Yes, it has become a trend. And one that is rapidly growing and gaining increasing popularity not only among, the middle aged, but also among the youth, and the old. A large number of people are opting for Botox injections to regain a more youthful appearance.
Hollywood acting has been slowly, steadily poisoned by the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum and collagen has been jabbed into the most famous faces on earth.
And almost all celebrities, whose frown lines don’t show, no matter how excited they get or how tensed they feel, claim that their face remains unlined because of the care they take looking after it. They are trapped by a desire to have any sign of aging banished from their looks.
And if you too think, that you may just get your nose straightened or the frown lines off, there is definitely nothing wrong as technology has made anything and everything possible. You can actually reduce your age and look much younger than you feel, thanks to Botox.
But, even though it is not wrong to follow the trend or to want to knock of a few years off your face, it is pertinent that you are well informed and aware of the pros and cons before you take the plunge. This article aims at giving you the necessary information needed, and to make you able to take the decision you think is best.
Though Botox is used to treat certain medical conditions too, this article mainly focuses on the cosmetic part only.
Look younger
Basically a trade name for botulinum toxin A, Botox is an injection, which when had, reduces the frown lines off your face and makes you look younger.
A basic principle
And in simple words, what happens is that the botulinum toxins block the signals that tell your muscles to contract. And when the muscles of the particular area, don’t contract, it can't wrinkle, thereby leaving you looking much younger than your age.
The main problems:
Expressions: The procedure may seem too simple to the unassuming, but the main problem with Botox is that it disables you from making certain facial expressions - frowning, anger, excitement, etc. This explains the reason why Saif Ali Khan or Shah Rukh Khan, never show their frown lines, especially on their forehead, no matter how excited or happy or angry they may seem in front of the camera.
To maintain their youth, actresses are getting Botox to look younger, but then the flip side of it is that directors are getting fed up with actresses who appear to be bad at acting because they can’t make the expected facial expressions, as Botox does not support it.
Time: The effects of Botox last for about four to six months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and wrinkles need to be re-treated. However, the lines and wrinkles appear less severe with time, as the muscles are being trained to relax.
Side effects: Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. Some patients are also seen developing eyelid drooping, but it is taken care of, in three weeks. But the point to note is that you shouldn't rub the treated area for 12 hours after injection or lay down for three to four hours. There have been no allergies associated with Botox to date.
The solution
Botox can be done minimally, where you can still move your forehead, but just not as much. And Botox is the only cosmetic treatment that really prohibits natural facial expressions, so all the other high-priced anti-agers (fillers, laser treatments, plastic surgery) are the other options.
Do not opt for Botox if you are
- pregnant,
- breast feeding
- a patient with neurological disease
Will insurance pay for it?
As Botox is a cosmetic need, it is not generally covered by insurance companies.
Here is a list of four such anti aging skin treatments that re-define youth and revolutionize the way to slow the aging process-
1. Wrinkle Relaxer
Botox has its powers, but its injections take up to a week to start relaxing wrinkles. But, Dysport, which is FDA approved, shows results in as little as two days. According to director of the University of Miami Cosmetic and Research Institute Leslie Baumann, who helped test it, Dysport also lasts about five months, as opposed to three or four with Botox.
2. Skin Resurfacer
Traditionally, lasers were used for smoothing fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks and scars. But they had long and painful recoveries and involved risks like scarring. But the new, fractional CO2 laser allows faster healing and fewer side effects, along with phenomenal results (43 to 80 percent reduction in the depth of acne scars). Unlike its predecessor, it can be used safely on the neck and body, too.
3. Eyelash beautifier
Latisse, a new lash treatment, actually makes eyelashes grow! Wendy W. Lee, assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, has studied and tried Latisse on herself, and the results are effective she says.
Latisse brings about a great change in the length, thickness and darkening of lashes. Latisse is available by prescription and has to be applied daily; lash growth kicks in after a few weeks.
4. The line fillers
Evolence, a new injectable, is FDA approved and is mainly used to plump lips and lines. Some dermatologists believe it will replace injectable collagen, as it doesn't cause allergic reactions. Evolence mimics the function of the body’s own collagen and breaks down slowly and naturally over time. It corrects wrinkles for a minimum of 12 months before a repeat treatment is required, making long term costs lower. It is a long lasting temporary filler.
Since Botox doesn't work for all wrinkles, consultation with a doctor is recommended.
