How Botox® Works

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) collects statistics each year on which cosmetic surgeries are most often done, and which minimally-invasive procedures are most often done for cosmetic reasons. In 2006, Botox® was Number One on the minimally-invasive popularity list, with 4.1 million people having that treatment.

As cosmetic surgery becomes more accepted and more popular in the general population, more people begin dipping their toe into the water by having a minimally-invasive procedure rather than a permanent one, a surgery. Examples of this are the very popular injectable fillers, such as Restylane, Radiesse, Sculptra, and Artefill. These plump out the facial skin, giving you a more youthful appearance. Their results are temporary, lasting several months to several years, depending on which one you choose to have.

Botox is an injection, but not a filler. It works in a different way altogether. Rather than placing some kind of substance beneath the skin to give that youthful look, it works on the nerve impulses traveling to the particular muscles at the injection site.

Frown lines

Most of us develop frown lines towards middle age, or earlier. They come from repeated use of the muscles that wrinkle the forehead skin between the eyes (the procerus and corrugator muscles). We may not always be frowning because we feel angry or worried. We may be just squinting in the sun, or sneezing, or coughing. There is often an automatic contraction of the frown muscles in these ways which doesn’t say anything about our personality or outlook on life.

But the fact is that frown lines do give people an impression that you’re annoyed, impatient, depressed, or some other kind of negative feeling. They give the face an older look. When the frown muscles contract, they also lower the eyebrows, which adds to the aging look. So if a person wants to appear younger and more relaxed, they may turn to a Botox treatment to smooth out the frown lines. It takes ten minutes to remove years of frowning.

Where Botox® is derived from

Botox® Cosmetic is the trade name used by Allergan, Inc., the manufacturer. It is a substance derived from the botulinum toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. That is one very toxic protein as it occurs in nature, but it is not Botox. This toxic protein was originally discovered in poorly prepared meat, and was called sausage poison, back in the nineteenth century. If you ingested it, it would act systemically to paralyze all the body’s muscles, which would be fatal.

Botox® Cosmetic does not do this! The only similarity between a Botox injection and the botulinum toxin is that they both act by blocking nerve impulses traveling to the muscles. A Botox injection is very tiny, given through a very tiny needle, into a very specific muscle. It affects only a small area on the face and only temporarily.

How Botox Acts

It acts on the nerve impulses that travel to the particular muscle where it is injected. To treat frown lines, it is injected into the procerus and corrugator muscles, and blocks the nerve messages that would tell those muscles to contract. They don’t receive those messages, and so they don’t contract. The skin over those muscles therefore does not get wrinkled, and it acquires a smoother look.

The effect of a Botox injection lasts for four to six months. The body gradually absorbs the substance and the treatment needs to be repeated. However, if it is repeated in a series of treatments, those muscles will gradually learn not to contract as much. So this can give a more long-term effect and allow the skin to smooth out more permanently. It will not smooth out completely, but it will certainly look smoother and younger.

You can have a Botox injection on your lunch hour and go straight back to work, as there is no downtime. The results are immediately visible. If you have not yet tried a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure, Botox is a good place to start. Why not now?

Botox is Probably the Most Talked About and Popular Cosmetic Procedure of Today

Botox

Botox is probably the most talked about and popular cosmetic procedure of today. Since its release millions of women, and men have been rushing into the offices of the nearest practitioners to have the procedure done. With the FDA approval for cosmetic procedure came the emergence of the trendy “Botox parties.” Practitioners began sending out invitations to potential candidates for food, drinks, conversation and a Botox injection. While the procedure itself is quick, and virtually painless you would be well advised to discuss the procedure with your doctor beforehand and schedule an appointment to have the treatment administered in a clinical setting, rather than at a social affair.

