Botox injections for forehead wrinkles have now been approved by the FDA.
Only shots that target frown lines and crow’s feet – otherwise known as laugh lines – had previously been approved by the administration, and the drug that it approved to safely tackle forehead wrinkles is from pharmaceutical company Allergan.
For years, Botox has been the go-to anti-aging tactic after it became wildly popular following its approval in the early 2000s.
The latest figures from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed more than seven million Americans get the injections annually, spending approximately $2.6billion.
In addition to facial injections, consumers can also get unapproved injections in their armpits, neck, stomach and scalp to treat a number of ailments, including excessive sweating and neck pain.
The FDA approved Botox injections targeting forehead wrinkles today. Previously, only injections combating frown lines and crow’s feet were approved (file photo)
Botox medications, which cost around $385 per injection, include a protein called botulinum toxin, and they work to paralyze one’s muscles. The toxin in the injections is produced by a microorganism that also causes food poisoning.
One should avoid alcohol up to a week before their Botox procedure, and they should stop taking anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin two weeks beforehand.
During the procedure, a doctor will use a thin needle to insert small amounts of the toxin into your muscle. The procedure should only take a few moments, and patients undergoing Botox do not require anesthesia.
The toxin blocks chemical signals that are sent from one’s nerves to their muscles that cause them to contract.
It usually takes three to seven days to notice the effects of a Botox injection after one’s procedure.
While the shots are known for reducing one’s wrinkles, they can also be used as a treatment for neck spasms, an overactive bladder, excessive sweating and a lazy eye. Additionally, the injections prevent some people from having chronic migraines.
The injections are safe as long as they are provided by a licensed, experienced physician.
However, even when someone certified administers them, normal side effects include bruising, swelling and pain around the site of the injection; flu-like symptoms; headaches; droopy eyelids; drooling; dry eyes; and excessive tearing.
Furthermore, the toxin could potentially spread to other parts of your body, causing botulism-like symptoms.
These signs include vision problems, muscle weakness, trouble swallowing or speaking, an uncontrollable bladder and trouble breathing.
Doctors recommend against getting Botox treatments if you are breastfeeding or pregnant or if you have a neurological disease.
While the effects of Botox injections will last three to four months, people who want to maintain the appearance of being wrinkle-free have to have continuous rounds of Botox injections.
However, one’s lines and wrinkles will be less severe each time they reappear after a Botox injection, as the muscles become accustomed to relaxing.