Everything You Need to Know before Getting Botox

Inevitably, we are all going to experience a moment like this: you come out of the shower without makeup, with completely clean skin; you take a glimpse in a different light, and there they are – Are those lines around my eyes wrinkles? What is this in my eyebrows? The only possible answer: aging.

If your frown or expression lines (from many laughs and good times) have begun to bother you, it is good to know that there are options. Botox is one of them. When done well, the results look glorious, but when done poorly, it can look unpleasant. This guide aims to provide you with the necessary information to prevent uneven eyebrows, dramatic unnatural eyes, and a frozen-expression face.

But in Short, What Does Botox Do?

Botox is the commercial name given to the Botulinum Toxin, a product of the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum, which is found in plants, soil, water, and the intestines of several animals. This substance affects the nervous system, causing a paralysis that can last several months.

When used to treat or minimize wrinkles, it is administered in very small doses. It is also applied for certain medical conditions. A Botox injection reduces wrinkles (as it provokes paralysis), and in some cases, it can prevent more wrinkles from appearing.

Is It Safe?

Researchers believe that Botox is a relatively safe technique, compared to more invasive cosmetic procedures. Although there is always some risk involved, a recent study found that when performed by a certified dermatologist, less than 1% of patients experience some sort of problem. However, before deciding to get a Botox injection, be sure to do this:

• Choose the Right Clinic

Botox is currently one of the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. There are many clinics, so it is up to you to choose the right one. We recommend that you limit your search to clinics that work with certified dermatologists and a plastic surgeon. Once you have identified a clinic, check its social media and website to get a feel for their work and comments from past clients.

Some tips to find the right doctor:

1. Pay attention to his/her credentials and experience.
2. Investigate his/her previous work.
3. Review clients’ comments, their experiences in the clinic, and recovery after treatment.
4. Meet the doctor and make a consultation prior to deciding.

• Make a Botox Plan

Once you have decided on a doctor, it is time to make a plan. It is important to remember that each person has different facial features, so the application will be different from that of other patients. Also, remember that you should see the dermatologist up to six times a year (depending on your desired Botox goal). We recommend you share your desires with your doctor, so together you can consider different factors and create a plan.

Some tips to achieve your plan:

1. Know your goals and talk to your doctor about them.
2. Take your age into account.
3. Discuss complementary treatments.

What Are the Risks?

The Food and Drug Administration of the United States (FDA) approved Botox as a cosmetic procedure to restore a youthful look back in 2002. As we mentioned earlier, Botox is relatively safe; however, studies are still assessing its long-term effects. In 2016, it was discovered that high doses of Botulinum Toxin can spread along nerve cells, reaching beyond the area where the injection was placed.

Additional Botox risks include: a frozen (or an expressionless) face, symmetry problems, and sagging. Fortunately, since Botox is temporary, any of these setbacks will disappear. This is also true for any minor injury that may occur after receiving treatment – they should disappear after a few days.

However, contact your Botox provider if you present:

1. Swollen or fallen eyes
2. Headaches.
3. Discomfort in the neck.
4. Double vision.
5. Dry eyes.
6. An allergic reaction or difficulty breathing.

How Do I Know if this Is the Right Treatment for Me?

If you are considering using Botox for cosmetic reasons, it is good to be honest with yourself about the reason why you want to do it, and that you stay realistic about the expected results. There is nothing wrong with doing something for yourself, but never feel under pressure from another person to change your own appearance or to fit social standards.