Botox is a trade name for the neurotoxin botulinum type A; a complex protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The botulinum toxin acts as a nerve blocker and binds itself to the nerves leading to the muscle preventing the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the muscle to contract. Botulism is a paralyzing form of food poisoning that occurs when the neurotoxin is ingested, the reason that it can be fatal is usually due to the paralysis of the respiratory muscles making it impossible to breath. So in this way, Botox is related to the food borne illness, but that is where the similarities end. With controlled application the botulinum type A can be injected into specific muscles and alleviate many problems associated with muscle spasms, or involuntary contraction of the muscle. Botox Cosmetic, when injected into the corrugator and procerus muscles, temporarily prevents them from contracting and this is what reduces the appearance of glabellar, or frown lines. Basically if the muscles cannot contract, or scrunch up, the wrinkles go away.

Botox has been indicated in treatment of several medical conditions, and has been proven to successfully treat blepharospasm, a condition which causes the involuntary spasmodic contraction of certain eye muscles, strabismus, a manifest lack of parallelism of the visual axes of the eyes, or crossed eyes and cervical dystonia, a state of abnormal tension in any of the tissues resulting in the impairment of a person’s voluntary movement in the neck area. It has also been used to treat other dystonias, such as writer’s cramp, as well as facial spasms, head and neck tremors and hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. Other applications for which Botox may be useful are currently being investigated. By injecting the toxin into the affected muscles the spasms or contractions that normally occur are greatly reduced or eliminated. The effects of the treatment for these conditions can be seen and felt anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days after treatment, they are temporary and will last anywhere from three to eight months.

Botox Cosmetic is a simple non-surgical treatment that has been proven to treat moderate to severe glabellar, or frown lines and eliminates wrinkles temporarily. It is the only treatment of its kind approved by the FDA for use in adult patients aged 18-65. The FDA approved the use of Botox for cosmetic use in April of 2002 and before that it was approved for use to treat certain medical conditions since 1989. In the year 2005 there were over 3 million procedures performed.

The procedure itself takes about ten minutes and involves a few tiny injections. The injections go directly into the muscle and then it enters into the nerve endings to block the chemical that causes the muscle to contract. Once the muscles are at rest and can no longer contract the appearance of the skin becomes firmer and smoother and the lines or wrinkles that would normally be see are greatly diminished or eliminated altogether. The results of the treatment can usually be seen within hours and will last for about four months. Because the treatment targets only certain areas and only the muscles that are affected the risk of the toxin spreading is severely reduced.

A topical anesthetic is usually applied to the area that will be treated to numb the injection site. There is usually only minimal pain or discomfort associated with the actual injection but it does not persist past the process of injection. There is usually no downtime resulting from the procedure so return to work and normal activity can usually resume immediately. There is usually little to no bruising, bleeding, swelling, pain or other discomfort involved with the procedure.

It would seem only natural to think that there would be a lot of risk involved with injecting toxins into the body but in fact Botox injections are believed to be safe and result in few side effects. Any side effects that may arise from the treatments typically last no more than six months since the treatment itself is temporary. The most common, but rare side effects associated with treatment include bruising at the site of the injection, headache, respiratory infection, nausea, and flu like symptoms. In rare occurrences the Botox cosmetic may spread to adjoining muscles and cause temporary paralysis. In less than 1% of patients this can cause drooping of the eyelid. Less frequently occurring side effects include pain in the face, erythema, or abnormal redness at the injection site, and muscle weakness. These adverse reactions occurred in less than 3% of patients and occurred within the first week of treatment. They are thought to be associated with the injection itself.

There are only few restrictions to who is eligible to receive treatment. Those who are pregnant or nursing are definitely ineligible. Those who suffer from neuromuscular disease have allergies to certain medications or who are taking certain medications should discuss this in depth with their physician, as they may not be eligible for treatment. Any medications that are being taken should always be disclosed as certain medications; mostly antibiotics can alter the effects of Botox. Many people return for new treatments as soon as the effects start to wear off. The cost of the procedure varies depending on how many areas are being treated and who is performing the procedure. The price typically ranges from $175 for one area of treatment to $800 for three or more areas of treatment.

