Botox is widely used in both cosmetic and non-cosmetic medical procedures. It comes from a bacterium that, in large doses, causes botulism. It is mostly associated with food poisoning that causes flaccid paralysis of muscles. Researchers found ways to use it for cosmetic and medical purposes. In the 1980s, the FDA approved Botox for medical and cosmetic uses. Since then, it has become a household name. Thousands of people use Botox regularly without knowing what it is or how it works.
What is Botox?
Botox is a trade name for the neurotoxic protein botulinum toxin. This toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is "the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism," according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Because doctors use this toxin in small doses in the purified forms of outline toxin type A and botulinum toxin type B derived from the bacteria, it does not pose health risks.
How Botox Works
Botox works by temporarily paralyzing muscles or blocking certain nerves. Muscles appear smooth and cannot contract or spasm. In this way, wrinkles relax and smooth out in several days. In the case of muscle spasms, Botox weakens the muscle so it stops contracting uncontrollably. The treatment lasts anywhere from 3 to 4 months. When symptoms or wrinkles reappear, another injection of Botox is administered.
Uses
Originally, Botox was used to treat uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm), lazy eye (strabismus) and severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions (cervical dystonia). After 1987, dermatologists started using it for cosmetic purposes. The areas of facial treatment are the lines between the eyes, crow's feet at the corner of the eyes, and the horizontal forehead lines. Other non-cosmetic medical procedures that use Botox are dystonia, writer's cramp, excessive sweating, chronic pain, migraine headaches, overactive bladders and, according to the July 24, 2009 issue of "Medical News Today," "men with enlarged prostates benefit from Botox injections."
Administration
Botox is administered using a small needle to maximize accuracy. This is done in the doctor's office without anesthesia and takes just a few minutes to complete the injections. The needle is inserted directly into the muscle. Men usually need a higher dose than women.
Risks and Side Effects
A medical professional should always administer Botox. Some of the side effects of using Botox include pain in the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache, nausea, bruising at the injection site, eyelid drooping, respiratory infection and indigestion.
Always consult with a doctor before getting Botox injections. Pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, and those with neurological disease should not use Botox.
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