Botox has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many celebrities and even people you may know in real life going under the needle. Where once upon a time people who chose to get Botox might have been quiet about it, nowadays it's a common and widely accepted procedure for those trying to give their face a little refresh.

Botox can be done for a variety of medical reasons, or for cosmetic reasons. Typically, people want to get Botox done to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles in the face. However, Botox is also a medical treatment for migraines, nerve disorders, muscle spasms, and overactive bladder. Botox is also known as onabotulinumtoxinA, and its a method of action is by blocking nerve activity. It might sound crazy to inject your face with a toxin. However, it is relatively safe when done properly, and has become an incredibly popular procedure.

If you are looking to get Botox done for cosmetic reasons, it's important you find a good practitioner. It is also good to inform yourself fully about the procedure before you make your choice.

How to Get Botox and How it Works

Botox is made from the botulinum toxin. This toxin freezes the nerves, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Botox is delivered via a needle, and it does hurt. As far as it's efficacy, Botox does not completely erase wrinkles. What it does do is relaxes and freezes the muscles, which smooths their appearance.

Botox doesn't last forever and wears off over time. It should last approximately 3-5 months in the right conditions (you do have to take care of yourself to keep the effects looking fresh).

After you first get it done, there may be some bruising, or splotchy skin. In this article for Cosmopolitan, Samantha Freedman describes feeling a minor headache after getting the procedure done. In that same piece, she describes that the effects are not immediate and get stronger over the course of a week or two. At this point, the full effect will be apparent.

Aftercare

After you get Botox done it is recommended that you don't overexert yourself afterward. This includes exercise or overheating. Additionally, you're supposed to be gentle with your face, which should be easy considering it may hurt or be tender afterward.

Botox is fairly safe. However, it's important to find a practitioner that knows what they are doing. There can be side effects in some cases. It's important to go easy with the Botox so that you don't end up looking too numb and expressionless. Getting it redone every 3 to 5 months when it wears off is probably your best bet. It is thought that doing it regularly has the best effects as the muscles will be frozen and the face won't have the chance for the lines and wrinkles to really dig in. This is also why some people start getting Botox in their twenties, as it may be more effective over time to do it this way than by trying to attack deep-set lines later on.

When getting Botox, it's important to keep in mind that the procedure can only do so much. It will not make lines and wrinkles completely vanish in all cases. Talk with your practitioner about what effect you are going for and whether it seems realistic. Botox is especially effective when it comes to smoothing light lines and wrinkles.

Botox can be a relatively safe and simple way to refresh your look

If you are thinking about getting Botox, make sure you read up on the process and think carefully about the results you want. If it seems like Botox will be a good fit, then do your homework when it comes to finding a practitioner to do it. Keep in mind the fact that it may hurt a little, and try and keep your expectations in check when getting it done.

Botox has become more and more popular with people because of the fact that it is fairly safe and effective. It's a series of injections, so it isn't as invasive as cosmetic surgery. Botox isn't just for vain ladies and celebrities; it's actually become a very common procedure across the board.

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