BOTOX: Dispelling the Social Stigma by Meredi Wagner-Hoehn

Shut your eyes. Now, think of your immediate reaction to the word Botox®. Did you visualize a woman so full of plastic, she can’t make any facial expressions? Or was it a plethora of needles advancing on your open-eyed face? Or maybe a couple of mad scientists, creating cyborgs out of humans?

Botox® has gained a number of negative associations over the years. Whether the reasons are the overt ones listed above or they take the form of a more insidious discouragement, society tends to disapprove. For example, taking needles to your skin means you’re an unhappy, superficial human being, right?

Wrong. In actuality, Botox ® offers a solution to a variety of problems. Even the classic use of Botox® - to clear away frown lines – has its benefits. Confidence is paramount in every person’s life, in all arenas – professional, social and personal. Botox® provides that level of confidence, raising self-esteem by rejuvenating your face. When you’re more comfortable with your appearance, you’re more comfortable with yourself, and able to conduct your affairs in a more fluid, effective manner.

What Can Botox® Do for Me?

If you want the aesthetic benefits of a smoother face, you want BOTOX® Cosmetic. Your skilled Austin dermatologist will discuss all the benefits and repercussions prior to the procedure’s initiation. BOTOX® Cosmetic involves your professional dermatologist injecting Botox® (or onabotulinumtoxinA) into your forehead’s muscles. The Botox® prescription deters muscle movement in the injected area: the glabellar lines, or frown lines, above your eyebrows. Your face immediately looks younger, calmer and healthier. Although the results are temporary, you can repeat the procedure at a later date, if desired.

Another, lesser known solution Botox® provides treats hyperhidrosis, or severe sweating. If your underarms don’t respond well to deodorants and other topical treatments, your body may use a more extreme version of sweating, requiring a stronger solution, such as Botox®. In this situation, Botox® again hinders movement in the injected area; the sweat glands cannot move the sweat out.

In addition to these benefits, Botox® may offer a solution if you suffer from muscle stiffness, cervical dystonia (CD) or strabismus (involving eye muscles) and blepharospam (involving eyelids). Discuss your unique condition with a qualified Austin, TX dermatologist prior to pursuing this treatment option.

What Are the Potential Complications of Botox®?

Botox®, just like any other medical treatment, does come with some side effects and potential risks. The best way to avoid these is to communicate with your medical professional. Tell your dermatologist about your allergies, health problems, past medical history and current medications. Discuss your concerns with them. Follow their instructions as closely as possible; they will curtail their advice to your unique situation, based on the information you’ve given them.

However, some side effects may still occur. These include sensitivity around the injection location, headaches, weariness and possible vision issues. Keep your physician updated on any changes in your physical condition. This increases the likelihood that any severe or unnecessary side effects will be addressed and corrected immediately.

For a consultation with a qualified local professional, contact Dr. Zimmet and his skilled team. Zimmet Vein & Dermatology, located in Austin, offers Botox® treatments, along with the knowledge and experience necessary to specialize each session to each individual patient. Call today to schedule an appointment and start your journey to a fresher, more confident you.