In Defense of Botox
Most people are familiar with the word Botox, and the frequent association to aging American celebrities being mocked as their “Botoxed” faces are plastered all over scandalous magazine covers.
When it comes to cosmetic procedures in the United States, specifically Botox, there is significant shame and stigma, as well as concerns about safety. As it turns out, Botox is safe. It can be used therapeutically to improve mood disorders, self-esteem, and make you look better in general.
1. Botox is safe and therapeutic
What is Botox? According to the Cleveland Clinic, Botox is a trademarked name for pharmaceutically produced injectable medicine, which contains a weakened supply of the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum. Injecting the medicine into the muscle under the skin causes muscle paralysis. As a result, the muscle can no longer move, which prevents the skin from wrinkling. This bacteria can cause serious health problems when consumed orally through contaminated food and water.
However, according to Zwivel, a cosmetic and plastic surgery consultation tool, the amount of Botulinum injected is .001-.01% of the dosage shown to be harmful; not one person has ever died from Botox for cosmetic purposes.
Not only is Botox safe, but it is also medically therapeutic. For example, it can be used as a treatment for muscle spasticity in cerebral palsy patients to decrease migraines and to relax the muscles in patients with vaginismus. In case you didn’t know, vaginismus, in particular, can be very disruptive to romantic relationships and degrade self- esteem. Sufferers experience severe pain when attempting intimacy. It is almost entirely psychological, and when Botox is injected, the muscles relax, and patients can begin to perform intimate activities again.
Photo Credit: Olesyanovik.com
2. It can improve symptoms of depression
Aside from being safe and therapeutic, there are psychological benefits to using Botox. According to Healthline, studies over the past 12 years have shown a significant reduction in depression in patients who use Botox in combination with anti-depression medication.
The studies also show that mood improvement is not because of increased confidence in appearance. The reduction in movement of muscles expressing fear, anger, and sadness improves mood directly. “In people who are depressed, activity of the muscles that cause frowns is increased. Blocking these frowning muscles with Botox may result in improved mood.”
3. It can improve self-esteem
Women are constantly being told by the media that they have to do everything they can to prevent signs of aging. Because of this, women feel less valuable, and more insecure aging inevitably does happen. Yes, it’s important to fight against the media’s unrealistic standards of beauty and aging and promote beauty at all ages, shapes, and forms. One needs to celebrate their own beauty, and therefore there is no harm in using Botox as a form of self-care.
“Manufacturer Allergan markets Botox as something responsible individuals do for self-care— a kind of neoliberal 'lifestyle medicine.'" According to Allure, Botox can even be started as early as 25 before wrinkles begin to form as a preventative treatment for signs of aging.
Dana Berkowitz, the author of the book Botox Nation, refers to women who get Botox as “active agents and body entrepreneurs.” Most people who get Botox describe it as “a way to feel more confident or to maintain a competitive edge in (sexist, ageist) workplaces.”
Still not convinced of the benefits of Botox?
Just look at how far women are going to get their hands on it. According to an article from The Guardian, women all across the United States are breaking into plastic surgery and Botox clinics stealing it and walking out after being treated with thousands of dollars worth of Botox. “There’s a huge black market for Botox and fillers in south Florida because they are in high demand and very pricey,” says Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Feliz, a plastic surgeon in Florida.
Fact: Botox is pricey. A single Botox treatment in the U.S. ranges from $300 to $1,200, depending on how much product is injected and who the injector is. However, most treatments fall closer to $300, especially in France, where typical treatments include all areas for one total price of 320 euros instead of charging by the unit.
Botox treatments generally last about three months; it can be seen as a necessary treatment to have several times a year, and one can save up for their treatments. It’s worth the price for the boost in confidence. For people who want Botox for medical therapeutic use, many health insurance companies will pay for it. While Botox is a beneficial form of medicine, it is still important to take caution before proceeding with treatment. One must make sure to seek out an experienced and licensed professional to inject it. The only incidences reported from Botox were injected by unlicensed professionals with unlicensed products.
So, with a little research, you can safely be wrinkle-free, feel better, and pass on the good word about Botox.
For more information, visit the official website, Botox Medical. Or contact a professional, such as Dr. Belhadj in Paris, to schedule an appointment.
