Let’s face it, we all want to grow old with grace, and attempting to keep signs of ageing at bay is nothing new. But it appears today that more people than ever are hunting for the latest way to achieve this. One of the tried and tested techniques when it comes to fighting signs of ageing is Botox injections, or Botulinum toxin-A to give it its full title.
But why has Botox stood the test of time? Why do so many celebs swear by it and is there such a thing as too much Botox? This article will answer those questions and give you everything you need to know about Botox including how Botox can enhance your appearance without overdoing it.
What are the effects of Botox?
In the majority of cases, Botox face injections are used to enhance our appearance. It’s often seen as a combatant to signs of aging due to its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This is why many people choose to get Botox in the forehead and between their eyebrows as administering Botox here reduces the appearance of what are known as frown lines, the wrinkly lines that appear when we contract our forehead muscles.
Aside from our foreheads, other areas you can receive Botox include:
- Under/around the eyes
- Top of the nose
- Around mouth
- Chin
- Neck
- Jaw
While receiving Botox in these areas can aid you in your desire to grow old gracefully, this isn’t the only reason why people turn to Botox. Many people aren’t aware that Botox treatment can aid several medical conditions too. For example, Botox is often used as a treatment by those who suffer from chronic migraines. Research suggests that Botulinum Toxin treats headaches by interrupting the pathway of pain transmission.
Other medical conditions that can be treated by Botox injections include:
- Excessive sweating
- Overactive bladder
- Involuntary muscle spasms
- Uncontrollable blinking
- Crossed eyes
How to enhance appearance without overdoing it
Despite the many benefits of Botox, both cosmetic and medical, there is such a thing as too much Botox. If you’re considering Botox injections for their anti-ageing benefits, then you will need to consider a few factors to ensure you don’t overdo it.
How often should you have Botox?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should receive Botox. The answer will depend on your age, your condition and also your desired look. Botox results will vary depending on several factors, such as exercise, facial expression, alcohol consumption and smoking etc. Everybody is different and you’ll need to get to know your own body to determine exactly when to return for more Botox.
How much Botox should you have?
Again, the amount of Botox injected will depend on the individual as well as the area where it is being injected. Some parts of our face require higher amounts of Botox to see results, while some require less. Gary Ross, an experienced UK cosmetic surgeon, states that a typical Botox dosage is between 20 and 55 units.
If you’re looking to treat forehead lines, as low as 10 units may be enough. In areas like the neck, the amount of botox injected would be at the upper end of the scale, closer to 50 units.
When do you know enough is enough?
If you’re using Botox to enhance your appearance, it’s crucial to know when your face has received the right amount of Botox. Too much Botox could have negative consequences on your appearance. Signs of too much Botox include overarching eyebrows and an immobile face.
Similarly, if you endure any swelling or bruising after receiving Botox injections, it’s worth consulting a doctor or health practitioner. This may be due to an adverse reaction or it could be a sign that you’ve received too much Botox.
Aside from these side effects, you may also find yourself fighting flu-like symptoms like muscle weakness or even problems with your bladder.
Alternatives to Botox
Botox is a great option for enhancing your appearance as you age, but the side effects mentioned may put you off. It’s worth noting that there are alternatives to Botox. These include treatments such as microneedling, dermal fillers, and face lifting.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why celebrities such as Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, and Kim Kardashian have admitted to having Botox treatment. In a nutshell, it works, it’s relatively pain-free and it’s considered a safe treatment by most. Despite this, it all depends on what you want to achieve from Botox treatment and also your overall health.
Finally, you should only ever consider Botox treatment from a qualified surgeon. If you want to discuss Botox treatment or other alternatives, contact us today and one of our team will be able to talk you through your options.