Can Botox(R) Injections Safely Turn Back The Clock?

Botox(R) Injection is a non-surgical, physician-administered aesthetic treatment for moderate to severe “frown lines” between the brows in people ages 18 to 65. It works by reducing the contractions of the muscles that cause those persistent frown lines that have developed between your brows over time.

In the United States, prescription drugs and biologics are required to undergo rigorous laboratory and clinical testing for human safety and efficacy before they are allowed to enter the market. Botox(R) injection as a cosmetic treatment received FDA approval in 2002 and is considered safe as long as it is administered properly by an authorized healthcare professional.

Botox(R) is the most popular “quick fix” cosmetic procedure available today. Its popularity continues to grow as more and more people try it — and most patients are so satisfied with the results that they come back for regularly scheduled treatments.

The treatment has many appeals. It can be administered easily and there is virtually no down time. Results are quickly noticeable and usually give the desired effect without much risk of side effects.

Facial wrinkles in the forehead and “crows’ feet” are improved so patients enjoy a better facial appearance. Botox(R) has also been shown to help with excessive underarm sweating and with migraine headaches.

You might wonder if you are a candidate for this procedure. Most of us are because the use of our facial muscles creates pronounced wrinkles on our face. Sometimes these wrinkles give us the appearance of being angry, sad or tired when we’re not. With an injection of Botox(R), the muscles are weakened thereby allowing the overlaying skin to flatten out and thus immediately improve our appearance.

As with any treatment that involves injections you want to be sure that the person who is performing the injections is highly qualified. Even though an “authorized healthcare professional” can inject Botox(R), choosing a physician to administer the treatments is recommended, because when dealing with matters of health, you want and deserve the best.

The most important qualification to consider when one is considering this treatment is that the person administering it is board certified dermatologist/plastic surgeon. Board certified medical professionals are highly experienced in the use of injectable Botox(R) as well as other injectables. They can be relied upon to have a detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and understand the nuances of where to inject and how much to inject so you get the best possible result for your investment.

Generally speaking, the procedure is entirely safe for most people. Of course, only your doctor can decide if a Botox(R) Injection is safe and right for you. So before starting treatment, you’ll need to give your doctor a thorough medical history, including such things as any diseases that affect your nerves and muscles, whether you’re breastfeeding or think you might be (or plan to become) pregnant, what prescribed or OTC medications and herbals you currently take, etc.

Note: The specific risks and the suitability of Botox(R) injection for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation with a physician. All procedures have some degree of risk. The information provided here is not a substitute for a consultation.

Hedda Lettuce- Botox Face

Hedda Lettuce covers Lady GaGa. You will never hear Poker Face the same way again!

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Advantages of Using Botox to Revitalize your Looks

If you’ve ever fretted over fine lines or deep wrinkles, you may have wondered if Botox just might be the solution. This cosmetic procedure has become increasingly common in recent years, with some patients even hosting “Botox parties” to share the experience with friends and family. Is this procedure really right for you? Before you can decide, you need to consider your own needs as well as some of the possible advantages of using Botox to revitalize your looks.

Reasons to Try Botox

As we age, the effects of time, gravity and stress begin to show on our faces and bodies. Skin begins to lose its elasticity, leading to facial lines and wrinkles. Some of the most common problem areas include the areas on the forehead, around the eyes and around the mouth. Botox is actually a bacterium-based toxin derived from botulinum toxin type A. While it can be dangerous or fatal in a pure state, its use in Botox helps relax facial muscles and smooth lines.

So why do so many people opt for this treatment? In addition to smoothing out current lines and wrinkles, regular use of Botox can also help prevent future facial lines. Every time you raise your eyebrows, squint your eyes or frown, your facial muscles create skin wrinkling. Over time, these wrinkles can become permanent. By relaxing muscles with Botox, these creases become less prominent and less likely to develop into much deeper wrinkles.

