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What You Need to Know About Botox

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Botox injections are now one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world and celebrities are rumored to use this procedure for aesthetic purposes.

How does Botox work?

Botox treatment works by blocking the nerve signals to the affected muscles around the injection site. The muscles become more relaxed and their activity is reduced, in turn reducing wrinkles and signs of aging

History

Botox was discovered as a beauty treatment by accident. In the late 80’s eye specialists were using Botox as treatment for lazy or wandering eye. A side effect of the treatment then was that the area around the eye appeared much more relaxed and wrinkles were significantly less prominent.

Approval for the toxin was granted to be used for cosmetic purposes in 2002 and it has since become a popular anti-wrinkle treatment around the world. In 2006 it was declared the most popular cosmetic treatment in the United States. Other uses include the prevention of underarm sweating and the treatment of migraines, although treatments in these areas are still awaiting approval by the FDA.

The Procedure

When injected into the problem area, Botox freezes muscle movement by blocking neuro-transmitters for a period of 4-6 months, so the treatment needs to be administered a few times a year to maintain, but that can be a blessing in disguise. Another benefit is the temporary nature of the procedure is, unlike a facelift, if you are unhappy with the results once the Botox treatment is stopped the muscles will begin to function normally again.

Botox treatment should be undertaken by a qualified medical professional (preferably a cosmetic surgeon) as it is very important to get the right amount in the right area to avoid asymmetrical results, muscle drooping, frozen expressions and potentially dangerous consequences.

Not Just for Wrinkles

It can be used on humans for many reasons and is very helpful in the treatment of many medical conditions such as eye problems and excessive sweating from the hands and underarms. However, for beauty and cosmetic purposes, it has become well known as a safe and effective wrinkle treatment aiming to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines in our faces.

New uses for Botox are being researched and discovered all the time, the most well known popular cosmetic use is as a safe and effective wrinkle treatment. Over time, the muscles we use on our face to create facial expressions, sun damage and the human ageing process can carve out grooves, lines and wrinkles in the skin which do not disappear when the muscles are relaxed. Botox relaxes the muscles and skin appears more youthful and less wrinkled.

Side Effects.

Administered properly there are not many known problems associated with the treatment. The side effects of Botox are rare and are associated risks of any treatment or procedure, many patients have it in their lunch hour and return to work immediately afterwards! The effects of Botox on the muscles become apparent within a few hours, however the main effects will appear after about a week.