Botox has become one of the most popular treatments for reducing
wrinkles, frown lines, and crow's feet. In addition Botox has
been found to be effective in treating migraine headaches,
excessive sweating, and muscle spasms in the neck.

Botox has soared in popularity in recent years and last year botox
injections were given to over 2 million Americans.
Botox is the short name for something called botulinum toxin.
Botulinum Toxin Type A is a protein produced by the bacterium
Clostridium botulinum.

When used in medical settings as an
injectable form of sterile, purified botulinum toxin (Botox),
small doses of the toxin are injected into the affected muscles
and block the release of the chemical acetylcholine that would
otherwise signal the muscle to contract. The toxin thus
paralyzes or weakens the injected muscle.

Doctors use a very
small dose of this toxin to help smooth wrinkles, creases in the
forehead, crow's feet around the eyes, and frown lines. Botox
was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in
1989 for the treatement of double vision and uncontolled eyelid
spasms. Botox has been been called today's "fountain of youth" since it was approved by
the FDA in 2002 for the reduction of frown lines.

The injections
typically last for 3 to 4 months and then have to be repeated.
The most common adverse events following injection of Botox are
headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, blepharoptosis
(droopy eyelids) and nausea. Less frequent adverse reactions
(less than 3% of patients) include pain in the face, redness at
the injection site and muscle weakness. These reactions are
generally temporary, but could last several months.

Because Botox is a prescription drug, it must be used carefully
under medical supervision. Botox "parties" may diminish the
seriousness of the procedure and if alcohol is served at these
parties it may worsen any bruising at the injection site. The
FDA has issued warning statements about botox "parties" and
recommends that botox injections be performed in a controlled
medical environment that is equipped to handle an emergency
situation.

Ellen Daniels offers expert advice and articles on all aspects of Laser Hair Removal and Botox. You can read about the latest technology for Laser Hair Removal at Laser Hair Removal Details

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