Is Botox Right for Me?

I was blessed with oily skin and I have aged at a slower rate than my friends. I can still pass for being in my late twenties or early thirties even though I'm in my mid forties. Although I am starting to watch for crow's feet and laugh lines that are so prevalent in my family's gene pool, I have yet to seriously consider using drastic measures to slow the aging of my skin.

I have many friends who use Botox to minimize the look of fine facial lines successfully. It does wonders for their self esteem and has minimal side affects. It is normal to experience light bruising at the injection site that vanishes within 24 hours and the results last up for four months.

The best way to determine if Botox is right for you would be to schedule a consultation with a couple different physicians. Having a good bedside manner is important when selecting a doctor to perform this type of procedure. The doctor will examine your face and discuss your goals and expectations from the use of Botox. Take a list of questions you have to the appointment. Some questions to consider asking might include:

• Where does the treatment take place?
• What is the cost of the treatment?
• Who administers the injections?
• How many treatments has your office administered?
• Are the injections painful?
• How many injections will be needed for my desired result?
• How long does the appointment take?
• How does Botox work?
• How long will the benefits last?
• Will results be realized right away?
• Are there allergic reactions to Botox?
• Are there serious side affects?
• How long does it take for allergic reactions or side affects to show up?
• Are there other treatments that would be better for me?
• Are there any non-evasive treatments like creams that would give a similar result?
• Can I return to work right away?
• If I am pregnant or nursing is Botox safe?

Good candidates for Botox treatments are between 18-65 and in good health, committed to a healthy lifestyle by eating a diet rich vitamins A, E, C, D, B complex and Zinc and drinking plenty of water. Having a good skin care regimen and refraining from extended sun exposure will also help prevent premature signs of aging.