Is Botox Right for Me? Top Pros and Cons

Botulinum toxin, or Botox as its best-known by, is used as part of a cosmetic procedure to remove fine lines and wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. It’s a neurotoxin that’s derived from Clostridium botulinum, something that’s found naturally in the environment where it is largely inactive and non-toxic.

Some of the latest statistics reveal that the popularity of Botox in the U.S. has significantly increased in recent years. There were over 7.2 million of the procedures performed in 2017, with more than a 40 percent increase over the previous five years. If you’re wondering if Botox is right for you, whether you’re thinking about Botox treatment in Scottsdale, Arizona or anywhere else, consider these top pros and cons to make the best decision.

Pros

Botox is temporary. If you get your first shot of Botox and decide you don’t like the effects or simply don’t want to continue treatment for any other reason, your skin will return to its original shape over time and will not be altered permanently.

It’s minimally invasive. Those who receive treatment can obtain a beautiful complexion with minimal fine lines or wrinkles around the mouth, neck and forehead without having to turn to surgical enhancements. It’s minimally invasive which means there is no downtime or worries about having to go under anesthesia.

The procedure is quick, and the results are nearly immediate. Administering Botox typically only takes about five to 10 minutes. When it’s administered correctly by a skilled expert, you’ll see results anywhere from just a couple hours to a couple of days.

Botox may reduce migraines. In addition to smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, some migraine sufferers who have undergone Botox procedures have found that they don’t have as many migraines, or they’re eliminated altogether.

Few health risks. Although pregnant women should not get Botox injections, they are relatively safe, with few health risks when performed by an experience doctor. Possible side effects are minimal, such as some swelling, bruising or pain at the site of the injection, eye dryness and some flu-like symptoms.

Cons

The results are temporary. While this is also a “pro,” for those who like the effects of Botox, temporary results are considered a “con.” One of the primary disadvantages is that it lasts for anywhere from two to eight months, which means to continue the effects you’ll have to get more injections when they begin to fade. You’ll need regular injections to remove lines and wrinkles for as long as you wish to experience the effects.

The cost. Botox is pricey, with the average area injection priced at just under $500, with the amount varying depending on location. In certain areas of the country, like California, they can be nearly $2,000. While there are lower quality versions, you get what you pay for, which could mean shelling out money and getting little if anything in return.

Bruising is likely. With nearly all Botox treatments, patients experience some bruising around the site injection that can be unsightly. The better news is that it usually only lasts for a day or two.