Botox injections are used to treat wrinkles and other off-label uses such as migraines and torticollis. Botox works best on “dynamic” wrinkles, which are wrinkles that aren’t “set”, like frown lines when you are frowning. Botox utilizes botulinum toxin A (from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum), which blocks nerves that contract muscles and soften the appearance of wrinkles by minimizing the muscle movement. Contrary to popular belief, the botulinum toxin is not deadly and cannot lead to live botulism. Botox is considered a preventative form of wrinkle treatment.
One of the hardest parts of aging is accepting the physical changes that are inevitable. Some of those changes can be minimized or eliminated altogether, such as wrinkles. Common spots for Botox injections are “smile lines” or the “elevens” in between eyebrows. This can result in a “frustrated” or angry appearance, adding even more to the stigma of the dreaded “resting bitch face” (or RBF). However, you have to do your research and find the best plastic surgeon (board-certified, preferably with a face or dermatology specialty) for the job, because it is important that the injections are placed properly for the best coverage of the muscles that cause wrinkles.
Things to Keep in Mind with Botox Injections
Botox will not cure wrinkles, they help smooth them out and prevent them from worsening, which is why it is better to start preventatively rather than waiting until you are fully unhappy with your wrinkles. It basically freezes the muscles, so it is not a permanent solution (though it does last weeks or even 3-4 months at a time).
It takes multiple needle pricks. While the needles are not severely painful like an injection you’d get in your thigh or buttocks, you do have medication being injected in tiny needles so icing afterward could take away some discomfort, especially to sensitive areas such as your face or eyebrows.
You need to take precautions afterward such as not exercising, no blood thinners or laying down for hours after the injections to ensure they work properly and the Botox does not spread further than intended. You should actually avoid blood thinners for a few days or weeks so there is not increased redness (from bleeding) to the injection sites. Rare side effects include headaches, site injection soreness, and drooping of eyelids or eyebrows (which wears off when the Botox does and is why these recommendations of exercise and lying down afterward are important).
It’s not just cosmetic. Botox has been found to be useful for people who suffer from chronic migraines (more than half of the month), and other muscle conditions such as a motor tic or torticollis. In addition, there was even a study done in 2009 by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology that actually showed that by preventing frowning, Botox reduced negative moods.
Start small. If you’re worried about overdoing your Botox injections, start with less. You can always go back for a few more injections, but you can’t undo them once they’re done. You then have to wait for them to wear off.
Getting Botox can enhance your self esteem, reduce chronic pain to certain areas, and even improve your overall mood!
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