Botox, Should You Or Shouldn't You?

Botox is more common than we might think and it's not just celebrities that indulge in this "reverse your age" treat. When Modernmom talked to an LA nurse who administers the stuff, she said you'd be surprised who comes knocking on her door -- it's a quick fix for anyone that wants to turn back the clock without going through major surgery. But what are the pros and cons? Is it safe? And what's up with the cost? We got the details.

Pretty People Make More Money

Dermatologist Dr. Debra Luftman says that pretty people get more rewards, and that helps fuel their brain with self-esteem and positive feelings. Research shows that beautiful people earn more money, get a better break in the legal system, get more help from strangers, advance further in their careers and are generally happier. So, it seems as if botox can make you more money.

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Wow. We had no idea, but research shows that botox has been used to treat depression and that it actually works! An intriguing pilot study conducted in 2006 by dermatologist Eric Finzi, M.D., Ph.D., evaluated the effectiveness of Botox in treating depression. In the study, Finzi injected ten women (nine with depression and one with bipolar disorder) with Botox in their glabellar frown lines. "After two months, all nine with depression were diagnosed as no longer showing signs of depression. Even the woman with bipolar disorder reported improvements in mood."

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According to our nurse from Calidora Skin Care Clinic in Santa Monica, fortunately, BOTOX® is so diluted that serious side effects like allergic reactions are rare. If the doctor slips, in most cases the worst that can happen is that you will lose the ability to raise your eyelids all the way (oops!) or, if you're getting shots around the mouth, a mistake could leave you drooling. But even a perfectly executed procedure has consequences. Depending on which wrinkles you go after, you might not be able to frown or raise your eyebrows or squint.

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Botox® can be injected by your plastic surgeon in the office or at specialized skin clinics. You may experience brief mild discomfort as you are being injected --but honestly, if you've given birth, this is nothing! Following injection, recovery is immediate: you may wear make-up and return to work immediately. A few experience mild bruising that improves within a few days. You will begin to see improvement in your wrinkles within 24 hours and continue to see improvement for 5 days. The cost? Roughly $200-$300 per area, meaning the forehead, next to your eyes or your frown lines. Depending on how active you are, it can last up to roughly 3 months.

Some people are totally anti-botox, while others love it. After learning all these facts, would you do it?

Article Published by ModernMom.com