Botox is one of the biggest and popular cosmetic treatments in America. The procedure was rare in the year 2000 and is up 621% on then. The most popular procedure among women, Botox can help prevent wrinkles from forming long before they are deep-seated on your face. Over the years, Botox has proven itself to be the perfect anti-aging method to fight against the age-related wrinkles and fine lines.
What is Botox?
It is technically a toxin that’s injected into the skin with the help of a needle. In simple words, Botox is a prescription drug known as a ‘neurotoxin’ (a diluted form of Botulinum Toxin, which is found in the bacteria Clostridium botulinum) that is injected into facial muscles. It helps to temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and on the forehead.
It temporarily interrupts the connection between nerves and muscles. As a result, muscles are not able to contract and you cannot make those frequent facial expressions that, over time, create folds in the skin. Although, the concept sounds quite scary, when used in very controlled doses, the practice is safe. In general, when performed by an experienced doctor, Botox can make you look more relaxed and youthful.
Facts related to Botox
Here are certain important facts related to Botox:
- Botox is a cosmetic procedure that was first approved by the FDA in the year 1991.
- According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2015, over 6.7 million Botox procedures were performed, making it the most common minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, with fillers a distant second.
- As per a 2014 report, around 411,000 of Botox procedures were performed on men, while about 100,000 were performed on people aged 20 to 29, a 6% increase from 2013.
- According to the reports from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), in 2015 64% of plastic surgeons saw an increase in young people under age 30 getting aesthetic procedures like Botox.
How Botox Procedure is Performed?
First and foremost, your physician will examine you and ask you to animate your face with different expressions. After a careful assessment of the musculature of your face your doctor will tell you the crucial areas of your face that will make you age faster. The physician will also discuss with you about the areas that bother you the most. Accordingly, he or she will make a customized treatment plan for you.
After deciding the treatment plan, the doctor will follow the following steps:
- Your skin will be cleaned
- A numbing cream with 2% lidocaine will be applied on the areas to be injected
- A micro 30 or 32G needle (insulin syringe) will be used to deliver the accurate dosage in the hyperactive muscles
The overall Botox procedure will take anywhere between 20-40 minutes from start to finish.
How effective Botox is?
Botox is quite an effective procedure. The real reason behind its popularity is that it works. According to some study, Botox is an effective and safe way to reduce the appearance of facial lines. Over time, Botox can help the body heal existing wrinkles by smoothing the skin and giving it a more youthful appearance.
Many a times, people get confused between Botox and Filler. However, it is vital to note that Botox and Filler are completely different procedures. Fillers are mainly used to fill wrinkles or even out any mismatches in volume on the face. Whereas, in case of Botox, it is important to set up reasonable expectations for your Botox experience. It is a procedure that does not get rid of all wrinkles on your face; instead it gets rid of wrinkles made from expressions.
Is Botox safe?
Botox is an extraordinary safe drug. There is a remote chance of an allergic reaction. Further, it is important to get this procedure performed by an experienced surgeon. If done wrong, you may get a funny or unusual appearance.
How much it costs?
Botox is one of the cheapest procedures you can have. Each time it costs an average of $375, adding up to over $1bn a year. Nowadays, there are several online sites that allow you to compare prices offered by different cosmetic surgeons and help you to choose discount Botox procedure for best savings.
How long the effects of Botox last?
Well, instantly after getting the treatment, Botox will take anywhere from 1 to 10 days to show its effects. Moreover, the effects of Botox can last about 3 to 4 months as that’s the amount of time it takes our body to restore new receptors within the muscle.
Conclusion:
If you are planning to get Botox, make certain that only board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons should administer Botox. Don’t get tempted by scammy online deals and sketchy Botox clinics. Go to a reputable provider after going through all the details (experience, certification, success rate, etc) about the particular doctor.
