Could ‘The Fountain Of Youth’ Lie Within Botox Injections?

Possibly, the most favored and widely used method of cosmetic enhancements is 'Botox Injections.' This revolutionary treatment has been known to correct many esthetic imperfections such as:

• Forehead lines
• Crow's feet
• Mouth or marionette lines
• Dimpled chin
• Neck lines or turkey neck
• Droopy and misshapen eyebrows
• Asymmetrical jaw
• Close-set eyes
• Facial muscle unbalance
• Lip lines (often caused by smoking)

Not only does this rejuvenating and, dare I say, miraculous injection bring youthful looking skin back to millions of men and women worldwide, but it also has been known to aide medical conditions such as:

• Migraines
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Excessive sweating
• Excessive salivation
• Vocal cord spasms
• Crossed eyes
• Healing of wounds
• Bulging eyes from Graves' Disease
• Involuntary and excessive blinking
• Spastic disorders including Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, and Cerebral Palsy

The History of Botox Injections

Botox injections are actually a diluted form of botulism, a rare but serious ailment most commonly caused by food containing the bacterium. The injections contain minute doses of the bacteria, which have been scientifically proven to block the release of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Acetylcholine helps the body transmit nerve signals to the brain. First researched in the 1960's for the purpose of understanding neurological illnesses, Botox was finally approved by the FDA in 1989 to treat muscular eye disorders. In 2000 and 2002, its approval was broadened by the FDA in order to treat a wider array of medical conditions.

Side Effects

There are very few side effects associated with Botox injections. The most common is bruising at the site of the injection, usually due to the administering skills of the physician, and not as a result of the chemicals in the injection.

Though uncommon, other risks include slight pain, flu-like symptoms, and possibly headaches, which cease after a short period of time. In extremely rare cases, patients may temporarily experience drooping eyelids or eyebrows, a condition which also dissipates over time. Many potential patients ask if the injection can be harmful, or if it is possible to contract botulism poisoning from botox injections. The answer is quite simply, no. In order to become 'poisoned', the dosage would need to be multiplied by approximately 100 times.

What Results Can You Expect?

Most people see results within 3 to 4 days after the Botox injection, and some people see results much sooner. The effect lasts for up to 3 or 4 months, sometimes requiring small 'touch-ups' in between for a longer lasting effect. Whereby most temporary cosmetic solutions offer a high period that wears off rather quickly, Botox differs in that the muscles gradually return to their normal condition during a period of 3 to 4 months. There is zero recovery time, so no need to adjust your agenda.

Though Botox is harmless to date, it is recommended that you discuss the procedure with your doctor prior to treatment.