Botox Cosmetic remained the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure in 2012. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) reported more than 240,000 men and women underwent Botox treatments. While you’ve probably heard of Botox, how much do you really know about it?
Botox is a Neurotoxin
Botox Cosmetic is a medication that temporarily paralyzes muscle function. It does so by stopping the nerves from sending signals to the muscle. This prevents muscles from tightening and helps smooth the surface of the skin. These results last anywhere from three to six months.
Botox Has Been Around for More Than Two Decades
The first medical use of Botox dates back more than two decades when it was approved to treat eyelid twitches and correct crossed eyes. It was approved for use in anyone who was at least 12 years old.
Botox is Derived From Botulism
You may have heard that Botox comes from the bacteria that causes botulism. While this is true, only a tiny amount is used, and it’s such a small amount that side effects are very rare. In fact, there has never been a serious case of botulism linked to the use of Botox Cosmetic.
There are people who claim to be Botox specialists who purchase neurotoxin injections from other countries, and this is where most problems occur. Choose a doctor who only uses prescription Botox Cosmetic made by Allergan. To make sure your Botox is safe, visit BotoxCosmetic.com and use the “Find a Doctor” feature to find an approved plastic surgeon.
Botox is Not for Everyone
There are some people who should not undergo Botox Cosmetic injections. This includes people who have been diagnosed with certain diseases. Patients with asthma, emphysema, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or myasthenia gravis are included in the list of people who should not undergo Botox injections. If you have a blood clotting disorder, you also should not undergo Botox injections.
Botox Cosmetic Does Not Freeze the Face
A lot of people worry that Botox will freeze facial expressions. Provided you choose an experienced facial plastic surgeon, Botox will only relax the muscle; it will not freeze expressions into place or make it impossible to show emotion. People who undergo Botox treatments can still frown, smile, and pout. The only difference is that the skin smoothes out so that wrinkles diminish for a few months. View an actual Botox treatment to see the results up close.
Botox Treats Migraines
The FDA approved Botox as the nation’s first preventative treatment for migraines. It’s meant for adults who experience 15 or more migraines per month, in cases where the migraines are known to last more than four hours. This condition, known as Chronic Migraine, requires a total of 31 Botox injections in the head and neck. The needle is very fine and while you may experience some mild discomfort from the injection, most patients say it is very slight and compare it to a mosquito bite. These injections are usually administered every three months.
Men and Women with Overactive Bladders Find Relief with Botox
The FDA also approved use of Botox to help relax the bladder muscle and stop overactive bladders. It’s especially beneficial for patients who are taking medications and find they do not help or patients who cannot tolerate the oral medications.
People Who Sweat Excessively Benefit from Botox
For some people, antiperspirants do not work effectively. These men and women can have Botox injections and get their sweat production under control. If clinical strength antiperspirants do not work, talk to an experienced physician about Botox injections.
Treatments Require No Recovery Time
While laser treatments or chemical peels may require you to take a week off work, you can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and get right back to your usual routine with Botox Cosmetic. The injections take approximately 10 minutes to complete. After that, you leave your cosmetic surgeon’s office and can even use makeup to mask any redness or bruising.
Botox is an Affordable Cosmetic Procedure
Costs vary, but the average cost for 20 units of Botox was $300 in 2012, according to the AAFPRS. You can save even more by searching for discounts and special offers on facial cosmetic surgeons’ social media pages.
Visit Chernoff Cosmetic Surgeons’ Facebook page to learn about current specials and more about the practice that has offices in Indiana and California. Dr. Gregory Chernoff is a triple board certified facial plastic surgeon with training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Chernoff call (317) 573-8899 in Indianapolis, IN; (707) 544-3232 in Santa Rosa, CA; or (800) 482-5499 in Beverly Hills or Newport Beach, CA.
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