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When used in medical settings as an injectable form of sterile,
purified botulinum toxin (Botox), small doses of the toxin
are injected into the affected muscles and block the release
of the chemical acetylcholine that would otherwise signal
the muscle to contract. The toxin thus paralyzes or weakens
the injected muscle.
Doctors
use a very small dose of this toxin to help smooth wrinkles,
creases in the forehead, crow's feet around the eyes, and
frown lines. Botox was first approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) in 1989 for the treatement of double
vision and uncontolled eyelid spasms. Botox has been been
called today's "fountain of youth" since it was
approved by the FDA in 2002 for the reduction of frown lines.
The
injections typically last for 3 to 4 months and then have
to be repeated. The most common adverse events following injection
of Botox are headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome,
blepharoptosis (droopy eyelids) and nausea. Less frequent
adverse reactions (less than 3% of patients) include pain
in the face, redness at the injection site and muscle weakness.
These reactions are generally temporary, but could last several
months.
Because
Botox is a prescription drug, it must be used carefully under
medical supervision. Botox "parties" may diminish
the seriousness of the procedure and if alcohol is served
at these parties it may worsen any bruising at the injection
site. The FDA has issued warning statements about botox "parties"
and recommends that botox injections be performed in a controlled
medical environment that is equipped to handle an emergency
situation.
About
the Author
Ellen
Daniels offers expert advice and articles on all aspects of
Laser Hair Removal and Botox. You can read about the latest
technology for Laser Hair Removal at Laser
Hair Removal Details. |