The Advantages of Using Botox

With so many different cosmetic solutions available today, why should you consider using Botox to revitalize your looks and rejuvenate your face? While your decision will ultimately depend upon your own unique needs and goals, there are a number of benefits that make Botox an ideal solution. The greatest advantage of this treatment is its ability to take years off of your appearance. Even small lines can make you look older, but Botox can reduce or even eliminate these minor lines and wrinkles.

Another major advantage of Botox is that it is nonsurgical. Many treatments for aging skin require major surgeries and long recovery times. Botox treatments typically take less than an hour to complete, often requiring less than 10 minutes for the actual injection process. Additionally, patients begin to see noticeable improvements in just a few days time. In comparison, a facelift surgery may require months of recovery before the full effects become noticeable.

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Is Botox Right For You?

Botulin toxin, sold commercially under the brand name Botox, is an exceptionally potent neurotoxin that has found a variety of remarkable uses in modern medicine. It is also the most popular nonsurgical medical cosmetic treatment in the UK and USA.

Researchers discovered in the 1950s that injecting overactive muscles with minute quantities of botulinum toxin type A decreased muscle activity by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby rendering the muscle unable to contract for a period of 4 to 6 months.

Alan Scott, a San Francisco ophthalmologist, first applied tiny doses of the toxin in a medicinal sense to treat crossed eyes and uncontrollable blinking, but a partner was needed to gain regulatory approval to market his discovery as a drug. Allergan, Inc., a small pharmaceutical company that focused on prescription eye therapies and contact lens products, bought the rights to the drug in 1988 and quickly received FDA approval in 1989. Allergan renamed the drug Botox.

Cosmetic benefits of Botox were quickly realized when the frown lines between the eyebrows appeared to soften following treatment for eye muscle disorders. The increased potential of Botox as a cosmetic treatment led to clinical trials and subsequent FDA approval in April 2002.

Currently, Botox is finding enormous additional potential in several therapeutic areas including the treatment of migraine headaches, cervical dystonia (a neuromuscular disorder involving the head and neck), blepharospasm (involuntary contraction of the eye muscles), and severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Other uses of botulinum toxin type A that are widely known but not approved by FDA include urinary incontinence, anal fissure, spastic disorders associated with injury or disease of the central nervous system including trauma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy and focal dystonias affecting the limbs, face, jaw, or vocal cords. It is also used off label for the treatment of TMJ, but a side effect in some patients is a jaw left too weak to chew solid food for about 3 months after the injection.

Treatment and prevention of chronic headache and chronic musculoskeletal pain are emerging uses for botulinum toxin type A. In addition, there is evidence that Botox may aid in weight loss by increasing the gastric emptying time.

As an alternative to Botox, anti-aging creams are heavily marketed and advertised on television, with the promise of looking younger and the reduction in visible wrinkles on the skin.

Traditionally, they have been targeted towards women, but products specifically targeting men are now common. This change may be due to the fact that many societies in recent years have seen an increased focus on young looks, including in men. Some men report that looking younger makes it easier to get a good job.

There are a range of cosmetic ‘treatments’ for the appearance of wrinkles on the skin such as plastic surgery and botox injections. One of the marketed advantages of anti-aging cream is that it is an alternative to these more extreme cosmetic treatments.

Critics take the view that the manufacturers of these products prey on the fears of women, and that the advertisements abuse science by claiming that their products are scientifically proven to work. It is said that the ’scientific data’ is based on the perception of women who have tried the product, and are asked whether or not they think they look younger. These are the hallmarks of a placebo.

However, it is plausible that some of the anti-aging products could have a rejuvenating effect, as promised. However, the effects of most anti-aging products likely depends on their concentration and mode of application, making their effects less certain.

Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and the entire resource box is included.

Celebrities Love Botox

Virginia Madsen is one Hollywood star who’s open about her Botox treatments. Rather than hide them, Madsen isn’t ashamed to admit that she uses the procedure conservatively not for her fans or a guy but to feel great about herself.

