The time comes in every person’s life when a little touch up is a good thing, but is Botox the right 
treatment option for you? First of all, what is it? Botox is a neurotoxin produced by bacteria. It is used to eliminate wrinkles, specifically frown lines that develop over the years.
Each dose consists of just a small amount of the neurotoxin, enough to affect the facial muscles, so you don’t move in ways that cause the wrinkles. Botox is one of the most common cosmetic procedures done in the U.S. Here are a few more facts to consider before deciding if this treatment option is the one for you.
#1: Who is the Best Candidate?
This injection is more of a preventive measure than something you use once the wrinkles set. That is why the best candidate is someone who is showing signs of wrinkles earlier than expected. At this point, frown lines may be the only wrinkles you have, so the treatment gives your face a livelier appearance, and you look less tired. It might also be a consideration for the patient who is unable to tolerate more invasive cosmetic procedures.
#2: Who is not a Candidate?
Women who are pregnant or nursing should not get a Botox injection. You should tell your doctor if you are currently taking any medications including dietary supplements and vitamins.
You should also disclose if you have a chronic illness such as asthma or diabetes. This is especially critical if you have a neuromuscular disorder. Some examples of neuromuscular disorders include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Spinal muscular atrophy
Getting this treatment when afflicted with one of these medical condition may cause undesirable side effects.
#3: How Long is the Recovery Period?
There is no real recovery necessary from an injection, although your face may swell slightly or show signs of bruising. Any side effects, like bleeding from the injection site, will clear up in a few hours.
To improve the healing process, you should avoid:
- Aspirin
- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
Stay away from both for a week, if you can, before the treatment. You should also avoid drinking alcohol at least two days prior to your injection.
#4: How Long Does the Botox Last?
It is different for every person, but on average, the effects last from three to six months. The more treatments you have, the longer they last. Botox is a long-term strategy to prevent wrinkles from appearing. Multiple injections train the muscles to stop moving in a way that causes lines to form.
#5: Are the Effects Immediate?
You may not see any difference for days after the injection. The more injections you have, the better and faster the results, however. In other words, with your first injection, it might take time before you see any reduction in wrinkles, but you will notice an improvement sooner with the next one.
#6: How Much Does Botox Cost?
The price varies, based on the provider and the perimeters of the treatment, but on average each injection will cost between $375-500 per area. For example, the frown lines between your eyebrows would be one treatment area, the ones on your forehead would be another.
How do you know if Botox is the treatment option for you? Talk to the Doctor to see if you qualify. A health care professional will evaluate your needs and overall health to figure out which cosmetic treatment will offer you the best results.
