subject: What You Need To Know About Botox [print this page] Botox is a neurotoxin that is used in a variety of plastic surgeries and comes in an injectable form. The medicine used in Botox is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and is effective at treating wrinkles. It has also been shown to be effective at treating a number of medical conditions including incontinence, migraine headaches and excessive underarm perspiration as well as certain voice disorders. Botox was first used in the late 1980's for other medical purposes before its wrinkle reduction effects were noted.
The injection works by temporarily paralyzing some facial muscles eliminating lines around the eyes, forehead, and in between the eyebrows. This is a prescription medication and it is administered in the office of a professional aesthetic physician. Injections can take place every three or four months for the best results. This safe and advantageous procedure is recommended for people who are between the ages of 18 and 65.
Excessive sweating under the arms is another problem that benefits from Botox. The procedure consists of an injection in the underarm area and works by eliminating the neurotransmitters that tell the sweat glands to produce sweat. This problem is quite annoying and embarrassing socially and patients find great relief from using Botox for this indication. Botox is never a permanent solution and also has to be repeated months later to continue its effect in treating the excessive sweating.
Botox is now used by neurologists and other health care professionals in eliminating chronic migraines. This product is engineered for people who suffer from migraines that last longer than four hours every day. Cervical dystonia is a condition that causes patients to have abnormal pain in the head and neck and can also be eliminated through regular injections as well.
Incontinence and overactive bladders is another area that has shown marked improvement with the regular use of Botox treatments.The drug must be injected into the bladder using cystoscopy, which is an endoscopy of the urinary bladder via the urethra. Botox works to relax the bladder muscle, essentially increasing its storage capacity and reducing incontinence. Spasmodic dysphonia is a voice condition which is quite debilitating, yet can be eliminated with the wonder-drug, Botox.
Botox has been shown to be effective at treating a number of diverse medical conditions, and it works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles in a localized area. Despite its medical uses, Botox will always be best known for its cosmetic results. Although this medicine is derived from a powerful neurotoxin, studies have shown it is safe and effective when used by a licensed physician in an office setting. The maker of Botox, the Allergan Company, is continuing to fund scientific studies to broaden the application of the product.
