What is Botox and How Does Botox Work?

What is Botox and how does Botox work? It's well known in our modern society as a temporary cure for facial wrinkles, but what most people do not know is that Botox is a toxin to the human body. It was originally discovered in contaminated meat sources and is the same bacterium that causes botulism, a life threatening form of food poisoning. It is a drug that comes from bacteria called Colstridium Botulinum. 

While many people consider it a wonder cure for the natural signs of aging and a means to looking younger, there are many medical purposes for Botox as well. In large doses it can be deadly, but in small, controlled doses it can in fact be a wonder drug. 

What is Botox used for? It is commonly used to treat many conditions, including: 

* Cerebral palsy 
* Neurological disorders such as Cervical Dystonia 
* Severe sweating under the arms 
* Blepharospasm – spasms that cause out of control blinking 
* Misaligned eyes (strabisumus) 
* Headache and Migraine

What isn't Botox known for? Well, the original use of Botox was for facial spasms. Ophthalmologists would inject it into small muscles around the eyes of patients suffering from these spasms. But just how does Botox work? This was merely an attempt to bring relief from the spasms but it was soon noted that it also filled in wrinkles and lines on the face, giving a more youthful appearance. 

What is Botox and How Does Botox Work

It is believed that the injections have this effect because the Botox is capable of blocking key nerves or even paralyzing certain facial muscles. When used for cosmetic purposes, the results will last three or four months. Despite its toxic nature, these injections are perfectly safe for a healthy adult who wants to increase the appearance of wrinkles or lines on the face. Pregnant or breast feeding women should never have the injections. The most common facial areas for treatment include the forehead, the mouth, and between or around the eyes. What is Botox know for in terms of side effects? 

Common side effects tend to be minor, but may include: 

* Tenderness or pain at injection points 
* Headaches 
* Upset stomach 
* Some flu-like symptoms 
* Drooping eyelids 

How does botox work? When properly administered through a plastic surgeon or a clinical setting, Botox injections take about ten minutes to apply. A thin needle is used to inject the bacteria directly into the muscle tissue. Within a couple days the full effects can be seen, with results lasting as much as four months. Most patients will continue to have further injections every four or five months. Some patients do take a pain medication prior to having the injections, but this medication should be approved with the doctor beforehand. Most people will not find the procedure painful, but medication about an hour before the procedure is usually permitted. 

Since all precautions must be made to keep bruising to a minimum, the following should not be taken within 10 days of having Botox injections: 

* Multivitamins 
* Vitamin E 
* St. John’s Wart 
* Any anti-inflammatory 

More on the "What is Botox?" question: Anyone taking other medications should ask the doctor or surgeon prior to going in for the injections. What is Botox thought to be in terms of safety? Well this has ultimately made Botox so popular today is the allure of going into a plastic surgeon’s office for a short period of time and walking out with the immediate gratification of younger looking skin. It is convenient and does not require the recovery time that comes with more serious plastic surgery. So just how does Botox Work for wrinkles? If you want to explore what Botox injections could do for your face, contact a local plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure.

Everyone has heard of the amazing benefits Botox can have on aging skin, but few people realize it is actually a strain of the deadly botulism bacteria isolated in contaminated meat years ago. Known today as botulinum toxin A, Botox is a safer form of the botulism food poisoning which is injected in small doses to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Specifically what is Botox? Its the form of Botox that is now FDA approved is a sterilized version of the old botulism bacteria, and it is extremely safe when used in the correct dosage. 

Since many signs of aging are caused by constant contractions of muscles in the face, Botox works by relaxing the muscle so the skin can temporarily smooth out. It essentially blocks the release of acetylcholine from the nerve endings, paralyzing the muscles for a short period of time. While it may sound a little scary putting a sterilized version of botulism into the body, there is no way to actually contract botulism from Botox injections. Botulism as a food poisoning causes death by paralyzing the chest muscle, making it impossible to breathe. Since Botox is a sterilized form and is only placed in the face in very small doses, there is no risk of this occurring. 

It is the ability of the bacteria to relax and paralyze muscles that makes it so attractive in the cosmetic world today. Instead of acting as a deadly poison, it now serves as a way to treat many of the uncomfortable symptoms of neuromuscular disorders. Everything from excessive drooling and sweating to more sever muscle contraction problems is now treated with Botox. Many types of facial wrinkles are caused by the contraction of muscles in the face over time. When directly injected into these muscles, Botox will stop the contractions and allow the skin to lie flat for a period of months. The full effects are usually seen within days of injection. 

Cosmetic surgery for appearance purposes is only the latest contribution that this bacterium is delivering to the human race. While the FDA has approved Botox treatments for glabellar lines (those that appear between the brows), any other body part that receives treatment is considered to be off-label. How does Botox work for this purpose? It is true that other areas of the face and body that are injected with this substance are not technically approved, but the FDA has deliberately not banned these treatments either. There is a general acceptance in the medical community that this is a safe procedure when administered by a trained professional in a sterile setting. 

If you are interested in receiving Botox injections either for cosmetic ore more serious medical purposes, it is important to seek a consultation with an experienced board certified professional in your local area.