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Botox, a Simple Introduction

By: Linda Rogers Not many people could say that they have not heard of Botox but exactly how many could explain what Botox is? In simple, easy to understand, terms we shall attempt to introduce the topic so that anybody can grasp the essentials.

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 (which is a registered trademark) is created from one of the seven neurotoxins (botulinum toxin A) which are produced by the bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum. Clostridium botulinum causes the food poisoning Botulism, which halts the transmission of messages from the brain, along nerves, to the muscles. This stops the muscles from contracting and can cause paralysis and death.

Botox is accepted as safe and has long been FDA-approved for use in humans where it is used to treat involuntary muscle contraction and spasms (in blepharospasm, strabismus, and cervical dystonia). Botox, although a commercial brand name, is used as a descriptive term for the well known skin care treatment for reducing the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles.

A few years ago Botox Cosmetic was given FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval for aesthetic use while being available on prescription only. Only the least amount of Botox should be used and only one injection should be given in any three month period. Folk taking antibiotics and women who are breast feeding or are pregnant should never use Botox because of a possible risk of adverse reaction to it.

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.