When TV shows about cosmetic surgery procedures such as Extreme Makeover, Nip/Tuck, Botched and others hit the airwaves, they drive the cosmetic surgery industry to even greater heights. The programs featured real-life patients undergoing various cosmetic procedures.
A ‘procedure’ is the ‘in’ thing to have, an accessory that you take with you 24/7 at all the glam parties and premier nights. Celebrities became the unofficial spokesperson for the industry, and the industry looked good.
And why not? When the shows hit the general population, the average viewer found the value of cosmetic surgeries. The most common among them are Botox injections. If you’re in Utah and are just coming around to realizing the value of a Botox injection, this will gently guide you through your beauty quest.
What is Botox?
It is widely accepted that Botox, the brand name of botulinum toxin and a chemical derivative, is America’s most requested cosmetic procedure. This option treats frown lines, crow’s feet (those naturally occurring lines around the eyes that appear when a person smiles), horizontal forehead lines, wrinkles, and the creases that form at the sides of your mouth, by weakening those muscles temporarily. The result is a marked reduction in visible wrinkles, thereby restoring youth to your face.
Is Botox right for you?
As you age, your muscles contract naturally when you smile, laugh, or frown. Gradually, wrinkles and furrows will form. If you are starting to see these lines, chances are they are being noticed by others as well. That’s how you know you’re ready for your first Botox treatment.
if you are in your late 20s or early 30s, Botox treatment is very effective as a preventive treatment. To correct a misconception, Botox treatments are not just for women, as 9% of all treatments were for men who want to keep looking good.
Initial Appointment
Before the actual treatment, you will meet the clinic’s specialist for an initial consultation. During this time, the specialist will conduct an interview covering your medical history, all in the interest of ensuring your safety.
The doctor will ask about prescription medications that you are taking for existing illnesses, and the over-the-counter medicines you take frequently to ensure that those medicines do not react adversely to your Botox treatment. He or she will also ask about the following:
- medical conditions (people with muscle or nerve conditions are advised against getting Botox treatment)
- history of surgery (if you have had facial surgery in the past or plan to in the near future, the specialist must be informed as this can affect your Botox treatment)
- pregnant or nursing or planning to get pregnant; while there are no clear studies that Botox may be unsafe for pregnant women, your specialist will advise you to have your Botox treatment after the baby is born
Once this is accomplished, you and the specialist will discuss which areas of your face will be given Botox treatment. He or she will give you expert advice on where and how much Botox will be given to you.
The Big Day
It will be quick and easy, taking no more than 20 minutes. During this time, your specialist will verify what was discussed during the initial appointment. Then, he or she will identify and carefully mark the areas for treatment, which will be cleaned with a mild cleanser. Ice or a numbing cream may be applied if your threshold for pain is low.
A narrow, micro-needle will be used to inject the Botox directly into the facial muscles that have been marked. The number of injections you will get largely depends on the areas you have requested to be treated. If there is swelling, ice and pressure may be applied to the injected areas to reduce swelling.
