Botox Treatment - Skin Care

Overview
Botox is one of the most widely used cosmetic procedures around the world these days, with its easy, non-surgical procedure that reduces wrinkles and lines in the facial and chin area. Women are the largest recipients of Botox, but men are increasingly opting for the procedure themselves in order to reduce deep wrinkles around the eyes or mouth. The only procedure to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for these types of treatment, Botox injection results can last up to 4 months. 

Botox is a protein that is produced by Clostridium botulinum, which helps keep the muscles from moving in certain areas prone to wrinkles, especially the areas around the eyes, lips and forehead. 

Procedure
Quick and simple, Botox is comprised of non-surgical injections that take place within a ten minute session. Within a few minutes, deep lines and wrinkles begin to smooth and show improvement, and continue to produce results for weeks to come.

Since there is no recovery time involved with the injections, Botox injections can be done at any time. Once inside the cosmetic office, the doctor will examine the patient in order to see where the injections will be most beneficial. Patients will be asked to move his or her facial muscles in order to allow the doctor to see where lines and wrinkles are located, and hence, where to pinpoint injection sites. Each face is different, so injection sites will differ among individuals, allowing for optimal and very personal results.

Once the locations are chosen, the doctor will inject vials of Botox into the muscles that cause the wrinkles or lines to smooth in appearance. Most often, areas applied with Botox are the lip wrinkles, eye or laugh line wrinkles, and deep lines or creases on the forehead.

There is no need for anesthesia, since the Botox is applied with a simple prick of a needle. In some cases, the doctor may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or numbing cream in order to provide additional comfort to the patient, but this is not typically necessary, as discomfort is fleeting.

Once the doctor has finished with the procedure, there may follow a minimal amount of redness due to the pinpricks of the needle. This swelling usually goes down rather quickly, and noticeable results to the injections may be seen within minutes. The entire smoothing process may take up to a month, and lasts a total of roughly 4 months before another procedure may be necessary.

Treatments
Obtaining Botox treatments may be decided upon for a variety of reasons. Whether a patient wants to reduce the visibility of lines or wrinkles or wants them gone completely, individuals may obtain treatments every 4 months if they desire. Getting placed on a treatment schedule ensures that wrinkles are not only reduced, but have a great chance of not being noticeable ever again. However, individuals should not that if treatment is not continued, existing lines and wrinkles will gradually reappear.

Benefits of Botox
Botox treatments bring with them several benefits. The treatments reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines in many areas, including the forehead, eyes, neck and mouth, which improves appearance, self-confidence and security for many individuals. The Botox injections function by temporarily paralyzing or freezing muscles in the face that cause wrinkles with expressions or movement. With the reduction of wrinkles, the skin appears smoother and refined.

There have also been some valuable side effects associated with Botox usage, including relief from migraines. However, some individuals experience excessive sweating and minor spasms in the face and neck muscles.

Cost of Botox Treatments
The cost for a Botox procedure will vary depending on injection location and the amount of Botox used in a single session. Botox can also be used in more than one session, so the costs can add up over a single year, with procedures done every four months.

Costs for Botox in the United States run from $200-$400 per area, while treatments in Thailand may cost anywhere from $130-$180. Treatments in India may range from $112-$180 per treatment area in India.

Choosing Your Doctor
Before obtaining a Botox procedure, it is vital to research a variety of doctors who specialize in cosmetic surgical procedures to prevent unwanted results. The most important piece of information to obtain when searching for a plastic or cosmetic surgeon is to determine his or her experience with Botox and knowledge of facial aesthetics. As with any field, do your homework and ensure that the doctor of your choice is certified, accredited or licensed in his or her state or country of origin, as well as membership to domestic or international boards or associations of plastic or cosmetic surgical procedures.