All about Botox

Popularity of Botox
Botox injections are perhaps the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure in the industry, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). In 2001, more than 1.6 million people received injections, an increase of 46 percent over the previous year. More popular than breast enhancement surgery and a potential blockbuster, Botox is regarded by some as the ultimate fountain of youth.

Botulinum Toxin Type A (or the Botox Cosmetic, as it s known) is a protein complex produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which contains the same toxin that causes food poisoning. When used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified botulinum toxin, administered in small doses block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction. By selectively interfering with the underlying muscles' ability to contract, existing frown lines are smoothed out and, in most cases, are nearly invisible within a week’s time.

Botox was first approved in 1989 to treat two eye muscle disorders--uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm) and misaligned eyes (strabismus). In 2000, the toxin was approved to treat a neurological movement disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions, known as cervical dystonia. As an unusual side effect of the eye disorder treatment, doctors observed that Botox softened the vertical frown (glabellar) lines between the eyebrows that tend to make people look tired, angry or displeased. But until this improvement was actually demonstrated in clinical studies, Allergan Inc., of Irvine, Calif., was prohibited from making this claim for the product.

By April 2002, most studies indicated that Botox reduced the severity of frown lines for up to 120 days. This was then granted approval for long-term usage.

Botox Effects
Botox Cosmetic, is currently being used by physicians to largely treat facial wrinkles, however, such drugs do not count for serious or life-threatening conditions. These are meticulously scrutinized, they are largely safe to use. Most companies promoting and marketing Botox, make use of unique promotional campaigns that are growing in popularity. Some practitioners buy the toxin in bulk and arrange get-togethers for people receiving their treatments. As in business, volume discounts can be found in medicine.

Plastic surgery events known as Botox parties--also seminars, evenings and socials--are a key element of Botox marketing in much of the United States. The gatherings are thought to be a convenient means of providing Botox treatments more economically, and may help reduce the anxiety that normally goes along with getting an injection. Doctors are finding that treating people in groups allows them to make the procedure more affordable to their patients.

However, unqualified people have begun dispensing Botox in salons, gyms, hotel rooms, home-based offices, and other retail venues. In such cases, people run the risks of improper technique, inappropriate dosages, and unsanitary conditions. "Botox, which is more like an extension for looking young, more like steroid is for body builders and is a prescription drug that should be administered by a qualified physician in an appropriate medical setting.

Other common side effects following injection were headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, and nausea. The less frequent adverse reactions include pain in the face, redness at the injection site, and muscle weakness. Although these reactions were generally temporary, these effects could last several months, depending on the sensitivity of the skin.

Battling against age, there are many who would want to repeat this procedure again and again, purely because they temporarily so feel they have beaten the ageing factor. Some food for thought!