Botox AntiWrinkle Cosmetic Treatments

Consider Botox to Remove Deep Wrinkles Caused by Muscle Contractions

Hundreds of thousands of people receive Botox injections every year. It is one of the most popular antiaging cosmetic procedures performed in the United States.

Botox is used on deep wrinkles and creases on the face caused by aging and sun exposure. The damage usually has to be too great to be treated by chemical peels or laser resurfacing.

As everybody probably knows, Botox is derived from Clostridium botulinumthe same toxin that causes botulism, a dangerous disease that can lead to paralysis or death.

Botox is usually used to erase deep wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. The drug is injected with a fine needle directly into the muscles causing the crease or wrinkle. The muscle is immobilized, allowing the skin to smooth over. Because the underlying problem is due to muscle contracture, Botox will not help remove wrinkles and creases caused only by sun damage or gravity.

Improvement is gradual, taking several days to a week. The results usually last three to six months, at which time the areas have to be reinjected. However, the wrinkles should get progressively less severe the longer the underlying muscles are paralyzed.

The injections normally do not interfere with your ability to form facial expressions, although there may be temporary eyelid drooping. If done right there are few other side effects and the results are usually quite noticeable.

But all is not rosy. On December 30, 2004, The Palm Beach Post reported that there are several companies selling botulism toxin not approved for cosmetic purposes directly to doctors around the country. Four people were at least partially paralyzed by this toxin, marked "for research purposes only" in the Palm Beach area.

Dr. Kenneth Beer, a West Palm Beach cosmetic dermatologist, is quoted as saying: "consumers should ask lots of questions when getting anti-wrinkle treatment.

There is such a total lack of regulation as to who does Botox and what's used that, unfortunately, people only find out this is occurring when something tragic happens. Hopefully, this will serve as a wake-up call for patients as well as regulators."

Lately, there have been more reports of permanent damage, paralysis and fetal damage due to Botox injections.

So, don't be afraid to ask your doctor where s/he got his Botox from before allowing him or her to inject you.

Also make sure you understand all the risks of the procedure before you undergo it.

2011 Update

Some recent studies seem to suggest that excessive Botox use may lead to permanent inappropiate responses.

There is speculation that the toxin leaches into the bloodstream, causing this effect. Like all medical studies, this is, of course, subject to revision in the future.

However, it might be a topic to bring up with your doctor if you are concerned.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.