Botox: What Everyone Needs to Know

To many, Botox is a convenient and long-lasting way to stall the aging process. There are many procedures that are used to decrease wrinkles, tighten skin, and rejuvenate dull or discolored skin. These procedures may include surgery that can take weeks to recover from. For many, this is too much time wasted in an effort to look younger. When people use Botox, the effects are almost immediate. A person may see differences in a few days after receiving a treatment. The injections are not noticeable and there is no need to schedule any recovery time. Still, it is important to understand what Botox is, what it can do, and its limitations.

Botox, which was FDA approved in 2002, is a toxin that is derived from the same bacteria that causes Botulism, which is a form of food poisoning. Injecting Botox is not the same as contracting Botulism, however. Botox causes the muscles in the eyes, forehead, cheeks, and lips to relax which will ease tension on the skin. This will cause the skin to look wrinkle free. A single treatment can last up to 120 days. After this time, the muscles will begin to work again and a new treatment will be needed.

There are some side effects that people should be aware of before getting an injection. Headaches, stomachaches, nausea, and respiratory infections have been reported. But for most, Botox has given them a way to look younger and feel better about themselves without having to have major surgery. Cleaning up fine lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead can have a strong effect on the way a person looks. Botox is not a replacement for traditional plastic surgery, however. If a person is upset about a sinking jowl or extra skin on the cheek bones, cosmetic surgery is still the only alternative.

It is recommended that a person visit a licensed physician when considering having these injections. Too many people these days are giving others injections without having been properly trained. If a person receives too much Botox, their eyelids will droop. This will give them a sleepy appearance that will last for weeks. If a person has an allergic reaction to Botox, a physician will be better able to help them recover from it. As with any drug or cosmetic procedure, research a person's credentials before letting them inject Botox.

Botox can be a wonderful way to look younger without surgery. Be careful about who conducts the procedure and be prepared to spend some money. In the end, many people have been happy with the results and will be making another appointment soon regardless of the side effects that they could experience.