Botox - The Miracle Drug ?
Wrinkles such as crows feet and the notorious frown line are inevitable and can be caused by a number of factors such as simple aging or sun damage as well as the contraction of facial muscles through laughing, frowning, and smiling. Fortunately, Botox provides those plagued with these creases with an answer.
The procedure, which has been used for approximately 20 years, received its FDA approval during the early 20th century. Since then, the use of the injection has dramatically increased in popularity with numerous individuals turning to this simple technique as a means of ridding their facial area of annoying creases.
The Origin of Botox Therapy
Botox is a thoroughly tested form of therapy involving a pharmaceutical grade toxin that has been shown to relax the physical muscle. Discovered in the 19th century, this toxin was not used for cosmetic purposes until much later when a group of doctors realized that these toxins could effectively be used in the treatment of facial spasms.
Today, it is completely safe and simple to use and has been shown to be highly effective in the removal of crows feet, creases in the forehead, and the all too common frown line. The dermatologist uses the treatment to relax the delicate facial muscles, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
How Does the Botox Treatment Work?
Botox reduces the appearance of wrinkles by preventing the facial muscles from contracting. The substance blocks the facial nerve’s impulses that tell the facial muscles to contract. After the treatment is complete, the skin overlying the muscles will usually remain unwrinkled and smooth.
The procedure itself lasts for approximately 10 minutes and is typically performed using a very small needle through which the botulinum toxin is injected into the designated areas of the face. Because the needle is so small, most patients report feeling little to no pain at all during the procedure and absolutely no anesthetic is necessary. In fact, patients are able to resume their daily activities as soon as they leave the chair.
Some light bruising may occur in the area of the injection but this typically lasts for only a short period of time and can be easily covered using make-up.
Limitations of Cosmetic Botox Treatments
The treatment is only temporary and requires repetition in order to maintain results. The dermatologist will typically recommend that the patient undergo the treatment once every 4-6 months. Fortunately, however, studies have indicated that the more treatments received, the less often the procedure needs to be repeated.
Many patients ask whether their use of other medications will affect or react negatively to the treatment. Fortunately, this is rarely the case unless they are already taking medications that are designed to interfere with the impulses produced by the nerves. Because of this, it is essential that the dermatologist be aware of any medications that you are taking before the procedure is begun.
Is There Any Danger in Getting Botox Injections ?
There is absolutely no risk at all. The treatment is 100% FDA approved as a highly effective and safe method of treating lines in the face. The toxin has been used for more than 30 years to treat various neurological disorders as well. The NIH has also released statements indicating that the treatment is safe and useful for therapeutic purposes.
However, as is the case with any medical procedure, always ensure that you are seeking the treatment from a thoroughly licensed and qualified practitioner.