Sections

Syndicate

Botox, a Simple Introduction

| Print |

E-mail

Written by Linda Rogers

Sunday, 27 April 2008

by LindaRogers

Few 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.

The product Botox (registered trademark) is made from botulinum toxin A, one of the 7 neurotoxins which are produced by Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium which causes Botulism. The food poisoning, Botulism, can cause death because it blocks the nerves leading to the muscles of the body and thus stopping the brain from telling a muscle to contract (paralysis).

FDA-approved Botox is accepted as safe and is used in the treatment of spasms and involuntary muscle contractions which are commonly seen in the likes of blepharospasm, cervical dystonia and strabismus. Even though Botox is a specific commercial product the word is used more generally to describe the popular skin care treatment to reduce facial wrinkles and fine lines.

Botox Cosmetic was, some years ago, FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved for aesthetic use but it is only available on prescription. The FDA also recommended that one injection of the smallest, effective, dose, be used once in every three months. Folk who are taking antibiotics should avoid using Botox as should women who are pregnant or breast feeding because they have an increased risk of developing adverse reactions.

Usually carried out in a strictly controlled medical environment, the medical procedure, generally known as Botox, involves the injection of the product (Botox) into the facial muscles under the skin. This caused them to become, temporarily, paralyzed thus removing furrow lines & frown lines (glabellar lines) and wrinkles. Unfortunately, over a period of weeks, the effects weaken until they disappear altogether and the wrinkles and lines return.

Botox has, for the last few years, continued to be one of the top anti-aging treatments in great demand across the country. Rather than having the treatment performed in a medical environment many people are opting to have it carried out at so called "Botox Parties". At these parties it is common for people to consume alcohol the FDA have been driven to warn that having the treatment while under the influence can increase the amount of bruising experienced.

As well as Botox there are other substances, such as the immensely popular brand Dysport, which are extremely similar. Such treatments, unfortunately, remove lines and wrinkles but leave the face looking more than a little expressionless and static. As a result many folk are looking for alternatives such as the popular anti-aging treatments microdermabrasion and various chemical peels.

About the Author:

If you would like to discover more about botox please take a look at Information Junkie's Botox Articles.