According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox has been the number one cosmetic procedure performed in the United States for a few years now. In 2013 alone, over 6.3 million people had the procedure, and those numbers continue to rise and are expected to continue over the next few years. With so many people choosing Botox to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, you may be asking yourself if you should be one of them. Before you make the decision, consider these four things.
Your Age
Most people start seeing a few lines and wrinkles anytime between their late twenties and mid thirties, though each person ages differently, and lifestyle can slow or speed up the signs of aging. This is also a common time for people to try their first Botox injections. If you are younger, you may not see any signs of aging, so you could wait a few years, though some people in their early to mid twenties choose to use Botox as a preventative method. If you are in your forties, fifties, or sixties, the procedure can definitely help give you a more youthful appearance.
Your Overall Health
Many people believe they cannot get Botox because of a variety of health issues. The truth is that the procedure may have absolutely not effect on those issues. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor about your concerns. In some cases, Botox can actually help improve health problems like incontinence, migraines, arthritis, and excessive sweating.
How You Feel About Your Appearance
If you feel poorly about your appearance, you may find that it is having a major effect on your life. Perhaps you have stopped seeing friends and family members. Maybe you stopped dating or no longer feel comfortable around your significant other. Botox can help. Many people assume that in order to improve the signs of aging, they need to have surgery to fix it. That could not be further from the truth. Botox procedures take 15 minutes to perform. The results last for about 3 to 4 months, and if you like them, you can continue.
Safety Concerns
If you are concerned that Botox is not safe, you can worry no more. The Food and Drug Administration approved the procedure for the treatment of lines and wrinkles in 2002. For a long time, it seemed as if only celebrities were doing it, but these days, you might be surprised to learn just who you know that has it done. As long as you choose a medical professional who has been trained and licensed to give Botox injections, you will be in good hands.