Women are constantly seeking products to look younger and often
they are digging deep into their pocket books to try new
products. Some have had laser treatments, some have spend
exorbitant amounts on new face creams, some have tried holistic
or natural approaches. Woman and I might add men are always on
the quest for a more youthful appearance. Many have turned to
Botox® .
What we know for certain is the Botox® anti-aging treatment
works. In 2003 in the US 8.3 million cosmetic procedures where
done. Of that 8.3 million 78% of the procedures did not involve
surgery such as injectables to ease wrinkles.
Botox® ® is the trade name for botulinum toxin A.What Botox®
does is “paralyze muscles and soft tissue fillers” which are
derived from natural collagen and restore plumpness. Originally
Botox® was used to treat uncontrollable blinking. Doctors soon
discovered the patients being treated for blinking were
obtaining a more youthful appearance - thus the future of Botox®
took a turn down the cosmetic road.
The protein compound of Botox® actually causes botulism which
can result in paralysis. When it is injected into the skin the
muscle stops contracting it causes the skin to relax and the
wrinkle to soften. Botox® works best on individuals who have
deep set highly visible wrinkles. It is mostly used on the
forehead, between the eyes, and on crow feet. It takes 3-5 days
after the injection for the effects to occur which last 3-4
months.
Some people are having “Botox® Parties” where everyone gets
together for cocktails and their Botox® injection. We strongly
recommend you do not partake in these parties. Seek medical
advise if your are considering a Botox® treatment. If you are
thinking about a Botox® treatment make certain your Doctor uses
FDA approved Botox® and only get treatments form a licensed
Doctor. Dermatologists or Plastic Surgeons are the most expert
in administering Botox® so if either of these are an option I
would recommend taking that route. Get a few recommendations for
doctors and check each one out thoroughly. Check if they are
board certified, get references if at all possible, schedule an
appointment for a consultation which will give you a better
indication if you are comfortable with your choice. Ask your
doctor to show you before and after pictures of procedures he
has done.
Some of the potential problems that can occur • Some people
experience a pinching or burning sensation when the needle
enters the skin. Ask your doctor for a numbing cream prior to
your treatment • Minor post treatment headache may occur • Red
blotching can occur for around 15 -30 min. Wait to leave the
doctors office until redness fades. • Droopy eyelid results when
there is seepage of Botox® into the muscle that keeps the eye
open. It can occur anywhere from immediately to two weeks after
the injection. • Some may experience an expressionless face. Use
a lower dose of Botox® next treatment
BOTOX® ® has been approved as an anti-wrinkle remedy by the
American Food and Drug Administration (AFD). Since this is a
public and federally funded institution, they are primarily
concerned with public safety one would assume they would not
approve BOTOX® ® for general public usage without conducting all
the sufficient and necessary tests to determine whether or not
it is safe.
The use of Botox® is truly a personal choice and we recommend
you do your research before making a decision
