You don’t like your wrinkles but you don’t like the idea of injecting chemicals into your face, specifically something that sounds as treacherous as BOTULINUM TOXIN, and you don’t want to “have to keep doing something”. I get it. So let’s break this down.
If you are a person who has no interest in “doing anything” even slightly invasive to halt the aging process, and are, in principle, opposed to the idea of injecting stuff into your face – then stop reading. I respect your position, and actually totally understand. If, on the other hand, you want information and are “not sure” — keep reading and you will become better informed, and then can make a decision!
I think a lot of people are scared to venture down this road because they feel that so many famous people look unnatural. I also think people feel that this is a slippery slope and once they start they will not be able to stop, and one day they will wake up and look like the cat woman. Usually having some information and knowledge is helpful.
So what is Botox? Botox is a drug prepared from the bacterial toxin botulinum, used medically to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles. There are other trade names and formulations of this medication, and all are attenuated version of the drug such that it will not be toxic to the patient. Botox was originally FDA approved to control “twitching” of the eye muscles and then was found to soften the lines by reducing the muscle action.
So how does it work? Botox gets injected into the muscle and temporarily paralyzes it. If you look at the wrinkles on your face they are formed by the action of the muscles under the skin. The overlying skin, after repeated expressions, eventually forms wrinkles. SO, if you frown a lot, you are going to get wrinkles or “11” lines between your brows. If you squint or smile a lot you are going to get crows feet.
Botox for cosmetic purpose was originally used in the forehead and around the eyes. It is used “off-label” also for lines in the neck and can be used sparingly for the fine vertical lines around the mouth. Botox if used well can be a very powerful tool for anti-aging. It can be used to open up your eyes and raise your brows, soften depressed scars, soften lines anywhere on the face or neck, The key to a good result is finding a practitioner who has dexterity and expertise with this medication and can use the precise amounts to get the natural look you are desiring. Anyone who is over about 40 years old likely uses Botox if their skin looks like it has no wrinkles! (Look at Nicole Kidman, her skin looks flawless).
I am a big fan of Botox, and think my patients get great natural results. It lasts about 5 months and if done regularly can literally prevent wrinkles.
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