Botox® is a well known cosmetic dermatology treatment that is talked about all time, but do you really know what it is and what it does? One of the most important things you can do as a patient considering undergoing cosmetic surgery is understanding your options and understanding how the medications, techniques and procedures that your dermatologist may employ work.
First, if you are looking for the cosmetic dermatology treatment, you are looking for Botox® Cosmetic. Botox® is used to treat several medical conditions.
Botox® Cosmetic is a medication that is injected into the muscles of the face. It is particularly effective at reducing and improving the look of frown lines (whether they are moderate of severe) that often appear between the eyebrows. These wrinkles develop because of persistent flexing of the muscles in the forehead. After a certain point, the wrinkles remain even when the face is at rest.
Botox® Cosmetic is effective in patients anywhere from 18-65 years of age, but the treatment does only offer a temporary solution. After ceasing the treatment, frown lines may reappear. Some people use this as a treatment for existing wrinkles and others use Botox® Cosmetic as a preventative treatment. According to Botox® Cosmetic, over 11 million procedures have been performed on people across the United States. Botox® Cosmetic is both incredibly popular and safe and in fact, in a survey of more than 300 patients, 93% reported positive results and satisfaction with the treatment.
Botox® Cosmetic is extremely popular among women, but is quickly gaining ground with men as well, who are seeking a more youthful and approachable look. Deep frown lines impact men as well, which is likely why Botox® Cosmetic is the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure among men.
While most people associate Botox® only with cosmetic improvements, it is also actually used as a treatment for a number of medical conditions. It can be used to treat muscle stiffness in the arms, specifically in the elbows, wrists and fingertips. Botox® is also used to treat neck pain and abnormal head positioning in patients suffering from cervical dystonia. Botox® is also used to treat some eye muscle problems, specifically strabismus and blepharospasm.
Because Botox® Cosmetic is a medication, it is very important that you have it administered by a medical professional. A well regarded dermatology practice is always going to be your best bet. Be wary of great deals or of spas that offer this treatment – your safety is of paramount importance.
