Many Canadians are trying Botox to try to “turn the clock back” and rejuvenate a more youthful look. Whether the motivation for getting Botox is a fear of aging or to continue to look good in your career, Botox is said to have the ability to smooth out the natural wrinkles that form on your face over time.
What is Botox?
“Botox” is short for botulinum toxin A, which is a purified toxin of bacteria. It is the same toxin that causes botulism (a form of bacterial food poisoning). Administered safely by a skilled health practitioner (e.g., a registered nurse or doctor), most people are quite happy with the results of this cosmetic intervention. Botox is also used for medical purposes, such as treatment of cervical dystonia, lazy eye, muscle contractures, hyperhidrosis, chronic migraine, bladder dysfunction.
How Does It Work?
When Botox injections are administered, they prevent targeted muscles from contracting by blocking certain chemical signals from nerves. Essentially, Botox is a paralyzing agent, which, in very small doses, can relax tiny over-clenched facial muscles for months at a time.
What Areas Are Targeted to Improve Cosmetic Appearance?
The most popular area for injections are:
- Forehead furrows (i.e., the frown lines in the middle of the forehead);
- Frown lines between the eyebrows; and
- Crow’s feet (lines that fan out from the corners of the eyes)
All these wrinkles and folds develop over time from natural expressions (like smiling). Injecting in the frown lines can create quite a cosmetic enhancement as frown lines can make you look annoyed or angry in a natural stance when you aren’t feeling that way.
At What Age Should I Start?
Many people get Botox treatments once they are in their 40s, 50s and 60s. While there is evidence of Botox injections having a preventive effect on wrinkles, some doctors have stated that doing these injections before the late 30s is unnecessary for the majority of people.
Risks
It is important to discuss the risks of Botox injections with the facility that offers them. Botox is a deadly and poisonous bacterium, though injections administered carefully have been proven to be safe. Common side effects include swelling or bruising at the injection site, headache or flu-like symptoms. Doctors recommend against using Botox during pregnancy or breast-feeding as the effects on the baby aren’t known.
Convenience
For those seeking to make their wrinkles disappear (for at least a temporary period), Botox is extremely convenient. Injections are done in an office setting instead of in the hospital and they usually take about ten to fifteen minutes. The injections cause only minor discomfort for most individuals, with virtually no recovery time needed but to refrain from exercise for the remainder of the day.
Financial Considerations
Botox injections do not come cheap and they require ongoing costs for upkeep. They may be available on special at $10 per unit but at least 50 units are needed in one sitting. The average cost of a treatment ranges from about $500 to $1,500 and the recommended interval is every four to six months. Looking and feeling younger with Botox injections is not something that everyone will try or can afford.
