Botox and what you should know about it

In a culture that takes pride in youthfulness and beauty as qualities for desirability, many mothers are pressured to fit the bill. Mothers feeling the daily stresses of providing for their family are starting to show signs of weariness on their faces; crow’s feet, frown furrows and forehead lines being the usual culprits. Cosmetic remedies such as Botox and Xeomin help mothers to achieve the “refreshed” look they had prior to becoming a parent.

Botox came onto the scene in the late 1980s and became available for cosmetic use in 2002 and since then the industry has seen steady increases that will continue into the coming years. If you’re interested in Botox, there are a few things to consider prior to taking the plunge. What it is, how it works, how much it costs and the potential risks are among a few of the questions mothers have for their physician.

Botox is a paralytic that prevents the underlying face muscles from contracting thereby creating a smooth appearance free of wrinkles. Physicians may use a local anesthetic prior to injection to dull any pain caused by the needle but most times it is unnecessary. The Botox shot is then given directly into the desired location and results can last up to 6 months. Given this knowledge, it is often recommended that regular treatments be made to maintain the look.

Botox costs about £150 per treated area so the cost can really rack up if you’re doing several areas every six months. 10 years ago Botox was generally considered a luxury for celebrities but it’s becoming more and more mainstream and accessible for everyday folks to use. Mothers now have the opportunity to pamper and feel good about themselves with a little Botox therapy.

Common side effects of getting Botox injections include temporary redness, bruising and/or pain around the injection area and headaches which usually end within 48 hours. In a small percentage of cases, patients have reported eyelid drooping that is a result of the Botox moving around, this side effect usually ends within three weeks. Botox injections are minimally invasive procedures that provide results within a week of injection and requires little preparation and little post care.

If you’re a mother juggling various roles and responsibilities that require dedication and persistence, then you also have to make it your responsibility to find and do things that will make you happy. Things that will allow you to feel good about yourself. If you feel like Botox will help you to feel your best, well then more power to you. Just be sure to make an informed decision before jumping into the cosmetic game.

This post was written for Mummy Alarm by Dr. Anne Hermann. Anne is a mother, a doctor and the owner of Herman Wellness, a Tampa wellness clinic offering acupuncture, nutrition and aesthetic medicine.

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