Botox is the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure globally with over 6 million injections used in 2019 alone. Although we all know that ‘’black don’t crack’’ knock on wood. At a certain point, everyone will need some help in keeping away the ravages of gravity. While Botox is relatively new in Nigeria it is gaining popularity among women of a certain, ahem age.
So if you are considering getting some Botox to find out what is fact or fiction.
What is Botox?
Botox is a toxin made from Botulinum Toxin which comes from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It causes paralysis of the muscles removing wrinkles (crow’s feet, frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead creases)
Benefits using Botox
You look younger
Botox is useful in reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles which form as a result of facial movements like laughing or frowning. These are especially common around the forehead, eyes and lips.
No anaesthesia required
Botox does not need anaesthesia because it’s an injection you only feel a small pinch during the treatment.
No downtime required
Botox is an out of office procedure which means you don’t need to take any time off from work or do anything special to aid in recovery. This means you can pop in get your Botox and get go back to work.
Visible within days
Once Botox is complete, it takes a few days for you to see the full results and the lines and wrinkles around your eyes will disappear.
It looks natural
Botox tends to give a more natural look because there is no foreign object added to your skin, you are still able to have natural facial expressions. Another perk is that there is progressive improvement the more Botox injections you use.
Botox is safe
Botox has been extensively tested and is approved for use so you don’t have to worry about your safety.
Can reduce the appearance of pores
Botox may have a tightening effect on pores reducing pore size and making make-up look better.
Side effects
While Botox tends to have minimal side effects which include:
- Minor swelling or bruising at the injection site which disappears in a few hours
- Migraines, nausea, double vision
- General malaise- generally feeling unwell.
- Droopy eyelid or brow ptosis (drooping of your eyelids)
- Paralysis of nearby muscles
- Trouble swallowing
- A weakness of the lower eyelid or lateral rectus
- Antibody resistance makes that make subsequent treatments ineffective
Other uses of Botox
Apart from treatment or prevention of wrinkles, Botox treats conditions like
- Hyperhidrosis -excessive sweating which is a major issue for some people
- Chronic migraines by blocking the release of chemicals that transmit pain.
- Muscular disorders -crossed eyes, blepharospasm ( eyelid spasm), severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms
- Detrusor (bladder wall muscle) overactivity – which causes urinary incontinence.
Procedure
Botox is administered by injecting it directly into the area takes 24-72 hours to take effect but in rare rare circumstances may take as long as 5 days. The treatment takes about 10 – 15 minutes.
Aftercare
- Do not rub the injection site 2-4 hours following treatment.
- Do not exercise or do any activities that will cause you to sweat for the remainder of the day
- Do not lie down or lean forward for 2-4 hours after treatment.
- Avoid any form of facial treatment or massage to reduce the risk of spread to adjacent muscles where it might cause the eyelid to droop
How much Botox do you need?
The amount of Botox you need depends on the area, the depth and the severity of the wrinkles. Here are some guidelines for the average number of units needed.
Who should not use Botox
- Anyone under age 18,
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Anyone with a previous allergic reaction to the Botox
- If you have any bleeding disorders or are taking drugs that affect bleeding time,
When should you get Botox?
It depends. While most patients typically start using Botox at age 30, some people start as early as the mid-20s. Botox can be preventative when you start in your 20’s so that the wrinkles do not form but is not necessary before then. It should also be done with caution in your 20’s because excessive use can cause your muscles to atrophy making you look even older.
Cost
Botox is charged per unit and averages around $10 to $20, so you need about $300 to $500 which translates to N110,00 to 183,00 for one area.
Where can you get it?
Abuja:
Lagos
- B natural spa
- Laserderm Clinics
- Belfiore clinic
- Granville medical and Laser
- Oasis Medspa
- Bel Fiore Medical
- Skye aesthetics
- Skinsholema aesthetics
If you want to learn about less invasive ways to keep the signs of ageing at bay for longer the read the Retinol the beginner’s guide 1 and Retinol the beginners Guide 2. As well as the 5 BEST ANTIOXIDANTS FOR ANTIAGING AND BRIGHTENING. If you would like to learn about my experiences in the spa I recommended you can read about my DERMAPLANING EXPERIENCE IN ABUJA, MY CHEMICAL PEEL EXPERIENCE and ELECTROLYSIS THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY.
If this was helpful or you have any questions leave a comment below and follow me on social media
My mom has been hoping to find a way to decrease her wrinkles but still look natural. I loved learning that Botox gives you a more natural look and allows you to have natural facial expressions. I will suggest to my mom that she look into getting Botox injections to help reduce her wrinkles.
Author
Please do ,when well done they make a differene and you still look like yourself
Great Post! Thanks for sharing.
Author
You are welcome