Botox is a purified form of Botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which causes severe form of poisoining called Botulism. Botulism causes neuro-muscular paralysis and finally causing respiratory paralysis and death.

Same Pathophysiology acts when used in small amount on muscle that causes muscle paralysis. When your muscle tightens it causes wrinkles. When Botox ( a purified toxin ) is injected through the skin into the muscle, it paralyse the muscle which  stops the muscle from tightening. When the muscle can’t tighten, the wrinkle doesn’t showup.

Botox treatment procedure is nonsurgical it only takes about 10 minutes and no recovery time is needed. You can get back to your normal activites after Botox treatment. Botox injection normally works for about four months but duration and effect might vary from person to person. After 4 months your muscle returns to normal and you will see the wrinkle again . So after 4 months or so you have to inject again to remove the wrinkle. You may need 3-4 treatments per year.

Remember Botox  is a drug, not a cosmetic . There are many side effects if not used properly by a specialist. Some common early side effects might be droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks, headache and flu like symptoms and sometime stomach upsets. The major and life threatening side effect is botulism which is rare if used properly. So make sure your doctor is well trained.

Botox can remove your wrinkles lines and make you look younger if used properly. Be sure to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant  soon or if you are breast feeding. Talk to your doctor about your current antibiotics use and  if you have any problems with nerves or muscles.

If you have any questions regarding Botox please post your question to our forum here:  DermaTalk  Skin  Care Forums

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