With social media constantly feeding us images of picture-perfect women, it’s little wonder why cosmetic procedures like botox are exploding in popularity.
In the UK, for example, botox and dermal fillers currently account for nine out of every ten cosmetic procedures.
They’re worth an estimated £2.75 billion per year.
In the US, on the other hand, the botox market will reach an eye-watering US$8,425.86 million by 2025.
These figures demonstrate the immense popularity of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, but they don’t answer whether or not Botox is right for you.
Below, we’ve rounded up the pros and cons of the cosmetic procedure and outline some natural, non-invasive alternatives…
Benefits
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of botox is cost. Rather than a facelift, which can set you back several thousand pounds, botox sessions can cost anywhere from £50 to £400 per session. That makes them more affordable than other procedures and accessible to everyone.
Speed is another benefit of the procedure, with the majority of patients able to notice the benefits of injections almost immediately.
In some circumstances, injections may take a day or two to start showing. But the often instantaneous feedback can make botox injections an addictive procedure for some women, offering a “quick fix” before an event or function.
Compared to some cosmetic procedures, injections are also less invasive.
Injections are uncomfortable but not necessarily painful, and there’s no recovery time required. Most treatments have very few side effects and they’re temporary, lasting less than a day or two, rather than the months that would be required to recover from something like a facelift.
Finally, injections are incredibly versatile and can to treat a number of both cosmetic and medical conditions.
From reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles to combatting excessive sweating, migraines, and even treating muscular and bowel disorders.
The drawbacks
Though it’s hard to deny the benefits of botox treatments, there are some downsides to take into consideration before you book an appointment.
The most obvious is the temporary results.
Most botox lasts between just one and six months.
Because of this, patients have to return to ‘top-up’ their injections, making botox more expensive in the long-term.
Pain is another disadvantage to take into consideration. The majority of botox treatments involve small, fine needles which some consider painful.
Naturally, any injection can hurt, though botox needles are small and so most patients report minimal pain. What’s more, it’s possible to numb the pain using a topical anaesthetic cream or cold pack 10-20 minutes before injections. However, this can make your treatment more expensive.
More botox drawbacks
There are side effects to consider, too.
Some potential side effects include pain at the site of the injection, the risk of infection, inflammation, swelling, bleeding, and redness.
It’s very important to note that some of these effects may suggest an allergic reaction (alongside itching, asthma, rashes, dizziness, faintness and wheezing).
Speak with a doctor should any of these symptoms occur. Your practitioner will also be able to offer some guidance.
Another commonly reported side effect is bruising, which can look unsightly.
It’s recommended not to opt for botox before attending an event or function.
These bruises may be unsightly around the site of the botox injections, but they only last for a day or two.
Tolerance is something else to consider.
As botox has to be applied time and time again, some patients can become immune to botox.
Because of this, clinicians will have to increase the dosage of the toxin to experience the same results.
It may eventually be that the botox has little to no benefit and that you have to consider a “harder” treatment such as a facelift.
Another disadvantage of botox is the lack of regulation.
In the UK, practitioners who administer non-surgical cosmetic treatments aren’t required to be qualified.
Though the materials and tools will undergo strict testing, and the practitioner likely a training course, anyone can offer botox.
If you’re set on a botox treatment, work only with a reputable company who can guarantee your safety, and ensure they’re fully trained and insured.
Natural botox alternatives
If you want to experience the benefits of botox without the side effects and drawbacks, there are alternatives to consider.
- Facial exercises: Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Cindy Crawford reportedly spend thousands of dollars on facial exercise sessions. Clinicians use cupping and facial massaging to improve blood flow and circulation. There are no needles, but treatments can be expensive and the results are slower than botox.
- Vitamins: Stock up on nutritional supplements to improve collagen production in your body, and you’ll never need a botox needle. Vitamins also have antioxidant effects, preventing damage from free radicals, allowing you to stay looking younger for longer. Opt for supplements with vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
- Facial creams: There are so many facial creams on the market promising to treat wrinkles. Choose an antioxidant cream that can have an impact on the production of collagen and metabolism in the facial skin cells. They’re cheap and needle-free.
- Oralift: Finally, consider the benefits of our natural facial rejuvenation device, Oralift. It’s been designed to reduce and delay the signs of facial ageing. Wearers have reported a whole host of benefits, not least reduced lines around their eyes and mouth, but reduced bags, increased fullness of the lips, and closed/repaired pores.
Find out more about Oralift on our website, and join in the conversation on Twitter @Oralift.