Guide for a Beginner: What Age to Start Botox Injections, Side Effects, Cost Per Sitting, Treatment
By Contributor: Dr. Sirisha Singh
Almost all women and most men have thought about the botulinum toxin at one time or the other. The word Botox has become synonymous with anti-ageing or the process of slowing down the effects of age on the skin. The truth about ageing is that it is a relentless process and greatly reduces our self confidence and self esteem. Today, we look at botulinum toxin- when to start getting the injections, how many botox injections are required, how often the injections need to be carried out and also what the possible side effects are, how much does the botox treatment cost in India. This post will answer all your queries.
When to start getting the Botox injections?
There are many myths associated with botulinum toxin. Many people have told me, we will start the injection when we turn 50 or 60 years. Truth is that everyone ages at a different rate and everyone ages differently. Some people do not develop wrinkles till very late in life whilst some women have wrinkles even in their early 20’s.
We all get lines on our face when we make expressions. For eg, we all develop vertical lines in between the eyebrows when we frown. With time, these lines become permanently etched on the face and are present regardless of whether or not we frown. The ideal time to start botulinum toxin injections would be before the lines become permanent. So, if we have deep lines when we make expressions but have no or minimal lines without expression, the time is right for starting the botulinum toxin injections. So, depending upon how your face ages, you may start the injections at anytime, even as early as in the 20’s.
How many injections are required?
This depends upon the number of areas being targeted. Multiple injections of small volumes are given. The worry about the multiple injections is the pain associated. This pain can be greatly minimised by using a numbing gel prior to the injections. Using ice and cooling the skin also reduces the pain.
How often do I need to get the injections?
The effects of botulinum toxin lasts for about 4-6 months. Some areas like the crows feet tend to reappear in 4 months. The frown complex, that is the vertical lines between the eyebrows tend to reappear much later. Typically in the upper face, most people need the injections every 6 months.
What are the possible side effects of Botox Treatment?
Botulinum toxin injections have been licensed for aesthetic use since 1984. So far, no severe side effects have been reported. There is some pain during the process of injecting. There may be some redness and bumpiness which usually lasts for a few hours. Very occasionally, there develops a bruise which leaves a blue mark which fades in about a week. If injected in the wrong area, there may be some drooping of the eyebrows or in the lower face, there may be an asymmetrical smile. These are however very rare side effects.
Will my face look plastic?
Many people have huge concerns about looking very artificial or plastic. It is true, that botulinum relaxes the muscles of the face. One is therefore unable to use their muscles of facial expression. This is desirable as it makes the face look relaxed and at ease. The doctor decides how many units are to be injected based on your expectations. Higher number of units leaves the face with minimal expressions but the effects also last longer. If you wish to have a natural look, fewer units may be used but you will need to be prepared for more frequent injections.
I am a regular person, not really in bollywood.
It is about enhancing your facial beauty. By reducing the lines and wrinkles on the face and enhancing your facial appearance, it can greatly increase your self confidence and self esteem. Many regular people totally unrelated to bollywood get injections on a regular basis. You will be surprised by the number of friends in your circle who get these.
How much will it cost in India?
Most people are pleasantly surprised when they hear the cost. The crows feet would cost about Rs.6000 a session. Given that it needs to be repeated in 6 months, that translates to Rs.1000 a month. This often is much lesser than the amount of money one would spend on a facial. The upper face including the frown complex, crow’s feet and forehead would cost Rs.15,000 to Rs.18,000 per session.
Dr. Sirisha Singh is a renowned Dermatologist & Cosmetologist practising in Delhi. She leads the Dermatology and Cosmetology services at The Skin Centre.
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