Cosmetic Treat Muscle Relaxing Treatments Botox®

The Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum that causes progressive muscle paralysis. Due to this condition, this substance has been used in cosmetic procedures to treat some neurological disorders. The Botulinum toxin acts by blocking the release of the acetylcholine, a chemical substance that transmits electrical nervous impulses and allows the contraction in the muscles. Botox® temporarily prevents the release of acetylcholine in the neuromuscular unions or in other cholinergic unions and produces a partial reversible paralysis of the muscles in the site where it is injected. In 2002, Botulinum toxin type A was approved for cosmetic use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

More...


*	Botox®
*	Facial Fillers

The effects of the toxin were initially used to treat patients who suffered migraine, hemifacial spasms, dystonias, blepharospasms, hyperhidrosis and strabismus. Physicians noticed that their patients looked younger and then Botox® began to be considered as a cosmetic medicine to temporarily improve the appearance of facial expression lines and wrinkles. Soon the toxin was recognized as a muscle relaxing treatment used to smooth out facial lines, wrinkles and crow´s feet.

Botox® and Dysport® are registered trademarks of Allergan Inc., which are muscle relaxing treatments used to smooth out facial lines, wrinkles and crow´s feet. Botox® has been also effectively used to elevate the eyebrows providing a rested and more youthful, refreshed appearance.

The treatment may take place in the physician´s office, using topical anesthesia, and can be performed on an outpatient basis. The full effects of Botox® become evident 4-7 days following treatment.

The effects of Botox® last from 4-6 months. Botox® cosmetic is not a replacement for surgery, but in young patients Botox® may help to slow the aging process. Most surgeons recommend Botulinum toxin as a part the post-surgical treatment. In procedures such as endoscopic forehead and eyebrow lift, nose surgery, or blepharoplasty Botox® may help to improve the results from surgery.

What you should know about Botox®


1	Effects of Botox® are temporary and may last 4-6 months.

2	It is a non-surgical and safe treatment. In 2002, Botox® was approved by the U.S. FDA, Food and Drug Administration for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.

3	Do not use if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Botox® can only be prescribed and injected by an experienced physician so he knows exactly where facial muscles and nerve terminals are located.

4	Most Botox®-related problems reported by the media are rare and generally more common with inexperienced physicians.

5	Do not exceed the recommended dosage and frequency of administration of Botox®. Symptoms of a Botox® overdose can vary; common ones include muscle paralysis and general weakness.