Understanding Botox® Cosmetic

No one's skin escapes the effects of aging. The years are bestowing fine lines on your face, and you may have begun to wonder what BOTOX ® Cosmetic is like. The BOTOX ® Cosmetic treatment for the relief of frown lines and crow's feet has become extremely popular since its approval in 2002 by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because BOTOX ® is a medical, albeit non-surgical, treatment, you should weigh its benefits and possible problems before rushing out to get a treatment.

To briefly explain BOTOX ®, it is a protein derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Very small amounts of this protein are injected into the muscle tissue beneath the skin on your forehead, between your brows, and near your eyes. BOTOX ® paralyzes these small facial muscles and causes the fine wrinkles to diminish within a couple days. The effect is temporary and lasts for approximately four months.

When applied appropriately and under the correct medical supervision, the risks of using BOTOX ® are minimal. The problems generally go away after a few days.

Problems experienced by people receiving a BOTOX ® treatment include:

• Headache soon after treatment
• Respiratory infection
• Flu syndrome
• Forehead and/or eyelid drooping
• Nausea

 
The side effects listed above are short term. Other problems at the site of injection can occur in some people. These injection site difficulties include:

• Pain (often treated with a topical anesthetic)                                                                             
  
• Redness and swelling
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness

 
The chance of these uncomfortable problems can be reduced by making sure you do not rub the injection sites and by having a skilled medical professional administer the treatment. It is important to note that if you have allergies to egg products, then you may react negatively to a BOTOX ® treatment. Discussing your medical background and health with a physician is the best way to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for BOTOX ®.

The benefits of BOTOX ® are why it is so popular and you have probably heard about it. The treatment has proven to be very effective for most people, who enjoy the reduction of fine lines between their brows and on their foreheads. Although the treatment only remains effective for about four months, you can repeat treatment when necessary.

Benefits of BOTOX ® Cosmetic treatments:

• Fast application – A treatment typically only takes 10 or 15 minutes.
• Affordable, especially when compared to facelift surgery.
• Non-surgical. The treatment only consists of small injections.
• No down time from work or play.

The development of BOTOX ® for the temporary reduction of frown lines and crow's feet has allowed many people to revisit the faces of their youth. Whether an indulgence for a special occasion or part of an ongoing beauty regimen, BOTOX ® is an attractive option for many people.