How to Decide Whether or Not to Get Botox

Botox is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a liquid (botulinum toxin) known for causing botulism, a type of blood poisoning, into wrinkled areas of skin to reduce or eliminate the wrinkles. Deciding whether or not to get Botox depends on many factors, including cost and pain tolerance, among others.

Instructions

• 1

  Consider whether Botox is a good option for your cosmetic enhancement. People with neuromuscular and cardiovascular problems are not good candidates for Botox. Health issues can arise from Botox injections for people with those conditions.

• 2

  Identify the type of wrinkles to be treated, and whether Botox would be effective in treating them. Wrinkles caused by muscle problems can be treated by Botox. However, those caused by sagging skin cannot.

• 3

  Discuss Botox with a doctor. Finding a good doctor that is experienced with Botox is very important, since many complications, including site bruising and pain. These complications are associated with the administration of injections more than the Botox itself.

• 4

  Decide if the pain involved is tolerable, and worth the desired results. Botox comes with the pain that any injection can cause, including bruising and tenderness.

• 5

  Research whether insurance will cover the procedure. Most insurance plans do not cover Botox as a cosmetic procedure. If it is not covered, decide if it is financially feasible: The average price of Botox injections is between $500 and $2000, and the procedure can be required every 4 to 6 months.

• 6

  Determine if the potential side effects are tolerable. Common side effects of Botox can include headaches, colds, eyelid droop and temporary paralysis of the injection area.

• 7

  Identify the type of wrinkles to be treated, and whether Botox would be effective in treating them. Wrinkles caused by muscle problems can be treated by Botox. However, those caused by sagging skin are not.