There is a lot of propaganda out about the wonders Botox injections can do to people. Many people have resorted to it for solutions to their aging dilemma. Whereas some have embraced it to reverse the aging process, other people still dont see any good in it. In fact people say that if you undergo this procedure, you will not be able to express your emotions as you did when you were younger. What is Botox, and how does it work? To answer these questions, lets first look at the amazing miracle of science that came with it.
Botox is derived from Botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin initially intended to treat neurological disorders. In 1989, this neurotoxin was approved by the FDA as a treatment for facial spasms and wrinkles in cosmetic surgery. About 11 years later, it was approved to treat cervical dystonia; a disease that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions. Further clinical studies revealed that Botox can actually soften the frown lines between the eyebrows. This breakthrough is what brought Botox to limelight. In fact today, Botox is one of the major trade names in the cosmetic industry.
How does it work? When injected into the muscles of the forehead, Botox blocks the nerve impulses. This will weaken the muscles that cause frowning. When you get the appropriate amount of this toxin in your system, frown lines will start to soften. With time, these frown lines will eventually disappear. Apart from the wrinkles and lines on your forehead, crows feet and deep lines in other parts of your body can also be eliminated by Botox.
Whenever you make use of your facial muscles, you give way to wrinkles. Its the underlying contractions of facial muscles that eventually leave a mark on your face. With time, these creases can become permanent, and skin cream or moisturizer may not be enough to get rid of them. Botox however can help you eliminate them. If Botox is injected in the affected area, it temporarily paralyzes these muscles so that you can’t make as many facial expressions as you previously did. Thats the reason why many people say this form of treatment can make you look weird. The results of Botox injections become fully visible after three days and its effects may last as long as four to five months. With time however, muscle activity changes. Its these changes that reduce the effects of Botox.
Botox is expensive. An injection goes for about $350 in the United States. The cost however depends on some factors like the area on the face and the patients age. Treatment on the facial areas near the eyes is naturally more expensive, costing between $400 and $900 per injection. As for the large surface areas such as the forehead, it can cost as much as $1,300.
Because Botox has botulism, a poisonous food toxin, it poses some risks to your health especially if it spreads to your system. People allergic to its ingredients are more vulnerable to the side effects of Botox. Otherwise, Botox will give you back the young looks you have always longed for.