Botox has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for facial rejuvenation in the world. It is most commonly used to remove wrinkles, crow’s feet, and the lines surrounding the mouth.
The treatment has a proven track-proven record for safe use and has been approved by Food and Drug Administration for facial enhancement. The treatment has also been shown to be effective in treating various other conditions, including chronic migraines, overactive bladder, and severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Studies indicate that over 11 million men and women have received this effective cosmetic injectable treatment across the globe.
However, before you finally decide to undergo the treatment, it is important to know if you are a good candidate for it.
Most plastic surgeons and dermatologists believe that you should be able to receive the treatment if;
Do you Have Visible Wrinkles or Are Concerned About Them
You are a good candidate for Botox if you have visible wrinkles and lines on the face’s upper half.
The age when people start noticing wrinkles varies as there are various lifestyle and physiological factors associated with it. Many men and women maintain their natural, youthful appearance into their late 30s and even early 40s. Many others don’t have even turned 25 when they start noticing the beginning of crow’s feet and frown lines. A great thing about Botox is that it not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles but can be used to prevent them from appearing in the first place.
If you do not have wrinkles and lines currently, take a look at the older people around you and observe where they developed wrinkles. Ask them when they first started noticing them. This will give you an idea of when you will most probably notice the signs of aging. By getting treatment ahead of time, you can ward them off significantly.
You are a Victim of Premature Aging
Botox is particularly a good treatment for those who begin showing signs of aging far earlier than they should have, despite having good skincare habits and a healthy lifestyle. Receiving this treatment is an excellent way to ensure that you do not look older than your age.
You Are Not Allergic to Cosmetic Injectable
While a wide majority of people are good candidates for getting this treatment, some people shouldn’t receive it because a similar cosmetic injectable had triggered an allergic reaction in them in the past.
Though allergic reactions to Botox are extremely rare, some people report symptoms like facial, lips, tongue, or throat swelling, hives, itching, and wheezing. Therefore, it is recommended to have an allergy test before receiving the treatment. The treatment is also not recommended for people who are allergic to cow’s milk protein.
Apart from allergic reactions, many people experience temporary symptoms like headache, eye dryness or excessive tearing, upset stomach, pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, numbness, and droopy eyelids after undergoing treatment. However, none of them needs a recovery time and gradually subsides on their own, which means you can return to your routine activities right after receiving the treatment.
You Are Not Pregnant and Do Not Breastfeed
Although there is no conclusive evidence that pregnant women should avoid using Botox, doctors advise against doing so to protect the health of the unborn child. This is largely because the treatment involves a small dose of a toxin that the experts believe could pose health risks for the child in the womb. The best time to receive for pregnant women is to receive Botox treatment once they stop breastfeeding.
Do Not Have a Neuromuscular Disorder
People suffering from a neuromuscular disorder like myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) are cautioned against using Botox. This is so because doctors believe that the drug may aggravate the condition of people who are already experiencing pre-existing muscle weakness.
Similarly, people experiencing severe respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing or swallowing or dysphagia and breathing conditions like emphysema or asthma are also advised to avoid the treatment.
Alternatives to Botox
Thankfully, for those who are not good candidates for Botox, there are several acceptable alternatives to consider. Some proven ways to treat facial wrinkles include;
- Other injectable treatments
- Vitamins
- Facial Creams
- Chemical Peels
- FaceXercise
- Acupuncture
- Face Patches
Final Words
Botox injections are largely safe and can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and smooth out frown lines and forehead creases. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate to receive it. According to most experts, ideal candidates for the treatment should be 18 years of age or older, in good physical health, and not pregnant or allergic to cosmetic injectables.
If you are concerned about whether or not you should receive the treatment, it is advisable to visit a clinic offering Botox near me or consult with an independent board-certified and licensed physician.
Your doctor will discuss your medical history and any specific circumstances and determine if the treatment can effectively meet your needs. If you are not a good candidate for the treatment, he or she may recommend you a Botox alternative that may be perfect for you.