Botox

What is it? 

   Botulinum Toxin, also known as Botox, is a protein that is produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria.  It is one of the most powerful neurotoxins discovered so far.  Clostridium botulinum is a bacteria that does not need oxygen to grow, which means in can grow in more places than we think.  Even boiling the bacteria does not get rid of all of the toxic cells.  In large doses, it is lethal to humans.  Yet, 6 million Americans each year choose to inject this toxin into their skin to get rid of wrinkles.

What is it used for?

   Not only is Botox used for reduction of wrinkles, it is also used to treat muscle spasms and migraines.  The Botulinum Toxin is injected into the muscles, which impacts the nerves and paralyzes them.  The injections tend to last 4-6 months, and then more injections are necessary to keep the desired effects.  Although Botox is injected into a certain area, it does have the capability of spreading to nearby regions.  Many patients tend to love the cosmetic affect of this toxin, while others, such as those with migraines, rely on it to function.  The repeated injections of this toxin may cause harm to the body due to the fact that it is foreign and unnatural in the human body.

How does it work?

   After Botox is injected into the muscle, it blocks the nerve signals to other muscles that tell them to contract.  This in turn paralyzes the muscles and inhibits communication. Therefore, if the muscles don't tense up, wrinkles are not formed.  The solution that is injected into the muscles consists of a mixture of Botulinum Toxin and a saline solution.  The concentration of the Botox is around .75 nano-grams per 100 units.  The amount that is injected in each area stays the same and is constant through all of the visits.  In each visit, one tends to get between 5 and 10 injections at a time.  It make take up to a week to notice the effects of the injections.  Overall, Botox is a toxin, so it is very important to make sure that all precautions are taken to ensure health and safety.

Sources:
  LabSpaces
     http://www.labspaces.net/blog/1566/The_deadly_neurotoxin_that_is_Botox
  WebMD
     http://www.webmd.com/beauty/botox/botulinum-toxin-botox
  Family Doctor
     http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/drugs-procedures-devices/procedures-devices/botulinum-toxin-injections-a-treatment-for-muscle-spasms.html
  All About Vision
     http://www.allaboutvision.com/cosmetic/botox.htm