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Is Botox A Real Wonder? If Not Then What Are Your Options?

June 3, 2020 | Fashion & Beauty | By Jason Reid

Botulinum toxins, popularly known as Botox is the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatment in the United States. It is a drug made from a toxin produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, last year, people received more than seven million botulinum type A injections, 2% more than the number that did in 2016.

This is proof that a lot of people love Botox. Well, why not? It can reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles by essentially paralyzing muscles by blocking certain nerves and preventing them from contracting. Asides from its cosmetic use, Botox can be used for the treatment of various medical problems such as an overactive bladder, excessive underarm sweating, lower limb spasticity, and chronic migraines.

Many senior women use it to remove their facial wrinkles and fine lines around the eye, helping them feel more confident and younger. In as much as Botox does the job and gives the desired result, is it healthy for use by seniors? Does it have side effects on seniors?

Side Effects of Botox Usage in Seniors

Botox is approved by the FDA as a simple, safe, and effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles around the eye and forehead. Nonetheless, minor bruising or discomfort may occur but should improve within a few days. Some other side effects may include:

Tiredness
Headache
Neck pain
Swelling in the eyelid area
Double vision
Dry eyes
Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or asthma symptoms.

Since seniors are more likely to have thinner and less elastic skin, weaker facial muscles, and wrinkles caused by gravity-induced tissue sagging, seniors are not expected to respond to botox as well as young people.

When seniors use Botox, the site of injection is warrants special consideration and should be done carefully. Seniors are also more susceptible to bruises from Botox treatment because of their delicate skin. The risk of bruising is even higher among patients taking medication like vitamin E, aspirin, and non steroidal inflammatory drugs that inhibit blood clotting.

What Other Options Can Seniors Look into

Asides the fact that Botox is a toxin and is delivered via a needle. You can save a dollar or two using other alternatives that will also give you the desired result. Some alternatives to Botox include

Frownies: There are one of the best natural alternatives to Botox. They are little patches of natural Kraft papers applied in the skin that temporarily freezes the muscle movements that cause wrinkles. It is very affordable.
Frotox: This is a 20-minute procedure that involves placing a device filled with liquid nitrogen beside the nerves that control wrinkle-causing muscles. Unlike Botox that takes a while, the effect of this procedure is seen immediately and lasts up to four months.
Retinol: This is a powerhouse anti-aging ingredient that helps address fine lines and wrinkles with any downtime. You don’t even need to leave your house to use it.

When trying to get rid of wrinkles and fine lines, be sure to use products that work best for you.