What is Botox and who should use it?

Botox is one of the most popular beauty treatments these days. In this article I will discuss what botox is and how it can help you look younger.

What is Botox?

Botox is a trade name for the neurotoxic protein called botulinum toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is actually a toxic that is used in very small doses to treat muscle spasms. Currently, botox is now commonly used in various cosmetic procedures. In this article we will concentrate on the use of Botox for cosmetic purposes.

As a cosmetic procedure Botox is used to:

Reduce ugly frown lines
Soften or prevent wrinkles around the eye
Decrease facial creases

How does Botox work?

The procedure works by injecting a small amount of diluted botox that weakens the contraction of muscles. It will start to work after 3 to 4 days after the injection and you will notice that you can no longer move certain muscles in your face or have weakened muscle use.

The longivity of the effect of the injection depends on the indivdual but it is always of limited duration, and can be as short a period as six weeks. Usually though there is an effective period of between 3 and 8 months.

How is Botox administered?

Botox is a relatively simple procedure that does not require anesthesia. Your physician will usually mark your face on the places the injections should be inserted. You may be given some numbing cream to soften the needle impact. The protein is then injected into the muscle using a fine needle in order to minimize discomfort and maximize accuracy.

Possible side effects

Botox is a relatively and easy and painless procedure and if administered correctly there should be minimal side effects. However, the following could occur:

Paralysis of the wrong muscle group and allergic reaction.
Bruising at the site of injection is a side effect not of the toxin
Drooping eyelid, uneven smile, or loss of the ability to close eyes. This will wear off in around 6 weeks.
When injecting the masseter muscle of the jaw, loss of muscle function will result in a loss or reduction of power to chew solid foods.
Headache
Nausea
Flu-like symdrones
Allergic reactions

Who should use it?

Botox can be used by anyone who wants to prevent wrinkles from forming on their face. As wrinkles start to show in your thirties, many women will start the procedure then.