Today there are a variety of cosmetic treatments, but one procedure has caught on in popularity: Botox. This treatment is used by celebrities and stay-at-home moms alike, and the number of procedures increased 8% between 2012 and 2013 alone. Botox injections help to smooth wrinkles in skin and can help patients look younger in just a few visits. But many people have questions about Botox before getting it, such as “What is Botox?” and “Is Botox safe?”
If you’ve thought of getting a Botox treatment before, but you’d like more information, take a look at these frequently asked questions before you talk to your doctor.
What is Botox?
While it may sound somewhat odd, Botox is actually a drug made from the botulinum toxin. Although this substance is hazardous if a person ingests it, it can be used in the form of Botox to paralyze muscles and smooth wrinkles, typically those on the face. Botox under eyes is popular to reduce the sagging look that skin can get in this area. Botox and fillers for skin may also be used in the neck or hands to make this skin look young again. Doctor’s offices and Botox clinics may prescribe this Botox treatments one time only or schedule multiple visits for a patient.
Why Do People Use Botox?
For the most part, Botox is used as a cosmetic treatment to minimize or eliminate the appearance of facial wrinkles, commonly those such as crow’s feet and frown lines. However, it has also been used to treat medical conditions, from excessive sweating to migraine headaches. Most people who use Botox are between the ages of 40 and 59, and although the majority of users are female, any adult is able to receive the treatment.
Is Botox Safe?
The answer to the question “Is Botox safe?” is widely debated in medical circles, but ultimately the answer is yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Botox for cosmetic and medical use. Botox is an outpatient procedure that takes only around 30 minutes total.
However, there is one instance where Botox is definitely not safe: a Botox party in someone else’s home. Although the idea of a Botox party among friends may sound like fun, this environment is actually dangerous for those injecting it. Just as getting a tattoo at someone’s house is dangerous because of cross-contamination, the same is true Alcohol is common at these parties, and as a result of drinking, patients may be more likely to bruise at the injection site, according to the Mayo Clinic.
There’s also a chance that a treatment at a Botox party may not be performed by a professional, which is a big risk for your health. Most medical professionals recommend getting the procedure done in a clean, sterile doctor’s office with a doctor who is equipped to handle the injections and treat any complications that, although rare, may arise as a result of the treatment. A professional can also look at your medical history and notify you of the risks and benefits associated with Botox.
Have you ever used Botox or thought of using it? Tell us about your experience in the comments. Find out more here.
