subject: Is BOTOX® Cosmetic Bad for the Body? [print this page] Is BOTOX Cosmetic Bad for the Body? Is BOTOX Cosmetic Bad for the Body?
There is a substantial amount of misinformation on the web claiming that BOTOX Cosmetic is bad for your body. Some sites assert that BOTOX Cosmetic is bad for your brain, while others claim it is a poison that can cause paralysis. These claims are often made by people who lack the credentials, experience, or scientific backing to substantiate what they want you to believe.
BOTOX Cosmetic has been proven both safe and effective. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989, over 11 million men and women in the United States have received BOTOX Cosmetic injections to reduce the visible appearance of facial imperfections such as:
Crow's feet
Smile and frown lines
Forehead and brow wrinkles
Recently, BOTOX Cosmetic has been proven effective in treating medical disorders as well, including:
Migraine headaches
Drooling
Muscle spasms
Achalasia
Botulinum
Much of people's confusion about the safety of BOTOX Cosmetic is caused by what it contains. BOTOX Cosmetic is made out of Botulinum, a bacterium that when used in controlled and correct doses causes your muscles to relax. This effect provides a temporary solution to a number of cosmetic and medical issues.
When used in large doses, botulinum can be toxic. However, the same can be said of many other safe products such as salt, vitamins and minerals, and even water. A board-certified plastic surgeon has the training necessary to inject a safe amount of BOTOX Cosmetic, eliminating any safety concerns that you might have.
Studies and Surveys
BOTOX Cosmetic was thoroughly tested by the FDA prior to its approval. However, when the FDA conducts a study on any new drug or procedure, they often do not have results from long-term use. Now that this product has been in use for over 20 years, several studies have been conducted to ensure its continued safety.
Studies have found that some patients experience minor complications with BOTOX Cosmetic, including problems with:
Swallowing
Breathing
Speaking
In every study conducted, it was found that these complications were temporary, and caused no serious, long-term problems. In fact, in a recent survey, 97% of people who had received BOTOX Cosmetic injections reported they were "extremely happy" with their results.
Despite continued claims of the danger of BOTOX Cosmetic from people who have no scientific background, there has never been a confirmed report of paralysis or botulism related to these injections.
Claims that BOTOX Cosmetic will cause you to age more rapidly once you stop receiving injections are also unsubstantiated. When you discontinue BOTOX Cosmetic injections, your skin simply returns to the natural state it would have been in had you never received this treatment in the first place.
