Brides-to-Be, Would You Go Near Botox?

Remember Kate Hudson getting Botox injections before her wedding in Bride Wars? Now let's come to the point- Botox for your wedding day. Is it OK or is it too much? Of course, it's that one day when there's a lot of pressure on you to look your best. Nobody judges any bride for getting her teeth whitened, getting some skin treatment or colouring her hair. But no one can deny that there's a tad bit of judgement that comes in when you say the word 'Botox'. Maybe it's because it is something that involves needles and pricks, or maybe it's just because of the association with aging in some way, after all, the common perception is that it is only for wrinkles. There must be a good reason that people, especially younger ones getting it done like to keep that fact under wraps. Of course, not to mention, there's also that point about looking like YOURSELF on the day when you pledge to spend your life with one person.

Image Courtesy: www.naturalaesthetics.co.za

Yes, Botox is more common than you think! And we are talking about India as well. And no, we aren't only talking about 60-year old aunties when we say that. It's being used by people as young as in their 20s, who want to conceal their flaws or want a face like a baby's butt!

To top it all, people are now also using Botox for filling acne scars, improve the look of their necks, brow lifts, stop their underarms from sweating too much or even 'enhance' their facial features, like injecting it into the nose to make it sharper. Women who wear glasses for a long time like to get it done after giving them up, to get rid of the lines years of wearing them leave behind. So yes, it is everywhere, it's more common than you think and it's uses are not only limited to wrinkles. But what is limited? The fact that Botox is only temporary. Repeat sittings are usually required within a few months to continue to hold on to the same look.

Whether or not you want to undergo the procedure before your big day is a personal choice, but if you do choose to go down the Botox way, here's some info that's gonna be useful. After all, it is better to know the info, pros and cons of whatever procedure you're gonna undergo.

What is Botox?

Botox is a purified neurotoxin made by a kind of bacteria called clostridium botulinum. A neurotoxin is a toxic substance that normally destroys neurons which are the main building blocks of the body's nervous system. If we ingest the bacteria, we can get botulism, a dangerous disease of the nervous system. But when a tiny amount of the neurotoxin, not the bacteria, is injected skillfully in the right spot, it can give us results like making lines and wrinkles disappear. In a way, you're paralysing those muscles.

Pros of Botox

• It is a super quick procedure. You can get it done within your lunch break at work if you want to!
• There's not much prep required before the procedure.
• It is pretty effective!
• It's not just limited to wrinkles. Can be used for multiple procedures.
• Doesn't hurt a lot.
• Skin doesn't feel any different from outside.
• Most of the people who get it done are happy with the results.

• It's not an instant miracle. It can take upto a week to 10 days to show effect.
• It isn't a permanent procedure. Has to repeated time and again
• You might experience bleeding, dizziness or light headedness after getting it done.
• There might be a little swelling or bruising for a few hours or a day or two after the procedure.
• Some say that they are ALWAYS aware of its presence... skin feels tighter and things feel a little inanimate.. something you've not been used to till now. You might not be able to raise your eyebrows or frown your forehead as much (if you've got it done in that region). Some describe it as the feeling of leaving a face mask on for too long.
• If you've got it done on two symmetric features of your face, one side might show effect faster than the other which can be a bit distracting or weird.
• It is an expensive treatment considering it is temporary and needs to be repeated to keep up the results.
• You might not be able to emote as well if you get it done on the forehead or any other animated parts of the face.

So what do you think? Would you consider Botox before your big day?