Learning About Botox

Posted on 03. Mar, 2009 in Non-Surgical Procedures

Botox is a brand name for botulism toxin A. This toxin is found in botulism, an illness usually caused by eating foods containing the botulinum neurotoxin. Botulism can cause paralysis. Botulism toxin A works on specific nerve endings, causing them not to transmit information telling the muscles to contract.

Botox is designed to be injected into the body in places where people don’t want to see wrinkles. When Botox is injected, it inhibits the muscles from contracting. Generally, Botox is injected into the area in between the eyebrows where frown lines occur. Contracting muscles can create frown lines. When the muscles don’t contract, it is less likely for wrinkles to appear.

History of Botox

Botox was originally approved in the 1980’s as a treatment for eye ailments such as lazy eye and excessive blinking. In 2002, Botox was approved for cosmetic use, specifically for reducing wrinkles. Botox can also be used for treating backaches, headaches, muscle spasms and excessive sweating.

The Botox Procedure

Botox is a non-surgical cosmetic process. It takes place in a doctor’s office, with the Botox shots being administered by a physician. It is a simple, quick procedure and there is no recovery time afterward. You can resume normal activity when leaving the doctor’s office.

The physician will decide, after examination, the proper places on the face to inject the Botox. These places should be the points where muscles on the face contract. Several small injections of Botox will be made in those predetermined areas. How many injections the doctor administers, will be determined by his assessment of the severity of wrinkling and the design of your facial features. Botox procedures can have results that last up to four months. At that time, the procedure may be repeated.

What are the Side Effects of Botox?

Botox is generally considered a safe cosmetic procedure if administered correctly, but side effects can occur in certain individuals. The most common side effect of the treatment is bruising at the injection site. This will be temporary. Headaches and nausea are less common side effects of Botox. Eye drooping can occur when the injected Botox travels toward the eye. It is recommended not to rub the injected area for a period of time after the injection to prevent the Botox from moving across the face. If eye drooping occurs, it will generally resolve itself in a relatively short period of time.

Things to Keep in Mind about Botox

Botox is a drug. It should be administered by a physician in a physician’s office. Make sure to choose a board certified doctor specializing in cosmetic surgery, or dermatology. Check to see that the physician you choose has experience in administering Botox.

A very small risk of developing botulism exists when this drug is injected. Botox is approved for treating wrinkles between the eyebrows, not anywhere else. Also, Botox is approved for patients between the ages of 18-65 years old. If you have any nerve issues or muscular problems, discuss them with your doctor before receiving Botox injections. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use this drug.

Tags: Botox, Botulism toxin A, wrinkles