Getting Botox injections is a great way to restore your face to its youthful appearance, especially if you are either unwilling or unable to explore cosmetic surgery. A Botox injection is fast, minimally invasive, and easy. Even better, Botox injections are very affordable when compared to other cosmetic procedures. You can receive your Botox injections on your lunch break and return to work the next hour.
Still, as with everything, getting Botox injections does have a downside. Generally speaking, the result of a Botox session will not last nearly as long as the results from other procedures. Those who are on a budget or not interested in more invasive procedures, Botox is a valid treatment option, and the most popular option.
How Does Botox Work?
To understand the temporary nature of a Botox injection, you first have to understand how Botox treatments work. When you see a cosmetic professional for Botox injections, he or she will inject small amounts of a paralyzing agent into the small muscles of the face.
This paralyzing agent will cause the facial muscles to be unable to contract, which in turn lessens the appearance of many types of wrinkles. While Botox injections are most frequently used to reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles, they can be used virtually anywhere on the face. Other popular sites include the lip region, and the crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes.
Everyone is different but accordingly to a Viva Day Spa in Austin, Texas Botox work best when someone receives regular treatments. Ideal you will want to get Botox injections 3-4 times per year.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
Botox injections are not permanent. As your facial muscles process the paralyzing agent, they will eventually regain their ability to contract. This means that the wrinkles will eventually come back.
Stacy Haywood a Botox patient explains, “I get Botox several times per year. It seems to last for about five months before I feel like I need another treatment. Botox has made me look younger by taking out my elevens.” Elevens are the common name for the wrinkles between your eyes.
Of course, it is impossible to state exactly how long the Botox injections will work for you. Everyone’s body is different, and your facial muscles could regain their ability to contract faster or slower than someone else. Still, for most people, the effects of a Botox treatment will generally last between 3 and 6 months. What’s more, as the effects wear off, the wrinkles return gradually—meaning that you can watch your face closely and get follow up treatments before the Botox completely wears off.
What Else is Botox Used for?
Botox is not just the wrinkle fighting miracle treatment most people think it is. One of the other most important uses of Botox is for treatment of migraine headaches. Botox was approved by the FDA back in 2010 for adults that get chronic migraines. Getting shots of Botox can cut down on the amount of days someone gets migraine headaches. Most people that are treated with Botox have reported that the shots have reduced the amount of headaches they get per month by more than half.
Other treatments for Botox are muscle spasms, excessive sweating, and bladder control. In the case of excessive sweating Botox blocks the chemical that tells your body to sweat. Doctors generally uses this treatment for underarms but sever cases can be used for sweaty palms as well.
Not Just for Women
More and more men are seeking out ways to look younger. Botox has become one of the more popular alternatives to plastic surgery. Many men like the fact that the results are noticeable but not as radical as going under the knife. Men still make up a tiny piece of the cosmetic procedure business. In 2017 men only accounted for 6% of all Botox injections. However, in 2018 this number is climbing. Cities like New York and Los Angeles see the biggest number of males seeking these procedures but as millennials are getting older this is expected to rise in all areas.
Dan Wells says, “My wife gets Botox a few times per year. I would totally try it for my wrinkles but I just hate going to the doctors. She assured me it doesn’t hurt but I’m still a bit skeptical.”
Is Botox for You?
As with other forms of cosmetic treatment, there are benefits and disadvantages to Botox. An obvious disadvantage is the temporary nature of the results. Other cosmetic procedures can yield results that last years, making Botox one of the most temporary options.
On the other hand, Botox is much more affordable than other options. Depending on what part of the country you live in, how many Botox injections you need, and a few other factors, the procedure could be as low as $80 or as much as $400-$600. Even if you are on the high end of the scale, you will still find Botox to be considerably more affordable than other options.
Christina Hernandez adds, “When I turned 40, I was looking for ways to look younger. I looked into facials, Fillerina, and Dysport. Cost wasn’t the issue but finding a product that would last a while delivering the results I wanted mattered to me. I eventually settled on Botox and couldn’t be happier. The procedure doesn’t hurt and takes only minutes to do.”
In addition, Botox requires little to no recovery time. For people who are unable to be away from work or social obligations for the amount of time needed to recover from other cosmetic procedures, getting Botox injections represents an opportunity to look better with no downtime.
If you are considering getting a Botox injection, you should talk with your cosmetic surgeon. He or she will be able to answer your questions and point out any special considerations you should account for. If you do opt for Botox, you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy, affordable, and effective it is.
