Online dating is a lot like getting Botox. Everybody does it, but nobody talks about it. And these days, experts are finding more and more uses for it. Probably best known for erasing the two vertical forehead lines just above the center of the eyes (known as the “elevens”), it is now used for the horizontal forehead lines, crow’s feet(around the eyes), bunny lines(furrows at nose), downturned corners of the mouth, chin, upper lip lines, relief in the masseter (jaw) from grinding of the teeth, and platysmal banding (vertical muscles) on the neck, excessive sweating, and more.
Most people agree with the adage, “The best wrinkle is the one you never get.” Supporters of this theory behind preventative Botox believe that by starting early, people can keep wrinkles from occurring in the first place, rather than trying to fix them after they’ve appeared.
What, Exactly, is Botox?
Botulinum toxin is a liquid neurotoxin that weakens muscles to minimize lines. It is injected by a trained medical professional with a very fine needle directly into the muscle. Only lines caused by muscle contractions will be affected by Botox injections. Botox can be used not only to lessen lines that have recently appeared, but it can also tackle deeper, more prominent wrinkles. In addition to softening lines, Botox can also provide a natural-looking lift to the face to create a more youthful look.
While doctors and skincare experts agree that a good sunscreen is an essential part of everyone’s recommended daily wear, there is simply no moisturizer or miracle cream that will banish wrinkles like Botox. A multi-billion-dollar cosmetic skincare industry is out to sell consumers on the idea that a topical lotion can visibly improve wrinkles—but one visit for Botox injections with a doctor will prove otherwise.
Is Botox Safe?
Yes, Botox is both safe and effective when administered by a medical professional. Botox has been used for over one hundred years and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. in 2002. In a recent survey, over 96% of patients reported that Botox was “worth it.”
Is Botox Affordable?
The cost of Botox injections is generally based on the amount needed for the treatment area chosen and the skill level of the injector. Botox is measured by “units,” and the forehead area, for example, may require up to twenty units. The doctor’s office should be able to provide patients with an estimate per treatment area. Many experts caution against Groupon-type specials for Botox, which are typically a way of advertising so that a newly trained injector gets practice. Botox “parties” are another red flag for consumers who may not understand the level of sanitation required to prevent infection.
Botox Benefits Abound
Botox provides a multitude of benefits for those women (and men, too!) looking for a simple and effective way to deal with wrinkles.
Quick and easy: Simple and stress-free, Botox injections usually take less than 30 minutes, and the treatment is very straightforward. The medical practitioner will use an ultra-fine needle to inject a small amount of Botox into the areas of the skin the client wishes to address.
No downtime: Once the procedure is complete, patients can head out without worrying about downtime. Botox is even referred to as “the lunchtime lift.”
Specific target areas: Botox treatments are designed to address specific areas where wrinkles have appeared or may be prone to appear in the future. Currently, many younger patients are using Botox to preemptively address areas they wish to keep wrinkle-free.
Non-surgical procedure: Some patients are anxious about having a surgical procedure due to the risks that invasive procedures carry. Botox provides an appealing alternative to surgery because it delivers results without those risks, and it doesn’t require recovery time.
Temporary results: Some people are uneasy about having cosmetic procedures because they don’t want to commit to long-term results that may not match their expectations. With Botox, the results last four to six months, so if for any reason patients are not thrilled with their new look, they have peace of mind that in a few months’ time, the effects will fade.
Painless: While administered with a very fine needle, most patients report very little discomfort during the injections. Medical professionals will work with their patients to ensure their comfort throughout the procedure.
Natural-looking results: Most patients report that their friends never guess they’ve had Botox. Rather, they hear compliments like “You look great!” “Did you change your hair?” And even the ultimate, “Have you lost weight?”
Are There Any Restrictions on Activity After Injections?
Patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. The treated area should not be rubbed or massaged for twenty-four hours. Botox will not show an instant change; rather, it begins working from one to three days after treatment and will last for three to six months. To maintain the look, regular follow-up Botox treatments need to be scheduled.
What Causes Wrinkles and Fine Lines, Anyway?
Heredity and sun damage are two major factors that affect skin and wrinkles. In addition, time, facial movements, and smoking all contribute to the look of aging.
Time. Skin becomes thinner and more delicate as it ages. It also produces less oil, making it drier and more likely to look lined. In addition, fat erodes in the deepest layer of the skin, which adds to the look of wrinkles.
Facial movements. Every time a person smiles, laughs, squints, or frowns, a small furrow forms in the skin around the facial muscles involved in the movement. Over time, aging skin doesn’t bounce back as well as it once did, and the grooves become more visible.
Smoking. The number one way to prevent smoker’s lines (and a whole lot of other health issues) is never to light up. The repetitive motion behind pursing the lips around a cigarette actually creates the deep lines around the mouth known as smoker’s lines.
The Best Wrinkle Is the One You Never Get
With the wonders of modern medicine and technology, it’s now possible to address signs of aging before they start. Finding a skilled provider of Botox in Sterling Heights is the first step to a younger-looking future. Why? Because the best wrinkle is the one you never get!