Largely reserved for the rich and famous in the early 2000s, Botox injections have become a popular and widely accessible cosmetic procedure.

Botox (Botulinum toxin) injections smooth lines and wrinkles by relaxing the muscles in your face. They’re used most commonly to treat crow’s feet around the eyes, vertical frown lines between the eyes, and train tracks on the forehead.

There were 7.7 million Botox procedures in the U.S in 2019, making it the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatment.

And with treatments up by four percent on 2018 figures, it appears Botox is here to stay. Here are five reasons why:

1. You get results fast

It can take up to three weeks to get the full benefits of Botox, but you’ll start to see results in two to three days. This means you can squeeze a treatment in before a short-notice event or schedule it several weeks ahead of your vacation to ensure you’re picture-perfect.

2. You can try it with no commitment

The effects of your Botox treatment can last up to four months, so you’ll only need to schedule around three appointments a year. If you’re not convinced Botox is for you, be assured that the results will wear off gradually and naturally.

3. It’s non-invasive

Botox is not like committing to a facelift and then suffering flashbacks to those real-life surgery programs — the ones that make you feel a bit sick but you can't stop watching... Botox is a simple, non-invasive treatment that takes around 10 minutes. The results are likely to outweigh any mild discomfort you experience during or after the treatment.

4. There’s more to it than a fresh face

There’s more to Botox than just rejuvenating the face. It’s a bit of a wonder treatment. Before it was approved for cosmetic use, Botox was being used medically from the late 1980s to prevent chronic migraines, excessive sweating, overactive bladders, and other conditions.

5. Botox can prevent wrinkles

Frowning, squinting, and other repetitive facial movements lead to some common lines and wrinkles. Botox blocks nerve signals, helping train the face to avoid moving certain muscles. If treatments are started in hotspot areas early enough, lines and wrinkles may never even develop. Speak to a trusted professional who can give you honest advice about whether you’re ready to benefit from Botox or can afford to wait a little longer. 

Before getting Botox, do your research so you can be confident that it’s done safely. Look for a board-certified dermatologist, medical practitioner, or respected plastic surgeon. Ask to see the results of their work and go by recommendations.