost?

An overview of the price rates can be found in the price list under ‘Treatments’. At Beauty Centre Maastricht, the consultation is always free of charge and without any obligation to undergo a treatment. In addition, a check-up appointment is necessary after two weeks. If a touch-up is needed, then this will be done during the check-up. The check-up and touch-up are also free of charge.

HYALURONIC ACID

What is Profhilo®?

Profhilo® is a brand name of an anti-aging injectable made of a new type of pure hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural hydrating compound found in the human skin and is responsible for a youthful complexion. Profhilo® holds unique properties as the lifetime of this specific hyaluronic acid is considerably longer than the natural hyaluronic acid found in your skin. Profhilo® supports the skin’s renewal cycle and thereby restores the moisture balance, collagen production and elasticity in your skin. A Profhilo® treatment can help with achieving the following results:

Radiant and glowing skin by rehydration
Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
Reduced loose and sagging skin
Softer and smoother skin
Clearer complexion with a better skin tone

What is Profhilo® used for?

Profhilo® is primarily used as an anti-aging treatment to rejuvenate the skin from within resulting in a more youthful appearance. It is used to achieve healthier and younger skin from the inside out by stimulating the natural skin cycle. It is therefore particularly useful for clients with mature skin who wish to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, tighten loose skin, and rehydrate the skin with a natural finish. Besides the strong restorative effects of Profhilo®, it can also be used as a preventative measure for the younger clients who wish to maintain their natural skin and/or give their skin a little boost.

At Beauty Centre Maastricht, we use Profhilo® on the face and neck area.

What are the differences between Botulinum Toxin and Profhilo®?

Botulinum Toxin or botulinum toxin is another well-known drug used to diminish facial maturity characteristics. However, the way Botulinum Toxin and Profhilo® work to achieve these results are inherently different. Botulinum Toxin smoothens out wrinkles and fine lines that are predominantly induced by muscle movements. By relaxing these muscles, the skin overlaying the targeted muscles appears smoother. Profhilo® does not numb any muscles, but it rejuvenates the skin through adding hyaluronic acid into the skin. Essentially, Profhilo® makes the skin appear naturally fresher and younger by stimulating the skin’s physical processes from within.

What are the differences between traditional dermal fillers and Profhilo®?

Traditional dermal fillers are often made of injectable hyaluronic acid and used to create volume for filling in fine lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, Profhilo® is made of a different type of hyaluronic acid and boosts the natural skin processes. For example, it restores the skin’s firmness by stimulating the production of collagen. This is different from traditional dermal fillers which are used to add volume, whereas Profhilo® supports the physical processes in your skin by providing rehydration and boosting your natural collagen and elastin production. It results in a natural finish with no risk of obvious bloated or lumpy areas unlike with traditional dermal fillers.

Is a Profhilo® treatment painful?

During the treatment, Profhilo® will be injected into the skin with very thin needles. The number of injections is ten. Although the sub-dermal injections may feel a bit stingy, the mild discomfort is generally tolerable without the need for any anaesthetic means during the treatment. Should you still wish for local anaesthesia, we offer a topical numbing cream (Emla®) that will be applied on the target areas prior to the treatment. At Beauty Centre Maastricht, we value the client’s comfort highly and make our best efforts to ensure that you feel at ease.

What preparations can I make before the treatment?

Do not take blood-thinning medication or pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for a few days before the treatment. If this is not possible due to a medical condition, please consult your doctor and inform us. We also advise you not to drink alcohol 12 hours before the appointment due to the blood-thinning effect of alcohol. In this way, you will have less chance of bruising after the treatment. During the appointment, your skin will be cleaned and disinfected at the place where the injections will be done. For this reason, we advise you not to wear make-up to the appointment.

What should I bear in mind after treatment?

After treatment, the skin may be a bit red and swollen for a short while. This will generally fade away within two days. It is possible that a bruise may appear after a few days. This can be camouflaged with make-up if necessary. Other after-care instructions are:

Avoid using make-up in the first 4 hours after treatment
Do not rub or apply pressure on the treated area in the first 24 hours after treatment
Avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, frequent bending, or (power) sports, for 48 hours after treatment
No sauna for 48 hours after treatment
Avoid direct sunlight for the next 5 days after treatment
Use extra sun protection (e.g. sunscreen with high SPF) for the next 5 days after treatment
No facial treatments (e.g. massages, cosmetic) for 4 weeks after treatment

What side effects are to be expected?

Every (medical) product can cause side effects. Profhilo® is in that respect a very safe drug as serious side effects are hardly ever seen in practice. Profhilo® also contains no chemical additives and is made of hyaluronic acid which is naturally found in the human body. However, side effects can occur which are not so much caused by Profhilo®, but by the injections itself. These side effects include redness, lumpiness, and bruising. Redness and lumpiness will generally fade away within a few days. The bruise will disappear on its own after a few days and does no harm to the final effect. If necessary, the bruise can be temporarily concealed with make-up.

When will the effect of Profhilo® be visible?

The effects will be visible about one month after the last treatment. The reason this takes longer for Profhilo® than for other injectable treatments is because Profhilo® stimulates the natural collagen and elastin production in your body and in order to do that, your body needs time.

How long will the effects last?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural compound of the body that will naturally be broken down after some time. This applies to Profhilo® as well, as it is made of hyaluronic acid. The effects will last approximately six months to one year. It is recommended to repeat the treatment every six months to one year should you wish to prolong the maximum effects of Profhilo®.

How much does a Profhilo® treatment cost?

An overview of the price rates can be found in the price list under ‘Treatments’. At Beauty Centre Maastricht, the consultation is always free of charge and without any obligation to undergo a treatment. In addition, a check-up appointment is highly recommended after 4 weeks which is free of charge as well.

