Discussing the health concerns of Botox treatment

With its ability to successfully reduce signs of aging, Botox has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States today. Because it offers such an appealing result, many people will often rush into the procedure without properly weighing the risks that are associated with it. Addressing your Botox concerns before committing to the operation is one of the best ways you can be responsible about your own health and well-being. To address the concerns associated with Botox treatment, you should first know what it is exactly.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Medical studies have shown that the toxin also has the ability to cause a fatal type of food poisoning known as botulism. However, most doctors believe that the toxin is safe in small doses as a means of treating facial wrinkles, underarm sweating, misaligned eyes, and other disorders.

The way Botox injections work is by essentially paralyzing the muscles in a specified area by blocking a select group of nerves. Since the effects of Botox treatment last only three to four months, some patients receive the injections as frequently as four times a year. Most doctors would not recommend use more often than four times a year, and many of them won't perform the procedure on patients who request to have the procedure done more often than this limit.

Botox injections also come with several side effects that patients should be well aware of before undergoing the procedure. These side effects may include pain during the operation, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and digestive complications. Facial Botox injections may also cause the eyelids to droop temporarily. The FDA warns against the use of Botox treatment for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Despite the side effects involved in the treatment and the possible dangers of overdoing it, the Mayo Clinic claims that the procedure is relatively safe when performed by a professional and experienced doctor. Because the doctor administering the operation can have such a tremendous affect on both its safety and efficacy, the Mayo Clinic also advises careful selection of your doctor to reduce as many negative side effects as possible. In most cases, it is recommended that you ask your primary care doctor for a professional recommendation of a doctor who specializes in the treatment.

Despite the attractive promise that the procedure promises, your health should always be a primary consideration when weighing the pros and cons of Botox treatment.

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