The Pros and Cons of Choosing Botox
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According to IBISWorld, the U.S. offers more than 85,000 plastic surgeons. Many of these doctors provide treatments involving Botox and not just to treat wrinkles. Doctors use Botox to treat several conditions, including lazy eye, eye twitching, excessive sweating, chronic migraine, bladder dysfunction, wrinkles, and more. Let’s consider the pros and cons of using this treatment for any of the above FDA-approved uses and how to find out if it could work for you.
Pros of Using Botox
Botox can create subtle changes over a year when the doctor uses smaller amounts and slowly builds the effect of the treatment. That means a person can avoid having people think, “Oh, they had work done.” Its effects last for a few months at a time, typically about four months.
The temporary effects mean a person can use Botox to get ready for a big event, like their wedding, then stop. More than 90% of residents of the U.S. and other Western countries marry before age 50. Those who wait might use Botox to look younger in their wedding photos.
Unlike medication that you take orally, if a person decides to stop using Botox, it does not cause any withdrawal issues. It also comes with few treatment risks and few side effects. Those who use it need to find a reputable doctor to administer the shots though, since inappropriate administration can cause a constantly surprised look on the face of the patient or a frown until the Botox wears off.
Botox offers a convenient medical treatment with no downtime. Unlike dental appointments, Botox injections take only minutes to administer. Between 50% and 75% of people need orthodontic treatment, but those appointments can take hours and require frequent visits. A Botox treatment typically costs between $250 and $1,000.
Cons of Using Botox
Unlike surgery, Botox offers an injectable medication that treats many conditions. As it’s a medicine, the patient must undergo periodic treatment. That means spending at least $250 every four to six months on the drug.
Every patient differs, so some don’t have the immediate results they desire. It may take a follow-up treatment two weeks after the initial treatment to create the appropriate results. For others, it may take a few treatments over the course of a year to obtain the desired results.
Health insurance may not cover the use of the drug for cosmetic use. Most individuals pay out of pocket for Botox to treat wrinkles. Medical insurance usually covers the medical uses of the drug, such as bladder dysfunction or spasticity.
Would Botox Work for You?
If you have received a diagnosis of lazy eye, eye twitching, bladder dysfunction, excessive sweating, spasticity, or migraines, ask your primary care physician if Botox could be right for you. For those individuals who want a younger look that erases some of the deep lines of middle age, Botox could provide the right treatment for you. This non-surgical option allows a person to gradually alter their appearance back to their original aesthetic.
Carefully choose the provider for your Botox injections. In some states, only a doctor can provide these treatments. In other states, an esthetician may administer the injections. Always choose an experienced, licensed, and certified individual to administer these shots.
Botox can help with an array of medical conditions and with facial aesthetics. Administered properly, it harmlessly erases wrinkles for a few months. A botched Botox treatment can result in a loss of facial expressions or a temporarily surprised look. Using an experienced medical doctor to administer the injections can alleviate many concerns and result in improved results. Regardless of whether you choose to invest in Botox or not, be sure to always do your own research and make informed decisions.