“I don’t want to be 25. I’m 45. I love the way I look. I feel better than I ever have in my life,” the sexy star said.

As the model for the “Keep the Wisdom, Lose the Lines” campaign of the National Women’s Health Resource Center, Madsen hopes to educate women about injectable cosmetic treatments.

Desperate Housewives’ star Teri Hatcher can’t seem to make up her mind whether or not she loves Botox. Last year, she admitted being a Botox fan in the past but decided that she would rather age naturally and gracefully.

“I haven’t had anything done to my face in over a year. And I don’t plan to. It needs to be OK to have wrinkles,” she told fans.

This year, she told the Daily Express that she never had Botox injections nor does she plan to get them.

Since it was approved for cosmetic purposes in 2002, Botox’s popularity has grown by leaps and bounds. Celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Elizabeth Hurley, Ryan Seacrest, Celine Dion, Madonna, Cher, Kim Cattrall, and Kylie Minogue are suspected of using it. But the Botox Club isn’t confined to TV or movie stars. Thousands of men and women all over the world rely on this non-surgical procedure to fight wrinkles and the number of converts is increasing.

“The reason Botox has become so popular is due to the simplicity of the procedure. It does not require hospital admission, there are no surgical scars, no anesthesia and the results are visible in a few days,” according to an article in MediIndia.Com.

Botox is the brand name of the botulinum toxin type A, the purified form of the toxin secreted by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. When taken in large amounts, this toxin causes the food poisoning botulism. In small doses, Botox paralyzes specific muscles and stops them from contracting. This relaxes the muscles around wrinkles and makes the latter less noticeable.

Botox is currently used by doctors as a temporary treatment for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet, and wrinkles on the forehead.

“Not all facial wrinkles benefit from Botox injections, however. Botox won’t reverse wrinkling caused by sun damage. Also, it’s less effective treating the lines around your mouth because muscles in this area are needed for eating and talking. Your skin type, skin thickness and degree of wrinkling all play a role in determining whether these injections are effective for you,” said the MayoClinic.Com.

Moreover, the procedure is not free from side effects. Adverse reactions include pain and bruising at the injection site, redness, headache, nausea, and temporary facial weakness. At the hands of an inexperienced doctor, Botox injections can be dangerous.

For your safety and protection, choose a board certified physician. If you’d rather be sure than sorry, use a product that works like Botox like the Rejuvinol AM/PM Botox Alternative Age-Defying System. This anti-aging system combines the power of the Rejuvinol morning moisturizer that creates firmer, healthier, and younger-looking skin; and the Rejuvox night cream that reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Check out http://www.rejuvinol.com for more details.

Anti-aging and Botox

Botox has become very popular because it is so effective in reducing and often eliminating the visible effects of aging.

By having Botox injections in the upper areas of the face frown lines between the eyebrows can disappear and fine lines (crows feet) at the sides of the eyes can also be eliminated.

Botox has also shown to have positive affects at lifting the brow when injected in the right place by an experienced skin care professional.

It can have results that are as good as cosmetic surgery although they will be temporary and depending on the patient they will last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.

Botox acts by paralyzing the muscles where it is injected and this stops them from pulling the skin causing the lines that are visible.

Even though Botox treatments are only temporary they tend to last longer the more times they are applied to a specific area and some people can get very long lasting results.

What makes Botox all the more popular is it is relatively cost effective when compared to other methods and the procedure takes very little time and can be done in a lunch break with no disruption to everyday work.

By intercepting the messages that are sent to the brain Botox stops the muscles from reacting in situations where, for instances, glare is encountered and one would tend to frown. This allows the skin to remain wrinkle free and smooth.

The sooner Botox treatments are started the less chance there will be for wrinkle and frown lines appearing and many people are getting treatments at a younger age to ensure that they retain their youthful appearance for as long as possible.

Often the first treatment will not give the desired results and a ‘top up’ treatment will be required to make sure that it works as expected.

Botox Colorado

Medical Botox Procedure in Colorado