Initially used in the medical treatment of muscle spasms, botox is now increasingly popular in cosmetic procedures, especially among celebrities. It is so popular that is has become the most widely used non-surgical anti-ageing intervention. Just what is this miracle anti-aging weapon that so many are turning to?
Botox (botulinim toxin), used for both cosmetic and medical interventions, is a purified and diluted form of the clostridium botulinum bacteria. Its beauty lies in its ability to relax the muscle that has been injected, resulting in the "Look doll! No more frown lines!" appearance.
Botox is the trade name of the Botulinum toxin, one of the most toxic substances known to man. This neurotoxin disrupts or kills neurons, thereby affecting the normal functioning of the nervous system and blocking neuromuscular transmission. It has tremendous medicinal value, nevertheless, when carefully isolated, purified and administered in minute quantities.
Botox was first used on humans in 1980 by Alan Scot in the treatment of strabismus, a disorder where the eyes are not in alignment.
Botox treatments are used to combat cervical dystonia, spasticity, excessive sweating, facial twitching and other conditions brought on by muscle spasms. Its potential in treating headaches, asthma, and incontinence, among others, is being explored. It was approved for cosmetic use in 2002.
Lines and wrinkles which appear naturally with age are greatly exacerbated by normal facial muscle movements from laughing, smiling, frowning or squinting, and are usually most apparent around the eyes. Botox treatments are very effective in reducing the appearance of the wrinkles temporarily, usually for three to eight months. Botox irons out wrinkles by blocking signals from the brain telling muscles to contract. The muscles in the area of the injection, effectively paralysed, lose the ability to furrow and wrinkle.
Botox not only delivers smoother skin and trims years from a person's appearance, but actually helps improve facial expression by removing frown lines. Botox treatments are non-invasive, require virtually no downtime and are also used in non-surgical jaw and facial contouring.
Potential side-effects from cosmetic usage may include respiratory infection, nausea or headaches, but the risk of adverse effects resulting from improper administration diminishes greatly in a suitable medical environment which is equipped to deal with emergencies and allergic reactions if any.
Although women make up the overwhelming majority of Botox consumers, more and more men are turning to it too. Some new studies indicate that that men and women respond differently to a range of Botox doses. Men seem to need a bigger dosage to attain the same the desirable anti-aging results.
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