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Beauty Information, Beauty Treatments Comments (2)
The skin sags and gets riddled with wrinkles as it ages. And because it is generally not in our custom to conceal our face to hide away the signs of ageing, we can only resort to treatments that promise to somehow reverse, if not stall, the skin’s aging process.
But thanks to science, the discovery of Botox and dermal fillers has given us hope that we could somehow look better despite our advancing age. Since this basic toxin received FDA approval for the purpose of cosmetic enhancement in 2002, countless women all over the world have enjoyed the benefits of the cosmetic miracles that Botox combined with dermal fillers deliver.
What is Botox and how does it work?
Over the years, the name Botox has become a household name. Botox is the brand name for the very powerful neurotoxin derived from clostridium botulinum. The toxin is generally associated with food poisoning and causes severe paralysis when administered in large doses. The fact that Botox is derived from a powerful neurotoxin and that it causes paralysis has put many people off. However, with a little enlightenment, you will find why Botox is safe and is extremely effective to help reduce the effects of aging to skin.
The protein botulinum toxin or commonly called as Botox has many medical uses apart from treating skin aging. Botox is also used to treat cervical dystonia, excessive sweating and uncontrolled blinking of the eyes. A small dose of highly diluted botulinum toxin is administered to affected muscles to weaken them in a controlled manner.
Botox has also been known to treat depression. The administration of Botox along the frown lines of patients suffering from depression actually helped in getting rid of their depression.
In helping stall the effects of ageing on facial skin, Botox has been a favorite by many for its proven results. A controlled dosage of highly diluted botulinum toxin relaxes the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses. Because of this, muscles can no longer contract, and in effect the skin relaxes and the wrinkles soften. The effect may not be instant. It may take up to four days for a satisfying cosmetic result to be noticed, but the effect may last up to six months. The beauty of administering Botox is that if wrinkles re-appear after six months, they are not as severe as they were before Botox was administered, as the muscles have been trained to relax.
Administering Botox to affected areas is not as painful as it may seem. That is why no anesthesia is required for this procedure. Botox is administered into the muscle using fine needles that greatly reduces discomfort. Bruising may appear, but to minimize this, it is highly recommended that patients avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines weeks before the treatment.
Although it has been proven that using Botox in a controlled dosage is safe, it is without any associated side effects. As mentioned, temporary bruising may appear after the procedure. Other possible side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, blepharoptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), nausea and indigestion.
So is Botox the ultimate solution to skin aging? It all depends on your age. A skin that hasn’t lost much of its natural fullness but has been exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays may still be saved by Botox’s age-defying wonders. However, as skin progresses in age, it naturally loses some of its natural fullness. Thus, apart from wrinkling, older skin also sags. In this case it is best to undergo a treatment that is a combination of Botox and dermal fillers.
To learn more about Botox and dermal fillers, visit your nearest American Laser Centers clinic. The company’s friendly and highly qualified team of cosmetic professionals will be more than glad to accommodate your inquiries.
AmericanLaser @ November 23, 2009
I think with this post, it made me feel like I still have hope. I still have young skin, but I am too exposed with the heavy UV rays of the sun. Though botox is not really the recommended solution to my problem at least it gives me different options. I am really glad that this post pointed out several effects of the botox and it has given to my attention that it has side effects that is why it is good to me that I have options. Options is always good than having no options at all.
Many people nowadays are taking botox as the solution to their skin again problems without doing any research in its effects or side effects or the long term advantages and disadvantages of getting botox. Sometimes, people are really insensitive about what their bodies need and just do things ASAP without any consultation or getting 2nd or even 3rd opinions for it. That is why I am really thankful about this post because with this, people are now given more knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of getting botox.