Botox treatments are popular for reducing wrinkles around the eyes, between eyebrows or on the forehead, when you do not want to have surgery. But Botox is a controversial practice, and it might not have the effects that you expect.
Botox
Botox is the trade name of a drug derived from an extremely poisonous, toxic chemical produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. This chemical, when injected into muscles in small amounts, keeps the muscles from contracting or moving. The muscles relax, leading to skin that appears to be smoother with fewer wrinkles. The effect will last several months between treatments. This chemical can also lead to botulism, a rare, but potentially fatal, medical condition. Yes, the same toxic substance that can make you so sick can also make you look younger.
Botox can be effective on wrinkles around your eyes, on your forehead, and on your neck. However, Botox is not as effective for treating wrinkles around the mouth. After all, you need to use those muscles, whereas you don't need to furrow your eyebrow as much. In addition, Botox will not affect wrinkling due to overexposure to the sun.
Do Your Research
If you want to explore Botox treatments, look for a physician carefully. Choose a doctor who is experienced in administering Botox. You do not want that doctor to insert Botox into the wrong muscle.
Your doctor will want to have your medical history and will discuss what you can expect from receiving this treatment. Your physician will also want to know about any types of drugs that you might be taking, particularly antibiotics.
The Food and Drug Administration recommends that you avoid Botox parties. A Botox party includes someone, sometimes not even a physician, who will give Botox shots in a home setting.
Botox should be administered only into specific muscles using a thin needle. The treatment will take about ten to fifteen minutes to complete. You might feel some pain during the treatments because your doctor will not administer any type of anesthetic. After the injections, you should stick to standing and sitting and avoid touching your face. You don't want the Botox to affect any muscles besides the ones you had injected.
There is no down time after Botox treatments. It generally takes about two weeks for the Botox to really kick in, although you will notice some changes within a few days. Treatments last from three to six months. You'll will need to go back to maintain the results, prepare for the impact on your wallet, as you may want to keep up regular injections.
Side Effects of Botox Treatments
Side effects of botox treatments can include:
In addition, if the Botox "migrates" away from the injections sites, other muscles in your face could be affected, leading to trouble swallowing, trouble speaking and trouble breathing.Other Botox Uses
Botox treatments are not only used for facial wrinkles. Botox is also used to treat:
Keep in mind that this information is no substitute for a consultation with a doctor, but you need to know what to expect and how Botox works, especially since it is still a relatively new product.
 | Botox uses extend beyond the temporary wrinkle erasure. While this cosmetic application is probably the most popular use of Botox, this toxin does more than just prevent facial lines from forming or deepening. |
 | Botox might help small lines diminish, but it is not an entirely safe fountain of youth. Botox risks are real; they could happen to you. |
 | How long does Botox last? While there is an average length of Botox effectiveness, there are other factors that can impact how long the toxin will last in your system. |
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While Botox is a popular form of wrinkle filler, the possible side effects of Botox are numerous. |
