On the Fence About Botox? Pros and Cons to Consider

Botox® can be an amazing tool for helping you look and feel younger. But is it the best solution for your specific problem? Understanding the pros and cons can help you make an informed decision about whether or not Botox is right for you.

At Ventura Eye Institute in Camarillo, California, our professional team of eye care specialists also provides cosmetic treatments like Botox injections to minimize fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes. Here’s what you need to know about Botox before contacting us for an appointment.

A Botox overview

The bacteria Clostridium botulinum has been purified to create Botox since the 1970s when it was discovered that tiny amounts of the substance could be used to paralyze muscles around the eye and treat strabismus (lazy eye.) This was the first FDA-approved use of Botox. 

Since then, the use of Botox has expanded to include treatments for crossed eyes, drooping eyelids, facial tics and tremors, and even migraine headaches.

Pros to getting Botox treatment

There are a lot of advantages to getting Botox especially if you have treatment from a skilled injector.

Dynamic wrinkle treatment

Botox can minimize the appearance of dynamic wrinkles (ones that form when you make facial expressions like smiling, frowning, or squinting.) This means you can reduce the appearance of crow's feet around the eyes, some forehead wrinkles, and smile lines around the mouth.

Wrinkle prevention

When Botox injections are repeatedly used over a long period of time, it can actually reduce the formation of new wrinkles since the muscles that pull the skin into deep lines are paralyzed. The positive effect has led many to get Botox at a young age as a preventive wrinkle treatment.

Cons to getting Botox treatment

There are some reasons you may hesitate to get Botox treatment.

Unwanted side effects

In most cases, Botox administered by a skilled and experienced technician won’t cause many side effects beyond occasional redness and bruising which resolves quickly. However, improper use of Botox can cause headaches, drooping eyes, a sagging smile, or even infection at the injection site.

Remaining wrinkles and fine lines

Botox treats dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement. However, it can’t treat wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging, and lowered estrogen. You’ll need to try dermal fillers or get a facelift to treat these wrinkles. 

To learn more about Botox and see if it is right for you, schedule a consultation with the specialists of Ventura Eye Institute by calling 805-388-1211 or visit our contact page for more options.