Botox is a widely used procedure that helps rejuvenate your skin and restore a youthful glow. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing your facial balancing.
Aside from its smoothing wrinkles properties, Botox also helps treat conditions like hyperhidrosis, neck spasms, cervical dystonia, muscle contractures, and lazy eye. The FDA also approves it for these conditions.
However, before the procedure, you should find out if you qualify for Botox treatment. Wondering if you qualify? Let’s find out.
Who Should Get Botox?
Healthy people with no history of neuromuscular diseases like myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis are suitable candidates for the treatment.
Breastfeeding or pregnant women, people below the age of 25, and those with neurological diseases should not get Botox to avoid possible adverse risks.
Is Botox Safe?
Botox is a drug made from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. This toxin is the same life-threatening toxin that causes botulism, a rare illness that severely weakens the muscles and threatens the nervous system.
Medical professionals use Botox in minuscule doses to achieve anti-aging effects. The treatment is perfectly safe because the small amount of the neurotoxin paralyzes muscles or blocks certain nerves without imparting the toxin’s lethal effects.
How Long Does Botox Last?
The effects of Botox can last anywhere from three to twelve months, depending on the type of Botox you use and the intensity.
Your wrinkles and fine lines will disappear because Botox prevents nerves from releasing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions.
Is Botox Suitable for Sensitive Skin?
If you have muscle weakness in the area where you need Botox or have thick skin, a Botox injection may not be suitable for you.
Similarly, you may experience an allergic reaction to Botox if you have sensitive skin. However, getting an allergy test can help you check if you’re allergic to Botox.
If you are allergic to the ingredients in Botox or taking aminoglycoside antibiotics, you should not undergo the treatment.
Who Shouldn’t Use Botox?
Botox is perfectly safe when used for a variety of cosmetic procedures and addresses a variety of disorders. But some people may still be at risk if they use them. These include the following:
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People Allergic to Botox
Botox does not cause life-threatening or long-term complications. You may also experience adverse side effects that can be treated if you share your medical history.
People hypersensitive to the drug report itching, wheezing, feeling dizzy, and swelling in the face, tongue, throat, and lips. Some other side effects include:
- Bruising
- Infection pain at the injection site
- Slight redness
- Some other serious effects include:
- Headaches
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness or nausea
- Increased risk of respiratory infections
- Eye dryness or excessive tearing
- Droopy eyelids
- Malaise.
You should immediately contact your medical practitioner if you have an allergic reaction to Botox, like severe dizziness or trouble breathing.
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Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
Animal testing has shown fetal abnormalities in mice who were exposed to Clostridium botulinum. As a result, medical experts advise against getting Botox during pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
So, if you’re looking to get Botox during pregnancy or when breastfeeding, wait till you stop lactating and your hormones settle down to get one. The good news is pregnancy brings a natural glow, so you won’t have to take additional measures to restore your youthful glow.
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People with Neuromuscular Disorders
Neuromuscular disorders include various diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system that connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. They cause progressive muscle weakness.
An example of a neuromuscular disorder is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is a very rare neurological disease that affects the neurons responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement.
Other examples include the Lambert-Eaton syndrome or myasthenia gravis, which can be aggravated by using Botox. So, you should avoid Botox if you suffer from these problems.
Botox can also trigger pre-existing muscle weakness. Patients exposed to low doses of the toxin report experiencing respiratory issues and facial movement difficulties like dysphagia and difficulty swallowing.
People with other breathing conditions, such as emphysema or asthma, are also recommended to avoid Botox.
What Other Options Do You Have Besides Botox?
Some people may avoid Botox due to medical conditions, while others may find the expenses far too daunting and not worth it.
Whatever your reason, you can opt for other treatments and remedies to enhance your skin. The results might not be as effective as Botox, but there are several alternatives that you can consider, such as:
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Acupuncture
Blood circulation and oxygen regulation are promoted through fine needles during the procedure.
The needle movement encourages collagen production and promotes elastic fiber growth, resulting in a healthier complexion and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
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Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are less painful and quicker when compared to Botox. They promote collagen production by creating microscopic skin-sized wounds in pixelated patterns.
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Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are often used for acne, but they are an excellent choice to reduce fine lines. Chemical solutions like glycolic acid help remove the top layers of the skin, leaving a youthful glow behind.
Our Medical Spa Services
If you’re wondering whether or not Botox is the right treatment for you, visiting our skin specialists can help. We can help you analyze your available options so you can choose the procedure that suits you best.
Our consultation team provides aesthetical treatments specifically tailored to your skin requirements and gives long-lasting results. If you are interested in getting a liquid rhinoplasty but have one of the symptoms or skin problems described above, you should explore your choices with qualified medical specialists at Aesthetica medical spa.