Are you noticing wrinkles appearing on your face? How about creases on your forehead or lines at the corners of your mouth? There can be several reasons why we get wrinkles. The primary reason for wrinkling is that it is a natural part of aging. Genetics and ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure are also common contributors. Wrinkles can also be caused by pollutants or vices, such as smoking.
The cosmetic market offers different over-the-counter (OTC) skin creams that can reduce fine wrinkles. You can also try home remedies like applying aloe vera, olive oil, egg whites, or even mashed bananas to your face. But if you want to see results faster, a recommended medical treatment is botox.
What Is Botox?
Botox is a shorter term for Botulinum toxin, a product of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Doctors use this correctly and in small doses for patients to maximize its benefits, one of which is wrinkle and facial crease treatment. Botox is injected into the muscles and blocks signals from the nerves. This stimulates muscle contraction and leads to reducing of unwanted wrinkles.
What You Should Know About Botox
Interested in having botox injectables? After all, a lot of people are already doing it. The report of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons(ASPS)shows that botox is the top minimally invasive cosmetic procedure done in the U.S.A. in 2020. But before going to a cosmetic clinic near you, here are some things worth knowing about this treatment:
Results Are Not Permanent
Botox injections are only temporary. The average duration of botox usually lasts from about three to six months. It also depends on where specifically the botox is injected and how many units were used. A lot of other reasons may cause botox to wear off, including the patient’s metabolism, the size, and depth of the wrinkles, facial expressions, or physical activity level. At the end of the day, factors still vary per person.
Not a One-Time Treatment
To get the results you desire, you will need to undergo multiple sessions. As mentioned, botox will wear off, thus, wrinkles will re-appear. Collagen will still break down and the skin will still lose its elasticity and moisture which leads to wrinkling. You will need to use botox a couple of times to reverse these processes and fight off wrinkles. Results are not immediate but you will see a difference in each session. Depending on the recommendation of the dermatologist, sessions may occur as little as twice a year or as much as five to six times a year.
More of a Preventative than Restorative Solution
A lot of people think that botox will magically erase wrinkles. But the truth is that it’s more of a preventative solution. As raised earlier, botox injection stops the muscles from contracting which relaxes the wrinkles and makes them appear smoother. The more relaxed the muscles are, the less they move around in creating lines and wrinkles. There is no specific age to get this treatment. However, taking care of your skin’s health can help you delay wrinkling. And one effective way for this is botox.
Minimal Pain
There may be minimal pain from botox injections but experiences vary from person to person. Botox injections use a very small needle and the sensation may feel similar to a little pinch. Doctors also use a numbing cream to ensure patients will feel comfortable during the procedure. You may not even feel a thing because injections are just quickly done by a trained medical professional.
Possible Side Effects
These injections are relatively safe as long as they are performed by an experienced and certified cosmetic expert. However, there may still be possible side effects such as:
- Bruising or swelling at the injected area
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Neck pain
- Upset stomach
- Excessive eye tearing or dryness
- Cockeyed eyebrows or Droopy eyelid
- Crooked smile or drooling
You must rely only on a licensed medical professional who has the necessary training and experience so you can be sure of what you’re getting into. Plus, they are well equipped in treating you should you experience any side effects.
Treats Other Conditions
Botox injections are not only for cosmetic purposes. While it’s commonly known for treating wrinkles, this drug also has medical uses. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Botox to be used in different conditions, including:
- Hyperhidrosis or severe underarm sweating
- People suffering from migraine headaches for at least four hours on 15 or more days per month
- Strabismus or crossed eyes for 12 years old and above
- Blepharospasm or eyelid spasms caused by dystonia
- Upper limb spasticity for 2 years old and above
Anyone Can Get Botox
Women may be the major target market for cosmetic procedures like botox injections. However, more men are recently joining the trend as well. Out of the 4.4 million botox injections done in 2020, 265,247 are male patients as per ASPS. The report also shows that botox is the most popular cosmetic procedure among men. Moreover, it’s not only for the elite. As long as you have the budget, you can get the treatment done for you.
Be Ready to Spend
Botox injections may cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand but the cost depends on different factors. The cost of the procedure varies per unit with an average of 30-40 units per treatment. Another factor that affects the price is how advanced the progress of lines and wrinkles is and how the patient wants to aggressively treat them. Of course, getting your treatment from an experienced board-certified dermatologist will cost more but it is worth it. Make sure to only trust a legitimate provider when it comes to botox injections so you will not go through any complications and pay for expensive treatments later on.
Where to Get a Botox Injection?
If you are looking for a reliable clinic in New Jersey that performs botox injections, trust Nouvelle Confidence. Our board-certified specialist is experienced and trained in different cosmetic procedures, including botox. Allow us to educate you more about this procedure and help you determine whether or not this is the solution for your specific cosmetic needs. Call us today to schedule a consultation!
