Botox

Of all the accidental medical discoveries, nothing has proven more popular with Americans than Botox cosmetic (except of course male enhancement pills). According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were more than 4.6 million Botox injections in 2007. Botox is different from other accidental discoveries in that even though it is actually created from a deadly toxin, millions of Americans desire it to give them a more youthful or calm appearance.

Botulism is a rare, but deadly, food-borne illness that causes paralysis and death. The paralytic toxin of the bacteria, botulinum toxin is extracted and used for several medicinal purposes. There are no live bacteria in Botox cosmetic. The specific benefit of Botox was discovered when treating chronic blepharospasms (eye spasms). It was noted that the facial muscles around the treated area relaxed and related wrinkles and folds were smoothed away.

After extensive clinical testing, the FDA approved Botox for cosmetic uses in 2002. When injected under the skin, the toxin blocks the release of chemical acetylcholine, which triggers your muscles to contract. This effectively paralyses those muscles and prevents the undesirable folds and wrinkles from appearing.

Since Botox is not an injectable filler, but a chemical blocker, many wrinkle lines are untreatable with Botox. Skin damaged by the sun and other age related wrinkles that are not caused by neuromuscular action are treated with injectable fillers like collagen or Restylane, which expand the tissues underneath the wrinkles and smooth the skin.

The number of injections needed is determined by the physician and is based on the area being treated. Glabellar lines, or furrowed brows, are treated using from eight to ten injections. Crow's feet on the other hand might only need from two to five injections. The injection sessions usually only take anywhere from ten to fifteen minutes of your time, and you can usually resume normal activities right away.

There is virtually no down time after a Botox injection treatment, you can resume a normal day as soon as you leave the cosmetic surgeon’s office. Avoid rubbing the area to prevent the injected material to migrate to other areas. Full results are seen after a few days, and last up to six months. Follow-up injections are needed to maintain your new fresh appearance. Refresher cosmetic Botox injections should be given no more than once every three months.

It is important to find a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in Botox injections to minimize risks, and ensure proper injections. Botox is delivered to the physician in dry form and must be reconstituted with the right amount of saline. Each vial of Botox is intended for onetime use on a single patient.

A growing phenomenon around the country is with so-called Botox parties where a questionable clinician will open up his clinic and throw a party. As the participants wait their turn for injection, they socialize and have fun. The FDA has issued warnings about these types of events as they can diminish the serious nature of the injections and their use.