Botox is a buzz word right now, and you’ve probably been seeing it everywhere. But what exactly is Botox? Before you make any judgements about Botox, take some time to learn more about the process, and find out all the pros and cons of this popular aesthetic treatment.

## What is Botox?
Botox is a neuromodulator that can weaken your muscles. Sounds scary? It’s not! Botox, a pure form of botulinum toxin, is perfectly safe in small doses. It’s FDA-approved to treat a range of aesthetic concerns. 

## Isn’t Botox a Brand Name?
Botox is actually trademarked by one company! Many other companies manufacture neuromodulators with botulinum toxin. Other FDA-approved neurotoxins include Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin. However, people often just say Botox when they refer to any of these products. Just like you might say Kleenex when you ask for a tissue, most people use the term Botox when talking about any of these products. 

## How Does Botox Work?
When the botulinum toxin is injected into your muscle, it relaxes the muscle. This muscle may move less, or even stop moving all together. When the muscle stops moving, your skin stays smooth, and doesn’t pucker or wrinkle as your muscles. However, when used correctly, Botox injections can have many health benefits. An important but lesser known piece of information about Botox is that Botox is actually just trademarked by one company -- there are many other brands of injections that contain the same or a similar “toxin.”

While there are pros and cons to Botox, it’s important to note that Botox is not objectively bad for you, it’s just up to you to make the decision that is right for you. Botox has multiple uses, including many cosmetic benefits and many medical ones. If either of those spark your interest, then read on for the pros and cons that you need to know about Botox and if you're interested in how to buy bnb, learn more!

# Cosmetic and Medical Benefits: The Pros You Need to Know
![iStock-1269150419.jpg](https://prd-persimmonlife-cms-api.s3.amazonaws.com/i_Stock_1269150419_f8bbcaaac6.jpg)
Botox has many cosmetic and medical benefits. Image courtesy of The Landing Dental Spa.

## Prevents Migraines and Other Conditions
While Botox often results in headaches shortly after the procedure (more on that later), it can actually prevent migraines in the long run. People with chronic migraines are often searching for the best solution -- and Botox could be one of them. Botox has recently been found to reduce the frequency of chronic migraines. Chronic migraines are classified as having headaches more than 15 days a month for three straight months or longer. Considering that frequency, Botox for chronic migraines could be life changing for many people.

You are going to want someone with a lot of experience, no matter what the reason is for your procedure, but especially if it is for a medical reason. Try seeing a headache specialist or neurologist.

Just a few of the many other conditions that Botox helps include:
- Crossed eyes
- Excessive sweating/body odor
- Chronic pain (possibly in the neck and shoulders)
- Overactive bladder

If you have been struggling to find an effective treatment for any of these or other medical conditions, maybe talk to your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of Botox for your personal situation. It could be right for you, and it can’t hurt to do a little more research!

## Prevents Wrinkles
![iStock-1283519487.jpg](https://prd-persimmonlife-cms-api.s3.amazonaws.com/i_Stock_1283519487_625ff79c06.jpg)
Preventing or reducing the prominence of wrinkles is a common use for Botox. Image courtesy of Heavenly Plastic Surgery.

Botox is known for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, especially wrinkles and frown lines in the forehead. However, it's actually great for preventing wrinkles, too. Botox has become more popular among younger patients (mid-20s) to delay the formation of wrinkles later on. Botox can be effective even later in life, too.

## Temporary Procedure
Botox usually only lasts between three and six months, so if you decide it’s not for you, that’s totally fine! The skin will eventually return to its original state on its own. However, a caveat of a temporary procedure can be the costs adding up. If Botox is something you are seriously considering, and it helps you with a cosmetic or medical condition, it’s definitely a financial investment.
If you are interested in a more long-lasting solution, you may want to look into dermal fillers. Like Botox, dermal fillers remove wrinkles, as well as soften scars and plump lips. They can last up to two years, but this makes them more expensive. It’s all about weighing these pros and cons for yourself.

# Cons
![iStock-1346129528.jpg](https://prd-persimmonlife-cms-api.s3.amazonaws.com/i_Stock_1346129528_7997be7bdd.jpg)
 
While Botox is considered extremely safe, there are often some painful, but temporary side effects. Image courtesy of Harcourt Health.

## Cost
Of course, as mentioned, the cost of Botox is quite steep, especially if it becomes a regular treatment for you -- most people need theirs redone every few months. Depending on the amount injected, Botox can cost between $250 and $1500. It can be quite the financial investment, but ultimately that depends on your healthcare provider.
This also depends on how many units of Botox you will need -- your doctor will determine how many units you need, depending on why you are getting the procedure and what you are looking to get out of it. On average, 40-60 units are injected at a time.

## Allergic Reaction
This is one of the most concerning effects of Botox, as it can cause irritation and trouble breathing, as well as overall discomfort post-procedure. If you are considering Botox injections, you also need to consider and make your doctor aware of pre-existing medical conditions, including any allergies.
General discomfort post-procedure -- such as headaches -- are to be expected, but anything that seems concerning or like it could be an allergic reaction should be taken into consideration.

## Painful Side Effects
![iStock-1306649406.jpg](https://prd-persimmonlife-cms-api.s3.amazonaws.com/i_Stock_1306649406_7e034a0aaf.jpg)

Botox has many benefits, but also comes with side effects that can be painful, such as headaches. Image courtesy of American Migraine Foundation.

While allergic reactions are rare and extreme side effects of Botox, there are plenty of minor, albeit somewhat painful side effects that are more common with the procedure. Side effects of botox to look out for include:
- Headaches
- Bruising
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Redness
- Temporary facial drooping

Overall, Botox is considered safe and these symptoms are highly likely to be temporary. Any other symptoms such as allergic reactions or trouble breathing -- which again, are very rare reactions -- should be taken seriously. Make sure to consult with your doctor about the risks that Botox could potentially pose.

As you can see, when Botox is done by professionals in the appropriate doses, there are little to no risks. However, the risks that Botox can pose are very personal to you -- make sure to consider them or consult a doctor before going for it. Overall, Botox is a quick and easy process. For any further questions, contact Dr. Wakim today!


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