Maybe you're ready to take the plunge or maybe you're just ready to start thinking about it. Whatever the case, it seems impossible to avoid the current BOTOX® craze. Celebrities from Madonna to Nicole Kidman are alleged to have.
What's the appeal? BOTOX® , an injectable that strategically relaxes facial muscles, which may ultimately banish wrinkles, has become on of the most in demand wrinkle-fighting treatments in society's scramble to beat the clock. Allegran, the manufacturer of BOTOX® says that over one million people worldwide have been treated with BOTOX® since the drug's FDA approval in 1989.
In 2002, the FDA approved BOTOX® for cosmetic procedures but doctors were able to use BOTOX® for cosmetic purposes before its FDA approval. In fact, injections of the drug have been the most popular cosmetic medical procedure in the USA since 2000.
How does BOTOX® work?
For cosmetic use, a doctor injects BOTOX® into the facial muscles that cause wrinkling. The drug blocks a substance called acetylcholine and by blocking this substance effectively paralyzes the muscle. This temporary paralysis freezes expression muscles so that the ability to move your muscle may temporarily disappear along with wrinkles. BOTOX® is most effective at banishing what doctors call dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are those pesky wrinkles that most of us call smile lines and frown lines. After making the same expressions time after time, our skin remembers these expressions even when we are not making them- BOTOX® to the rescue. BOTOX® effectively banishes smile line, frown lines, crow's feet and more with results that may last three to six months, depending on the patient.
The BOTOX® procedure.
Many doctors begin by applying a topical anesthetic cream to the areas that will be treated. This effectively numbs the area so that there is little to no pain.
Each injection takes a few minutes and there may be slight redness or in some cases bruising at the injection site. Within three to five days results will begin to appear. What to expect? A complete smoothing of lines is typical and dynamic wrinkles are effectively, albeit temporarily, exiled.
Where to get BOTOX®?
This should go with out saying, but BOTOX® should only, only be administered by an authorized healthcare professional in a medical environment. Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons, and Physicians specializing in cosmetic procedures are generally more experienced at administering BOTOX®.
Click here to use the PrettyCity.com searchable database to find a BOTOX® expert near you.
We sent one of our own Beauty Experts to a medical spa to try BOTOX® and report back; read her treatment review below.
First up, a consultation. My afternoon with the doctor began with a consultation and discussion of treatment for my frown and smile lines. I filled out a questionnaire that asked everything from my perceived skin type to how much time I had spent in the sun to a full medical history. Next up, some one on one time with the doctor. As I looked in a handheld mirror, I pointed out the areas of my face that I felt needed improvement. The doctor then asked me to perform a number of frowns, squints, and smiles. After we were finished with the wrinkle analysis, the doctor confirmed what I had expected- I was indeed a candidate for BOTOX®.
We agreed upon BOTOX® injections for the frown lines in my forehead and what is called the vertical lines between my brows, aka "11s." The doctor noted that BOTOX® is indicated for the expression lines that are caused by muscle movements such as mine.
Next, the doctor led me to a private room where she prepared my skin for the injections. She removed any dirt and cosmetics and applied a topical anesthetic to numb the skin. She informed me that approximately 20 to 30 minutes must pass for the anesthetic to take effect. Once I was ready, she pinched a few areas to test my reactions. When we both agreed I was ready she pulled out a face chart and went through a number of frowning and smiling exercises. She marked the exact areas to be injected and we were ready to turn back the clock.
The doctor gently touched the areas above my brows where she would begin. She asked me to frown. Following a slight pinch and a quick tolerable sting, the first injection was done.
Within minutes the doctor was finished with my first round of treatments. She handed me a mirror to see the results. To my surprise, nothing had changed. The doctor explained that BOTOX® takes three to five days to take effect. I did feel a slight tightness under the skin, but no results were yet apparent.
Once we were finished with all the injections, the doctor cleaned up my face and allowed me to take one last peek in the mirror. She asked if I were satisfied and if I had any questions or concerns. She explained again that the BOTOX® injections will show a visible result in a few days, and she encouraged me to follow up with her in a couple of weeks.
Several days later, I noticed a considerable difference in the treated areas of my face. It seemed that each day after the injections the lines minimized and the muscles relaxed. My forehead is now completely wrinkle free.
I am thrilled with the end result and now consider myself an avid fan. The cost of my injections was just over $1000. Turning back the clock.now that was priceless.
Use the PrettyCity.com searchable database to find a BOTOX® expert near you.
