What is Botox?
April 27, 2008 – 3:09 amFew folk could deny having knowledge of the word Botox but how many of us truly understand exactly what Botox is? The, easy to read, article below tries to explain everything about it in such a way that anyone can understand it.
Botox, simply put, is a prepared form of the Botulinum Toxin. As a toxin Botulinum is very dangerous and immensely poisonous to humans. Many people would say that Botulinum is one of the most poisonous substances known to man.
Botox is the registered trademark for a specific product which is created using one of the seven neurotoxins (botulinum toxin A). Botulinum toxin A is made by the bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum, the same bacterium which causes Botulism. Botulism is a type of food poisoning which can cause death as it stops the messages from the brain being transmitted, by the nerves, to the muscles (which leads to paralysis).
Botox has, for a very long time, been FDA-approved and therefore very safe for use in humans. Used extensively in the treatment of the spasms and involuntary muscle contractions common in blepharospasm, cervical dystonia and strabismus. Botox is the name of a specific commercial product but the word is also commonly used to describe a facial skin care treatment used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved the use of Botox Cosmetic in aesthetics but restricted to being available only on prescription. Only an injection of the lowest effective dose, of Botox, should ever be used and only one injection should be given every 3 months. Women who are breast feeding or who are breast feeding, plus those folk taking antibiotics, should avoid using Botox as they have increased risk of adverse reactions.
The cosmetic treatment commonly known as Botox, due to the fact that the substance is injected into the facial muscles, is usually only done in a controlled medical environment. The Botox paralyzes the muscles and effectively removed even the deepest wrinkles, furrow and frown lines ((glabellar lines). Unfortunately, over the weeks, the effects of the treatment reduce and the lines and wrinkles return (making the treatment only temporary).
For the last few years Botox has grown in popularity to such a degree that people now attend “Botox Parties”. At these parties people have the treatment in a social rather than a medical setting. This phenomenon has alarmed the FDA who have responded by warning that having the treatment while consuming alcohol is dangerous as it causes an increase in bruising.
Although Botox is the most popular substance used in this anti-aging treatment there are other products by other companies such as the Dysport brand which can be used as an alternative. Although the procedure produces amazing results the dramatic removal of the ability of making facial expressions is removed. Subsequently many people prefer to have different anti-wrinkle treatments such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels.
Tags: Beauty
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