LASHES

What is a lash lift? How does it differ from eyelash extensions?

A lash lift is a semi-permanent lift and curl of your natural lashes, much like a perm. By bending your natural lashes over a curved silicone shield and applying a perming solution, a lash technician can set the shape of your natural lashes into an upward and realistic curl. Taking into account your natural lash length and your desired look (i.e. straight up lashes or more fanned out), the lash technician will choose from a variety of silicone shield sizes to customize your lash lift. The end result will leave you with beautifully curled and defined lashes.

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Unlike a lash lift, eyelash extensions are artificial eyelashes that are added to your natural lashes to extend their length and thickness. You can customize your desired look from natural to dramatic by selecting from a wide variety of lash lengths, curls, and thicknesses.

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How is the lash lotion applied?

First, the lash technician will cleanse your lashes. Then, separate your bottom lashes from your top lashes and apply a silicone shield on top of your eyelid with a gentle adhesive to keep it in place. She will gently comb your top lashes upward onto the shield and fix them in place with more adhesive. Finally, she will apply the eye-safe perming lotion to your upper lashes. The lotion acts by softening the bond of the hair so it becomes moldable to the desired shape.

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How long does it take to complete a lash lift?

Depending on the thickness of your hair, the perming lotion is left on your lashes anywhere from ten to 25 minutes. (If you have naturally straight, hard-to-curl hair on your head, be sure to let your lash technician know prior to the appointment so the perming time can be adjusted accordingly). After the perming lotion has been left on your lashes for the required amount of time, the lash technician will wipe away the lotion and apply a setting solution for another ten to 25 minutes to restructure the lash bond and lock in the curl. Finally, she will apply a nourishing lotion to condition and hydrate the lashes.

The entire lash lift treatment takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish.

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Who is not a good candidate for a lash lift?

A lash lift is not suitable for anyone with:

Very short lashes or no lashes at all

Extremely sensitive skin

Skin allergies

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Are lash lifts safe?

When performed by trained and experienced lash technicians, lash lifts are extremely safe. The perming lotion we use at NEW Beauty is safe, gentle, fast-acting, and cream-based, making application easy to control. During the treatment, your eyes are covered on both the top and bottom with protectors. The perming lotion and setting solution are carefully applied to the eyelashes, not to the skin. If for some reason these lotions come into contact with the skin or eye, they can be wiped away and flushed with water. If you have skin sensitivities, your lash technician can perform a patch test at least 48 hours before your appointment to ensure that you won’t have any adverse skin reactions during the treatment.

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How should I prepare for my lash lift appointment?

You should follow these guidelines in preparation for your lash lift appointment:

Avoid wearing eye makeup (especially mascara) to the appointment

Remove contact lenses beforehand if you are a lens wearer

Shower and wash your hair beforehand – you should not get your freshly-lifted lashes wet for at least 24 hours after application

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How can I maintain my lash lift?

We recommend the following aftercare instructions between 24 to 48 hours after your lash lift:

-Avoid getting lashes wet (i.e. no showering, face-washing, swimming or profuse sweating)

-Avoid wearing mascara (especially waterproof mascara) or other eye makeup

-Avoid rubbing lashes into your pillow at night

-In order to keep your lashes looking their best, we recommend that you use our aftercare mascara in the morning before you apply your makeup, and in the evening before you go to sleep.

Otherwise, lash lifts are very lowmaintenance.

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How long does a lash lift last?

The results of a lash lift typically last between 8 to 10 weeks depending on the growth cycle of your lashes. As your permed lashes naturally shed, straight lashes will grow out behind them. Therefore, we recommend a lash re-perm after six weeks to maintain results.

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Can I wear mascara on my lifted lashes?

You are free to use whatever eye makeup (including mascara) you like after having a lash lift. However, you should wait between 24 to 48 hours following your treatment before applying any eye make up.

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Can I combine a lash lift with a lash tint?

Absolutely! For those who would like to add depth and darkness to their lashes, we offer combination lash lifting and lash tinting services. A combination lash lift and tinting treatment takes one hour and fifteen minutes. The results of a lash tint typically last three weeks.

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How much does a lash lift cost?

Our price for a lash lift is €40. To combine a lash lift with a tint, our price is €45.

Waxing

What is waxing?

Waxing is the removal of hair on the body or in the face using a wax. At Beauty Centre Maastricht, we offer treatments with normal wax and with sugar wax. Sugar wax is made of sugar and is a more natural alternative.

What is the difference between a normal wax and a sugar wax?

The difference of the waxes lies within the components. A normal wax is a chemical wax. It has been tested and proven safe. Therefore, most people tolerate this kind of wax very well. For some people who have a more sensitive skin, a normal wax could cause skin reactions. In that case, sugar wax is a better option. Sugar wax is made out of sugar. It is a very natural product and skin reactions are extremely rare. The sugar wax is the best choice for people who have a allergy-sensitive skin or people who prefer natural products over chemical ones.

Is waxing painful?

Some people find waxing painful, while others only find it uncomfortable. Whether the treatment is painful or not depends on different factors, such as your own pain tolerance but also on the technique of the wax specialist. Our wax specialist has more than 15 years of experience and knows the proper techniques for a treatment as comfortable as possible.

Is waxing permanent?

No, waxing is not permanent. The hair will grow back in weeks to months. How fast the hair grows back is different for every person.

How much does a wax treatment cost?

Waxing costs between €12,- (i.e. chin or upper lip) and €50,- (full legs). The prices for treatments with sugar wax are a little bit above the prices for normal waxes. See this page, for more information about our prices: https://www.beautycentremaastricht.nl/treatments/pricing.