When some people hear the word Botox, their minds immediately start pulling up images of celebrity treatments gone horribly wrong, their formerly-fresh faces now frozen into perpetual single expressions. While it’s hard to ignore the mishaps and the media frenzy that tends to follow those stories of botched Botox jobs, the reality is that Botox, when used properly, is actually a safe and effective method of transforming the skin into a more youthful version of itself. Furthermore, the fact that Botox has actually been around for some time already should serve as proof that it must actually work well for some people.
Unfamiliar with the ins and outs of Botox? That’s not surprising. Although plenty of people are aware of Botox as a general concept, many don’t quite understand how it works. Botox is a purified protein that, when injected, can reduce the activity of the muscles that cause frown lines to form over time. Within several days of receiving treatment, Botox can relax your muscles, resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin. The effects of a single Botox treatment can last up to four months, though many people tend to try to feed their Botox addictions sooner (hence the aforementioned frozen facial fiascos).
While this particular treatment has certainly been around for awhile, there have been some changes in the world Botox over the years. Santo Criscuolo is the owner of Ambrosia Medspa, a Seattle-area facility offering the finest in skin-care products and rejuvenation techniques. According to Criscuolo, the primary change in the world of Botox involves people’s general attitude towards it. While the procedure itself is pretty much the same (come in, get injected, and go home), Botox is considered far more acceptable on a social level. In fact, Botox used to be reserved for people – particularly women – in the 30- to 80-year-old age group. However, these days, more and more people in their twenties are getting Botox as a means of wrinkle prevention.
Along these lines, the number of people who are using Botox today is actually quite staggering. In fact, Botox used to be associated with the adage that “everyone will notice but nobody will know.” While that still might be true, these days, more and more people are not only getting Botox, but openly talking about getting it.
Another development in the world of Botox is that medical spa professionals are getting better and better at it over time. Botox injections are actually an art form in and of themselves, and the more experience one has with giving the treatment, the better the results are likely to be. Since Botox has been around for such a long time already, new clients can reap the benefits of experienced injectors who know what they’re doing now more so than ever.
These days, more specific training materials are available for Botox administrators looking to improve their technique. Details such as “how many units of the drug to use” and “what angle to place the needle at” can make the difference between a job well done and a treatment session that barely reaches “mediocre” status. Finally, these days, Botox administrators are simply better able to analyze people’s faces and recommend different degrees of the treatment accordingly. The result is a more seamless, effective series of Botox treatments that a variety of clientele can enjoy.
If you’ve been considering Botox but have hesitated due to the stigma or your own personal concerns, then know that now, more so than ever, is a great time to look into treatment. And remember, just because celebrities tend to walk around sporting the look of botched Botox doesn’t mean that your face will ever meet a similar fate.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
