Ever since the FDA approved the use of Botox in the 1980s, millions of people have taken the treatment to enhance their facial look.
As per a report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 7.4 million botox procedures were performed in 2018.
Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected into the muscles to treat wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet that come naturally as you age. Botox injections paralyze those muscles by preventing communication between your nerves and muscles. Hence, even if you try to frown, you won’t be able to.
Over a period of time, this minimally invasive procedure has shown to be a great anti-aging cosmetic procedure.
In this article, we will be discussing how botox works and whether it is worth your time and investment.
Botox for the Treatment of Wrinkles
For anti-aging purposes, Botox is used to treat two types of wrinkles: static and dynamic.
- Static Wrinkles: Static wrinkles are deep wrinkles that are usually etched into the skin after decades of continuous smiling, frowning, and raising eyebrows. This is because your skin loses its elasticity and collagen production, which makes the skin thinner and drier. Although a combination of botox and fillers produces the best results for static lines, one can also consider specific fillers for effective results.
- Dynamic Wrinkles: Dynamic wrinkles are only visible when you make a muscle movement, such as when you smile or laugh. Crow’s feet around the eyes and lines on the forehead are common types of dynamic lines. Many reputed botox provider recommend botox injections to be the ideal treatment to reduce the appearance of dynamic lines. It can help smooth out wrinkles and give you a more youthful appearance.
Other than the treatment of wrinkles, Botox can also help people with the following conditions:
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- Hyperhidrosis (severe underarm sweating )
- Cervical Dystonia
- Blepharospasm (Blinking one can’t control)
- Strabismus
- Chronic migraine
- Overactive bladder
What to Expect from Botox Treatment?
- During the Procedure: While most individuals don’t feel much discomfort during the procedure, you may ask the cosmetic surgeon to numb your skin with topical anesthesia before the procedure. The procedure is generally performed in the surgeon’s office.
It’s a minimally invasive treatment in which the surgeon uses a thin needle to inject minute amounts of botulinum toxin into your skin. Your doctor will decide the number of injections needed depending on how small or large the area is.
- During the Recovery Period: Your doctor will advise you not to touch or rub the treated areas for at least 24 hours. This will prevent the risk of infection in other areas. For a few days, you might feel residual soreness, redness, and swelling around the treated area.
To get relief, many people apply a cold compress or take a painkiller to reduce the discomfort. However, the discomfort lasts only up to 24 hours after the treatment.
What’s the Ideal Age for Botox?
While Botox is approved for individuals above the age of 18, experts suggest that patients in their mid or late 20s and 30s can consider the treatment. However, the treatment is more relevant amongst people over 40 and 50 as the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines becomes more prominent after this age.
How Long Does Botox Last?
The results of these injections generally show up after one to three days of the treatment. Depending on the treatment, the effects can last up to three months or longer. You’ll have to go for regular follow-up injections if you want to sustain the effects for an extended period.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Botox injections are safe when performed by a board-certified and experienced cosmetic surgeon. However, the treatment can lead to a few mild side effects, including swelling, bruising, headache, droopy eyelids, or a crooked smile. Many people also experience dryness in the eyes and excessive tearing.
So, Is Botox Worth It?
Considering all the evident benefits of this cosmetic treatment, yes, botox is worth your investment. Dermatologists suggest that if one gets the treatment for more than ten years, they will have fewer wrinkles and more youthful skin. The appearance of fine lines and deep creases will certainly get reduced throughout continuous treatment.
Ending Thoughts
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any type of neurological disorder, please consult your doctor before going for Botox. Moreover, cosmetic treatments aren’t covered by insurance policies, including Botox, so be sure to check with your health insurance company for all the coverage details.
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