Botox is simply a company’s name for a product that is a purified protein made from clostridium botulinum bacterium, also known as a type A botulinum toxin (BTX-A). This product is produced by the Allergen Inc., which is an the leading company in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, facial aesthetic products, and neurological products.
The Medical uses of Botox
The first time this type of bacterium was used, was around the 1980s. It was used to treat cases of blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking), hemifacial spasm (twitching), and strabismus (crossed eyes). 1n 1989, a BTX-A FDA approved version was created of this bacterium, hence Botox was created.
Botox was then used to subsequently approve the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) and other medical conditions.
medical conditions.
The Cosmetic uses of Botox
Canadian physicians in the 1900s published a study of the various uses of BTX-A for the glabellar lines (lines between the eyebrows). Cosmetic Botox was then approved by both Canadian health society and the FDA for the treatment of unwanted lines between the eyebrows for adults younger then 65. The medical botox and the Cosmetic botox have the same type of active ingredients.
Botox is also capable of treating other facial wrinkles like forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. These conditions are also known as dynamic wrinkles.
Numerous people around the world have used Botox to treat various medical and cosmetic cases. It is no surprise that Botox has become the most popular BTX-A treatment.
How does it work?
This bacterium is injected into the treatment area via tiny needles. The Botox blocks the transmission of nerve signals. For instance, in the case of excessive armpit sweating (hyperhidrosis), the sweat glands will not receive signals to produce sweat.
Also, the dynamic wrinkle are brought about by repeated contractions of the muscles. Therefore, in the absence of nerve signals, these muscles will not be able to contract which means the wrinkles will soften.
The procedure usually only takes a few moments and no anesthesia is needed. The procedure is generally painless. Botox is injected to specific muscles with a fine needle. Generally, it takes 3 to 7 days before the Botox will take effect. It is also recommended that you do no t drink alcohol for at least one week after the procedure. In addition, to avoid bruising anti-inflammatory and aspirin medication should not be used at least two weeks before the procedure.
Face lift or Botox?
According to the Plastic Surgeons Society in America, Botox generally produces better results than a face lift surgery. However, they also say that the age of the patient may affect the results of both Botox and Face lift. People in their thirties that have been deprived of exposure to sunlight will usually have signs of aging in the temple and eye area. The bulging of eyelids and Crow’s feet are some of the effects of sun light deprivation. Botox is ideal for smoothing out the lines of these people in this age group.
Generally, people entering their forties the middle of their faces starts to shift as laugh lines begin to show and the cheeks lose some of their fat. Also, people in their forties will usually have deflated cheeks and jowls that will sag. Therefore, a combination of minimal lifting procedures and Botox will make your face look much younger.