Botox has been around for decades and it has been doing its job remarkably well considering
that it is basically noninvasive and has very little downtime. The concept behind this highly successful substance started out as something that is supposed to treat problems in the person's eyes such as strabismus. It was also used for other medical conditions until such a time when doctors realized that it can be a highly successful tool for plastic surgery.
How It Works
This substance is derived from botulinum toxin. It is highly toxic and in its basic form can be deadly to humans and animals alike. When it is purified and processed the effect that it gives is paralysis. It can be easily absorbed in our skin and other membranes. Botox is the trade name that its manufacturers have given it. Originally it was used to treat blepharospasm and strabismus, which are conditions that affect the eyes. Researchers and developers found that applying this substance on the affected areas can help to resolve these conditions by paralyzing certain tissues and muscles. It was soon found out that the paralysis that it gives to these tissues and muscles renders them immobile in such a way that they do not develop any wrinkles or creases. The effect is temporary which means that there is a degree of maintenance necessary in order to achieve the desired effects. It can last for several months, about three to five months for many people.
Facelift Comparison
Compared to a facelift procedure, Botox is quite cheap, even counting the many times that one needs to go back to the doctor for maintenance purposes. The effect is also temporary which is why many people consider it a safe alternative to the invasive procedure. The doctor needs to be an expert at injecting the substance because it can have dramatic effects if used wrongly. The face can be lopsided or uneven if the doctor injects too low or too high. It can be administered in various parts of the face and it has the same basic effect. It can also control sagging of the jowl to a certain extent. The longevity of the effect is dependent on the person's tolerance of it.
The facelift is a highly productive procedure that is often recommended by plastic surgeons to people who have already developed wrinkles and sagging in the facial area. These are conditions, which Botox cannot treat or resolve since the wrinkles are already present. In other words, it is a preventative measure to avoid the wrinkles and creases but nothing can be done if they are already present. A facelift is most suited for individuals who may have aged a lot and have the evidence to show for it.
This means that although both have similar goals; they are applied and used quite differently. One can be considered a preventive measure while the other is actually corrective one. Certified and qualified doctors need to perform both the prevention and the correction to achieve the desired results.