In 2005, Botox was number one in cosmetic procedures with 3.8 million treatments reported. Botox is used widely as an injection treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, deep forehead furrows and for marked armpit perspiration. Botox works well on wrinkles, typically reducing them by about 80%. In addition, science is busy determining its uses for TMJ (temporomandibular joint disease), arthritis, migraines and BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
Why is Botox so Popular?
Compared to other cosmetic procedures, Botox is FDA approved, cheap, quick, and minimally invasive. It is done as an outpatient procedure with only a topical numbing agent to minimize needle prick pain. There is no recovery time and results are evident within in one week. They last about 3-5 months.
The cost per Botox treatment is between $125 and $400. Treatment costs vary widely based on region, the doctor and how much treatment you require.
It is important that not all cosmetic surgeons are created equal. A lot of doctors inject Botox, but not everybody has the experience necessary to give you the best effect and minimize your risk of side effects. Even though they cost more, it is worth it to see a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for your injections.
What is the True Cost of Botox?
While Botox may be all that is written above, there are some hidden costs associated with Botox. The most obvious is that the results are not long lasting. Depending on your results, you need to plan on additional treatments to maintain the effect.
Talk with your doctor about the appropriate dosage that is needed to reduce wrinkles, how often it will need to repeated achieve and maintain the effect you desire.
After computing the running total you will spend on Botox injections, you may find it just as or more beneficial to have a surgical procedure in lieu of years of Botox injections. The results may or may not last longer, and the cost may be comparable. Only you can determine this, in consultation with a doctor, for your own situation.
Some patients do report side effects to the injections, including flu-like symptoms, pain and redness at injection sites. Sometimes, patients experience a drooping muscle at the injection site. Even though the FDA has approved the drug for cosmetic reasons, Botox now carries a black box labeling to warn of potentially life threatening complications if the toxin spread beyond the injection site.
In addition, patients that smoke or take certain medications may experience drug interactions. Talk with your doctor about your own particular situation and risk assessment.
In addition to Botox, your doctor may prescribe additional therapies to fight the signs of aging. These could include collagen, fat, or Restylane fillers. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing, all of which can cost thousands of dollars, may be recommended in addition to Botox injections. These possibilities are important to keep in mind when considering Botox injections for wrinkle and aging treatment.