Pros and Cons of Botox Skin Injections

 

Since 1987, Botox has been the world’s go-to for excessive sweating, muscle spasms, and most famously — wrinkle reduction. It works by blocking signals from nerves to facial muscles, thereby relaxing and softening the wrinkles that create frown lines and crow’s feet (Howard and Howard Botox). Thirty years later, how does it compare with other options available? Let’s look at the pros and cons from our modern understanding.

Pros

Expense

As cosmetic procedures go, Botox is very inexpensive. Depending on the specifics of the treatment, it can sometimes cost under $200. This makes it affordable for large numbers compared to the cost of surgical procedures like facelifts.

Rapid Results

There is very little wait time to notice the effects of a Botox treatment. In as little as a day, patients who receive Botox will see the desired results. This is in contrast to many surgical procedures, which require lengthy recovery periods.

Side Effects

The number of adverse side effects for Botox are small and very rare. Any unpleasant aftermath of the procedure is very short lived. Compare this to the longer healing times, risks of infection, and so on that can result from surgical cosmetic procedures.

Multiple Uses

While wrinkle treatment is the most popular usage of Botox, it is also an option for a number of other conditions. Lazy eye, excessive sweating, migraines, and overactive bladder are also problems that Botox can address (West Lake Dermatology).

Cons

Duration

The length of time that Botox works is not long compared to other treatments. Depending on the individual, a treatment may last from two to eight months. Surgical treatments tend to be more permanent.

Discomfort

Ordinary procedures that involve needles, like blood draws or vaccinations, are generally only mildly painful. However, receiving injections into the face or other sensitive areas can be difficult, especially for those not fond of needles.

Tolerance

In some cases, patients may develop a tolerance to the main ingredient in Botox. This can result in the need to have the treatment more and more often and at higher doses each time. This also adversely affects the long-term cost-effectiveness of the treatment.

Complications

When performed by a trained doctor, the incidence of unpleasant side effects is rare. Like any medical procedure, though, there are risks. In the case of Botox, some of them can be dire. These include muscle weakness, loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, and speaking problems (Zwivel).

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As can be seen from the above pros and cons, Botox remains a highly attractive form of cosmetic anti-aging treatment. When injected by a qualified professional, it is inexpensive, safe, and effective.