Botox has been known for its effectiveness in treating natural signs of aging even outside the beauty community. Even more, “Botox” has become a popular household name for rejuvenating injections, even those that, like dermal fillers, don’t contain botulinum toxin.
These facts illustrate the popularity of this treatment in a lot of countries, including the USA. But can this popularity be measured in hard figures? It can be, actually, and these numbers are pretty solid. Additionally, there are a few things worth knowing about Botox, and they are about to be further addressed in this post.
How Many Americans Choose Botox Treatment and Why?
Botox is an injectable liquid based on botulinum neurotoxin type A. When muscles contract, they enhance the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In its turn, Botox ensures muscle relaxation, thus reducing certain lines and wrinkles, as well as other signs of aging.
On average, the effects of Botox last for up to three to six months (12-24 weeks).
There are almost 5 million Botox shots made each year, with the number constantly increasing. The average cost of the procedure is approximately $300. However, it depends on the location, injection area, and many other factors.
Regular Botox injections are mostly received by people between the age of 40 and 60. In recent years, however, the median age of people who treat their skin with botulinum injections has lowered.
Still, doctors and plastic surgeons recommend not to be too hasty with most cosmetic treatments. Generally, people in their 20s, not to say teenagers, can stick to simply applying makeup when necessary.
Remarkably, more and more men become interested in Botox and filler procedures. The advantages that make Botox treatments attractive are:
- Botox reduces telltale signs of aging (crow’s feet, wrinkles on the forehead, and a line between eyebrows) and prevents future wrinkles as well;
- Unlike fillers, it can be helpful in dealing with migraines, excessive sweating, neck spasms, and other medical conditions;
- Botox isn’t plastic surgery, so it doesn’t have its drawbacks;
- A treatment session doesn’t take long – approximately 30 minutes. Then, a client is free to return to their daily life almost immediately.
What Are Potential Side Effects?
Botox typically causes mild to moderate skin reactions:
- Redness;
- Swelling;
- Pain;
- Bruising.
These symptoms are considered normal as long as they don’t get worse and vanish within approximately a week after a person is injected.
Other side effects of Botox include:
- Hypersensitivity (allergic response);
- Flu-like symptoms;
- Infection at the injection site;
- Pain in the muscles;
- Asymmetry;
- Headache;
- Lazy eye due to imbalance in muscles;
- Excessive tearing;
- Dry eyes;
- Botulism (very rarely).
While the majority of these reactions are perfectly manageable, it’s important to keep an eye on any suspicious symptoms and to keep in touch with a doctor.
Does FDA Consider Botox Injections Safe?
Botox has been considered a safe-to-use medicine by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1989, and in 2002 it was allowed to use it as an aesthetic treatment.
In 2009 the FDA published a warning that there is a certain risk of botulinum toxin shots spreading from the area of injection, causing severe side effects. While the FDA didn’t withhold its approval, this warning highlights the importance of the preliminary medical examination before undergoing cosmetic procedures.
In Conclusion
Botox is one of the time-tested aesthetic treatments millions of people keep opting for. The injections reduce the appearance of fine lines, mimic wrinkles, and crow’s feet, allowing a client to look much younger.
However, despite its overall safety, this treatment isn’t to be taken lightly. As with any other intramuscular shot, certain risks come alongside its benefits. It’s important not to administer Botox on your own but rather trust a board-certified plastic surgeon to do it for you. And, if you opt for its cosmetic use, it’s important to find a practitioner who underwent training in cosmetic surgery as well.
If Botox is used according to the instruction, you don’t have any contraindications, and the procedure is done by a professional, there’s hardly anything to worry about. This fact makes Botox extremely popular among Americans.
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