I have been a Botox user for 10 years and I am amazed at the results. I can not believe how much my face has changed in that time. I also know many people who use it, so it is definitely popular. But what are the risks involved with this treatment? Is it really as effective as they say? Are there any side effects to worry about?
When I received Botox for the first and only time, I held a stress ball in my hand and closed my eyes as the needle was inserted into my crow’s feet. Enough said. It can be nerve-wracking to anticipate what will happen during the procedure and what the results will be prior to your first appointment, even though botox training for doctors injections are among the most common procedures that many cosmetic dermatologists and plastic surgeons regularly perform.
There are two main types of Botox used today; A toxin derived from bacteria (called botulinum toxin) and a protein called bovine serum albumin (BSA). The latter is commonly referred to as “serum-derived BSA”. This type of Botox may contain up to 25% BSA, while the former contains no more than 0.5%. Both of these toxins work by temporarily paralyzing nerve endings in the muscles around your eyes, which causes them to relax. It is estimated that 80% of adults over 40 will experience some degree of crow’s feet wrinkles on their faces, and they are most visible when smiling or frowning. These creases are caused by repeated contractions and relaxation of the facial muscles. In addition to causing deep lines, wrinkles appear on our faces due to age, sun exposure, stress, and smoking. While many people choose to simply ignore their wrinkles, others want to do something about them.
The first thing you need to consider when deciding whether or not to get Botox injected into your face is if you think you might be suffering from depression or anxiety. If you do suffer from either condition, talk to your doctor before getting treated. Both conditions cause a person to feel low, and they can affect your moods and make you feel very self-conscious. If you do suffer from depression or anxiety, you should avoid getting injections into your facial muscles, because the drugs being used to treat those conditions can interfere with the effect of Botox. There have even been cases where doctors have given patients antidepressants just prior to injecting Botox.
After considering your mental health status, you must decide if you would like to look younger. Some women find it difficult to accept the fact that they are aging, and this makes them unhappy. They may have had children, but now they don’t wish to look older. Others just aren’t happy with how old they look. Either way, Botox can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you are going to get Botox, then you need to discuss your options with your doctor. He or she will probably ask you lots of questions about your medical history, and he or she will want to look at your skin. You may also have to undergo some tests. A good doctor will have his or her nurse perform a physical exam on you, and they may run a blood test to check your thyroid levels and other things.
Next, your doctor will want to take several photographs of your face, including photos while you smile and when you frown. He or she will then measure the distance between points along the corners of your mouth. This number is called your “frown line” measurement.
Your doctor will want to see if you have any scars on your face, especially if you’ve had surgery, such as plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures. He or she will also want to take pictures of your cheeks.
At this point, your doctor will usually take measurements of certain areas of your face. For example, he or she will take a picture of the area around your eyes, and another one of the area above your eyebrows. The difference between the two measurements is the horizontal height of your brow ridge. Also, your doctor will take measurements of the width of your cheekbones.
When all of the measurements are complete, your doctor will determine the amount of Botox needed to smooth out wrinkles. Most of the time, your doctor uses 1 milliliter per muscle group. However, some people require less than this amount.
Depending upon the severity of your wrinkles, your doctor may inject only the upper eyelid, or both the upper and lower eyelids. If he or she chooses to place the Botox under your eyes, he or she will inject it into the frontalis muscle, which pulls the forehead down. Next, he or she will inject the corrugator supercilii muscle, which draws the eyebrows together. Lastly, he or she will inject the procerus muscle, which pulls the nose upward.
Once all of the injections are completed, your doctor will apply a topical anesthetic to your face. Then, he or she will cover the injection sites with gauze pads. Once the gauze is removed, it will take anywhere from four to six days before the full effect of the Botox can be seen. During this period, you should keep your face clean, since dirt will block Botox.
Although the results of Botox last for up to three months, you may notice some improvement within two weeks after receiving the treatment. After that, the results begin to fade away. If you are unsatisfied with the results, your doctor may be able to recommend a different treatment option.
As for possible side effects, you may experience temporary paralysis of your facial muscles, which can result in drooping eyelids, double vision, or blurred vision. You may also experience dryness in your eyes, but this usually resolves itself in a matter of days. It has been reported that Botox users can develop sensitivity to light and that their eyesight might become blurry.
If you are considering Botox, please consult with a qualified dermatologist before having the procedure done. And remember, the best way to prevent wrinkles is to start eating healthier and taking better care of yourself.