Botox is the commercial tradename for Botulinum Toxin Type A. Botulinum Toxin is derived from a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum this is the same bacteria that causes deadly food poisoning – botulism.
When Botulinum Toxin is diluted with saline and injected into muscles, it blocks the transmission between the nerve endings and the surrounding muscle fibres and causes weakness in the muscles, reducing the contractions in the local area. Botox only works on the muscles that have been specifically injected, which leaves the surrounding muscles functioning as normal.
What can Botox be used for?
Botox is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment used typically in people aged 18 to 65 as a muscle relaxant to reduce the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to reduce excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis) and is also used to treat certain medical Neurological and Ophthalmologic disorders such as Dystonia, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsons Disease.
It has been proved that Botox is a safe and effective treatment for wrinkles, blocking nerve transmission to temporarily reduce the contractions of the muscles in the face that cause frown lines, and botox injections are becoming increasingly popular to this end.
The Benefits of having Botox
After various areas of the face have been injected with Botox, lines will be considerably reduced. The face will appear smoother, more youthful and more relaxed and frown lines, crow’s feet and neck wrinkles will be softened.
How Botox is performed
Botox is administered by syringe using a very fine micro-needle. The solution is injected into the desired locations of the face. Three to Five injections are required depending on the area of the face and the severity of the lines. The treatment normally takes about 15 minutes. Normal daily activities can be resumed straight away afterwards; this has lead to a trend for these treatments to be undertaken on a lunch hour. Botox normally takes about 2-3 days to begin working and the effects will last for 3-6 months. After this time, as the Botox starts to wear off, the lines will begin to reappear.
There are some risks involved in having Botox such as having an allergic reaction or the effects being too severe causing a surprised look or a permanent frown. However, the effects of Botox are temporary and these sorts of reactions will not last forever. It is also recommended to consult with a doctor before having Botox if breastfeeding or if you are pregnant and also if you have any medical disorders that affect your nerves or muscles.
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