What is Botox?
By Philip Frost
8th of November, 2013
Botox has been used cosmetically for more than two decades, but because it’s such an effective treatment, many still perceive it as a new breakthrough. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989 to treat a handful of conditions. Since cosmetic surgeons uncovered the true potential of Botox, the number of approved treatments has increased.
Companies and Markets projects that the global Botox market will reach about $2.9 billion in the next five years. Currently, Botox is the best-selling product to improve facial aesthetics because it is competitively priced, fast acting and it has been proven safe.
Even so, the specifics of how Botox is made and how it works are not well known among members of the general public. This article will introduce you to the process of producing Botox, the way that it is administered and the effects that it has on the body.
Botox is a Purified Form of the Botulinum Toxin
Botox.com covers some important information about the uses of Botox. “Botox” is the commercial name for botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A). BTX-A was first identified during the 19th century, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that it was researched as a therapeutic drug. It was used to control disorders that caused spasms, such as uncontrollable blinking.
The drug’s cosmetic benefits were uncovered during the 1980s in California, where it was used to improve the appearance of wrinkles. Although the drug was created using a dangerous bacterium, called Clostridium, it became virtually harmless after it was purified and properly dosed.
Botox is Administered Using a Very Thin Needle That Most Patients Don’t Even Feel
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides an overview of the procedure. Although it only lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, a great deal of knowledge and planning is required of the doctor.
Every patient’s face is different, so every procedure is different. The number of injections used depends on a person’s unique facial structure and target areas.
You may have heard that there is a large amount of muscles in the face (43 to be exact). This makes it important for the doctor that administers Botox to have a firm understanding of facial structure and the specific changes that the drug will make. Only a small amount of Botox is needed to erase fine lines on a patient’s face, so it can be administered using a thin needle that most patients report not feeling at all.
Botox has Many Lesser-Known and New Uses
Botox is best known for its cosmetic applications, but it has turned out to be one of the most versatile drugs available. It often is applied to treat excessive underarm sweating. In these instances, it is administered the same way as wrinkle treatments and can block excessive sweat for up to six months. Botox also is used to treat chronic migraines and overactive bladders.
Research on further uses of Botox continues to this day, and new applications are approved by the FDA on a regular basis. Many experts believe that Botox can treat chronic musculoskeletal pain. It also may be able to alleviate the effects of certain disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy.
Promising research shows that small amounts of Botox can aid in wound healing, as well. As the drug continues to be thoroughly tested, you can expect the list of uses to grow along with it.
During Cosmetic Surgery, Botox Works by Controlling Muscle Contraction
When it is used to stop the involuntary muscle movements that characterize Parkinson’s disease, Botox prevents the muscles from contracting temporarily. It has the same effect on facial muscles; by stopping the contraction of certain muscles, the wrinkles that are caused by those muscles begin to smooth out.
Botox begins to affect the muscles after only a few minutes, and you’ll notice a reduction in fine lines in as few as three days. It is highly effective for treating crow’s feet, squint lines, chin lines, lip lines and forehead lines.
A common misperception about Botox is that it “freezes” a person’s face and makes them unable to make certain expressions. Good cosmetic surgeons choose injection sites that remove fine lines and leave the patient’s face with all of its natural range of movement.
If you live in Christchurch, there’s a doctor right around the corner that is a fellow of the NZ College of Appearance Medicine. Dr Frost has more than a decade of experience working in cosmetic medicine. To schedule a complimentary consultation, Call Us At 03-388-8806 Today!