Guide to Cosmetic Botox Injections

Yara Zakharia, Esq.

Once dubbed the "sausage poison" by 19th century poet and physician Justinus Kerner who was the first to discover a therapeutic use for the chemical, and later researched for the treatment of neurological disorders, botulinum toxin type A raised eyebrows in the late '90s when it was touted as the antidote to aging. Sixteen years later, Botox -- the toxin linked to food poisoning-- revolutionized the cosmetic world. As a derivative of the bacterium clostridium botulinum, Botox is a protein complex that is processed in conformity with stringent manufacturing standards.

Botox Treatment Popularity

Today, it is estimated that 1 million American men and women seeking to reverse the process of aging and undo the damage caused by too much sun exposure, smoking, and/or poor diet are undergoing Botox treatments each year to replenish depleted collagen levels and revitalize their skin, fatty tissue, and elasticity.

Once a domain of the showbiz world, this internationally-recognized method of acquiring the fountain of youth is now accessible to individuals from all walks of life and is currently ranked as the top cosmetic procedure due to its simplicity and the immediacy of its results. What is more, Botox treatment may also be administered in the privacy and comfort of a prospective client's home.

Botox Risks

Low-dose Botox injections, which take place subcutaneously or under the skin, may be used to reduce and smooth out wrinkles and lines on the face, neck, and chin. Natural facial expressions, such as frowning and smiling, are preserved.

When performed by a qualified practitioner, a Botox cosmetic injection does not pose any health risks and boasts a track record of safety. Furthermore, botox is FDA-approved and minimally-invasive as compared to most surgical facelift methods.

Am I a Candidate for Botox?

To be a candidate for this procedure, one must not:

• Be allergic to any botox ingredient
• Be pregnant and breastfeeding
• Have a neuromuscular disorder
• Have an infection in the area being contemplated for treatment

 

Individuals who are on antibiotics or medication to control a chronic autoimmune disease, Alzheimer's, or arrhythmias should first consult their physician prior to submitting to the Botox procedure. 

Botox for Eye Wrinkles

The popular application of Botox for wrinkles targets creases and lines on the nasal bridge, lips, and forehead, as well as on the corner of the eyes, between the eyebrows, and around the mouth. Botox for eye wrinkles is ideal for removal of crows feet. For plumper lips and wrinkle removal on this part of the skin, women may opt for Botox injections in lips, which unlike traditional lip injections, leave no side effects such as swelling, rashes, or redness. Moreover, Botox injections in lips are painless and quick.

Botox Injection Procedure

Botox injections are only suited for wrinkles brought about by natural aging. They tend to be ineffective on thick skin and on certain skin types. Botox treatments proceed as follows:

First, the physician gathers information about the patient's medical history and determines which areas of the latter's face to treat. The doctor then relaxes the patient's facial muscles by injecting Botox into each targeted site via a very fine needle. Typically, the patient feels a pinch or tingling sensation, which only lasts a few seconds. Since injections do not trigger pain, anesthetics are not necessary.

The entire procedure is completed in approximately 10 minutes, and the recovery period is very short. In fact, patients may immediately resume their routine daily activities. Physicians usually advise their patients to avoid lying down for a few hours or massaging the treated skin following the procedure to prevent Botox from spreading to other facial areas.

Botox Treatments

Generally, Botox treatments take anywhere from 3 days to a week to fully manifest themselves, after which patients witness noticeable improvement. Since the effect of Botox injections usually lasts for a period of 3 to 6 months, follow-up treatments are often requested. The best candidates for Botox are those in the 27-48 age bracket. Additional treatments used in conjunction with Botox injections are chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing.

Botox Side Effects

Botox side effects are reversible, mild, rare, and generally subside in 3 to 7 days. The most commonly-encountered side effects include the following:

 

Complications such as raised eyebrows or eyelid droop can be avoided by choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon. As a general rule, insurance does not cover the cost of Botox treatments. How much a patient will pay hinges upon his or her musculature, the number of Botox units used, the number of areas treated, and the location of the cosmetic surgery clinic. On average, Botox injections run anywhere from $400 to an excess of a thousand dollars.

Finding a Qualified Botox Specialist

It is imperative that prospective patients find a qualified, board-certified facial plastic surgeon or a licensed cosmetic dermatologist to perform the Botox treatments. A good start would be to request a consultation with a particular physician, obtain referrals from friends and relatives, and ask clinics for the photographs of former patients.