The Pros and Cons of Botox - Is it Really Worth a Shot?

Botox can be really effective against wrinkles and skin effects of aging. But given the cost of the treatment, do you think it's worth a shot? Of course it is, only if you can afford it (because it only costs $500 per shot, not much right?) and if you really need it.

Botox is actually derived from a deadly toxin called botulin toxin which is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum and can lead to a life threatening disease called botulism. This microorganism harbors in honeys and home-canned meals. This toxin is very fatal and life-threatening. However, botox, in small amounts has been shown to be effective in getting rid of wrinkles. Botox shots that are being given in aesthetic clinics are diluted so that fatal side effects are eliminated.

Here are the pros and cons of botox to help you decide if you really need a shot (if you are still thinking about getting one):

Pros of Botox:
What is so good about Botox is it does not only fix wrinkles. In fact it has a lot of uses such as:

• Decreases severe underarm sweating
• Alleviates cervical dystonia which is a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
  
• Relieves Blepharospasm or uncontrollable blinking
• Solves Strabismus or misaligned eyes

Of course the most popular use of botox is it rids wrinkles fast!

Cons of Botox:
What is not so good about Botox?

• The effects are temporary. The effects of botox last for roughly 3 to 6 monthes. Still, you can't get away with the natural effects of aging with Botox.
  
• Botox is way expensive. And since Botox can be a pain in your pocket, you have to spend a lot for every shot of Botox in case the "lifting" effect is wearing off. This won't be a problem for you if you have all the money in the world. But if you don't, where will you turn to?
• Presence of Side Effects. Since Botox injections are derived from real toxins, there are times when side effects such as flu-like symptoms, headache and upset stomach (usual symptoms of botulism) can happen.
• As with other meds and drugs, you cannot have botox shots if you are pregnant. Well this is understandable. Be responsible for your own baby's sake. Don't take any kind of medication if you are pregnant, not even topical skin care products as some of the ingredients of such are harmful to your baby.
  

To sum it all up, Botox is not a cure for wrinkles. Wrinkles is part of what we call aging process and it's all natural. You have to understand that Botox is not for everyone. You still have to consult your dermatologist what the best solution to your problem. You'll never know, maybe you don't need Botox after all.

Perhaps the most effective way of managing wrinkles is to find something that works like botox without all those side effects.