In a world dominated by filters, Instagram, and the perceived glamour of reality television, it can feel as though everyone has found a way to freeze the aging process. Many of us are confronted with endless images of lineless women and men daily. Their smooth, shiny foreheads have become common when painting a picture of health and attractiveness.
Despite the popularity, there are still plenty of criticisms surrounding Botox. Any procedure has risks, and any concerns should be addressed before undergoing any procedure. A qualified plastic surgeon with experience in facial procedures can answer all your questions. Even with concerns, however, the treatment’s popularity perseveres, and it looks like a process that is here to stay.
We do have some good news for those still undecided; Botox has undeniable benefits. There are a vast range of advantages, from a fresher complexion to claims that the treatment helps deal with excessive sweating, Botox has been a real life-saver for many customers.
What Is Botox?
Botox is an extremely purified form of the toxin botulinum administered into the skin by an injection from a sterilized needle. When it is injected into the muscles, it forces them to relax temporarily, and this smooths any lines and wrinkles which are present on the skin.
Full results usually take between two and three weeks to appear and last for between three and eight months.
What Are The Advantages?
Many people choose to use Botox over other skin and beauty treatments for several reasons. Some of these include:
- Botox is temporary – if something goes wrong, you change your mind or simply dislike the effects. Botox is a temporary treatment that will fade after a relatively short time. This also makes it appealing for those who are new to the world of cosmetic treatments and want to consider the possible effects before going for a more permanent solution.
- Botox is painless – while some users report a slight prick of the needly, Botox is known for being a painless procedure, and this increases the appeal!
- Botox is fast – getting Botox treatments is an outpatient procedure which only takes a few minutes, and so can be easily slotted into a busy schedule with minimal fuss. Many customers even get Botox in their lunch hour – the convenience is a significant advantage to many fans.
- There is no anesthetic – unlike some other cosmetic treatments, there is no need to undergo a general anesthetic for the procedure; you will be fully awake and alert at all times, with none of the risks associated with going under.
Are There Any Unexpected Benefits?
We are all familiar with the most common plus points of Botox; namely, that it can help to smooth out lines and wrinkles, offering an anti-aging effect. There are also, however, unintentional pros that come with the treatment, and these can be an added bonus.
TMJ
TMJ (Temporo-mandibular joint) disorders can cause vast amounts of tension and pain to sufferers. Common examples include lockjaw, or constant grinding of teeth, which can lead to severe headaches. The temporomandibular joint itself is located on both sides of the head, at the point where the skull meets the jawbone. It is an important joint and used during many everyday interactions, including swallowing, talking, and eating. In some cases, it may become displaced or become overworked, which can lead to pain in the jaw and headaches from the tension.
Botox works by paralyzing the muscles, meaning that they are unable to move in the way, which so often causes pain. The targeted area is the masseter muscle; once this is more relaxed, it is less prone to overworking, which can help alleviate the discomfort and potential long-term problems caused by TMJ.
Reduce Sweating
Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, can be an embarrassing problem that affects both men and women. The issue is usually caused by overactive glands, which produce too much sweat to a particular area of the body. In some cases – known as focal hyperhidrosis – this is limited to a single area of the body, such as the feet or underarms. In other situations, the problem can be widespread.
Botox is a solution for the condition which is growing in popularity. It works by using the botulinum toxin to block nerve signals responsible for sweating, preventing the glands from producing excessive sweat. As a rule, patients will need a top-up of the treatment every four to six months to counter the regenerating nerves. Over time, however, individuals often find that they can go longer between treatments.
Reduce Migraine Pain
As well as treating pain caused by TMJ, Botox has also been used to help combat the pain experienced by migraine sufferers. This works in a similar way to reducing sweat in that the toxin blocks the nerve signals which send the pain messages to the brain – pain, which can be debilitating for sufferers. Also, Botox relaxes muscles – this can be very useful in alleviating the pain caused by tension headaches.
How Can We Help?
Here at Wellesley Cosmetic Surgery, we have a wealth of experience in the world of cosmetic and beauty treatments, and this includes Botox. Our experienced team has helped thousands of patients across Boston with issues from excessive sweating to reducing fine lines, banishing migraines to relieving tension headaches, and many other concerns. Contact a team member today and see how the unexpected pros of Botox could help you.