What is Botox?
You know that Botox treatments can smooth and de-wrinkle your forehead for a lovelier, fresher, renewed appearance that takes years off your look, but as you consider how Botox treatments can make your dreams of a more youthful look come true, you likely want to know exactly what Botox is.
Botox is one of the best-known trade names for a purified protein called botulinum toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and fully FDA-approved for use in smoothing facial wrinkles, lines and creases. Since it is made from a bacteria, it is classified as a biological product, unlike drugs made from mixed chemicals.
It is the first botulinum toxin approved by the FDA, and has quickly become the most popular cosmetic treatment in the United States today, with approximately 11.8 million Botox cosmetic procedures administered in this country since 2002. It’s a neuro-toxin applied in safe, small doses injected into the facial muscles to block nerve impulses to the injected muscles. The injection of Botox creates a controlled weakening of each perfectly-chosen spot’s prior muscle activity that caused moderate to severe lines to form and show between the brows. With the muscles relaxed and less mobile, unable to contract, those lines and wrinkles, brow furrows and facial creases soften and become less visible.
The protein is injected into the muscle using a fine needle, directed by the steady and experienced hand of a dermatologist specializing in Botox treatments, and a practiced hand’s injections very often minimize pain and discomfort. The Botox proteins are stored with great care in a dermatologist’s office, fresh and temperature-controlled so that the medication works to optimal effect, and a doctor’s advice on pre- and post-treatment is essential to the transformation that you can look forward to with your Botox treatments, with minimal bruising or discomfort afterwards.
Effects last from four to six months, with each patient’s duration of improvement varying depending on how deeply furrowed her or his forehead is, and how strong her or his facial muscles are. Repeat treatments may be scheduled to keep your smoother and more youthful look refreshed.
Patients rave about Botox’s immediate improvements to appearance, no surgery and no recovery time, with long-lasting results. We encourage you to discuss the details and side effects of Botox with your dermatologist, and especially consult with your physician to customize Botox treatments to your face and wishes, so that you walk out of your Botox appointment feeling fabulous, looking amazing, and perhaps being the envy of your friends and colleagues. Modern medicine has given us this prettifying protein called Botox, and you and your physician can make it work wonders for you.
