Botox -- Or NOT? Benefits Outweigh the Risks for MeJan 22 '03 Write an essay on this topic.
Popular Products in Personal Care
The Bottom Line Botox Cosmetic is one product that works as promised, and also helps prevent wrinkles over the long term.
"There's nothing wrong with being 50, unless you're trying to be 25." That's one of my favorite lines from the Billy Wilder classic movie "Sunset Boulevard" as young script writer Joe Gillis packs his bags to leave the desperate, aging Norma Desmond -- right before she fires a few rounds at his back with her handy revolver. And it's true! I'm 46 and I don't want to be 25 again. I just want to hold on to 40 for as long as God, my finances and the Federal Drug Administration make it possible. For about 10 years before it's FDA approval as a wrinkle relaxor last year, Botox Cosmetic was being used by physicians and plastic surgeons to improve the appearance of their eager patients (like me), who will line up to have military grade neurotoxins injected in minute amounts to smooth their wrinkles. My Personal Experience -- No Misconceptions! The idea of using Botox to freeze your entire face and turn you into a drooling idiot who can't drink through a straw is great for sit-coms and Saturday Night Live, but the writers obviously don't know much about Botox. Botox is administered (usually by a physician) in a series of tiny little shots targeted to frown lines, forehead creases and crow's feet. Botox is rarely injected to any facial area below the eye line, and it doesn't totally paralyze every muscle. Eyebrow and forehead movement is still possible. Botox doesn't keep you from expressing yourself through your attractive facial movements. The treatment itself takes just a few minutes, and while it's a little uncomfortable (like pinpricks on your forehead or temples), it's fast and discomfort quickly subsides. Every physician I've had give me Botox (three, one of them twice for a total of four treatments in one year)has first put either an anesthetic creme or an ice pack on the treatment areas first. And I could probably do without them, I don't find the injections that painful. The Cost -- Averages $100 A Month for Me Depending upon where you live and state licensing requirements for professionals who can administer Botox, cost may vary considerably. In the Omaha market, you can expect to pay about $400 for a treatment that lasts about four months. And that's in the office of a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Prices can be substantially higher in other areas or by other providers. But beware of any advertised Botox prices lower than around $350 (comparison shop by calling board certified physicians first, then work down). Botox is priced by dilution, and some offices may "water down" their formula and the results won't last as long. Be sure to ask how long the treatment is expected to last when you ask the price. Side Effects -- None for Me, Maybe for You After four Botox treatments by three different physicians, I have yet to experience any side effects like bruising or lack of muscle control. That's one of the benefits of choosing a reputable and experienced physician. One of the physicians I have seen warns patients who are allergic to eggs about possible negative reactions to Botox (because Botox contains ambulem). However, this hasn't been the case at the offices of two equally reputable doctors. If you're allergic to eggs, however, be sure to ask. How Soon Do You See Results? To really see a noticable difference in wrinkle smoothing, you may have to wait up to two weeks -- the results improve as days go by! However, I can feel the Botox working within 24 to 48 hours, and see at least a little improvement almost that fast. One of the other benefits of having regular Botox treatments over a long period of time is that keeping the frowning and crow's feet muscles "frozen" causes them to atrophy just like any other muscles that aren't used. As time goes on, you may only need your Botox once or twice a year, or not at all. Is Botox Worth It? We all keep an eye on our purse strings these days, but when something is important to us and we believe it genuinely improves our appearance, we find a way to pay for it. About every six months, I spend $100 for a permanent. I color my own hair, and it's still healthy. I also do my own manicures and pedicures, as well as paraffin baths with my at-home unit. Most women probably spend about $100 a month on various beauty treatments or services, which isn't an extravagant amount (you probably spend that much without realizing it). For me, Botox is the best beauty buy for my dollar, and I'm willing to compromise on other luxuries so I can enjoy them. Think of what you might spend for a great night cream that doesn't do nearly as much for you -- and consider whether or not Botox is a good investment for you!  |
| Read all comments (17)|Write your own comment |
- Top 200
