It’s a bacterium that’s also a cosmetic wonder. It’s been called the ultimate fountain of youth. When small doses are injected into ****** muscles it eliminates unwanted wrinkles revealing a younger, fresher appearance. Botox® treatments can improve the following conditions:

· Forehead creases

· Crow’s feet around the eyes

· Frown lines between the nose and eyebrows

· Skin bands around the neck

· Improves appearances of scars long term

What is Botox®?

Botox® is short for botulinum toxin type “A”. It is a purified low-concentrate protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum, which contains the same toxin that causes food poisoning. When it’s injected into a muscle, it blocks the chemical signals that causes the muscles to contract. The muscles react to the bacteria by tightening up causing the skin to flatten revealing a smoother, softer appearance.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Botox® for the temporary treatment of moderate and severe frown lines back in 2002. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). , Botox® is the fastest growing cosmetic procedure in the industry today.

Before getting a Botox® treatment, be sure to do the following:

· Get a qualified doctor that is trained in cosmetic surgery of the face to perform the procedure

· Be informed – ask lots of questions about the benefits and risks of the procedure

· Be sure you are in a medical setting that uses sterile techniques. Emergency equipment should be available if there are any problems

· Do not drink alcohol before Botox®

· Sit upright for several hours after the procedure

The Procedure

The doctor carefully chooses “wrinkle-producing” muscles, and then inserts a thin needle injecting a small amount of Botox® into the area. Your doctor will choose muscles that will preserve your natural ****** expressions. The number of injections depends on several factors:

· Your ****** features

· The area that’s being treated

· The extent of the wrinkling

· Crow’s feet may take 2-3 injections

· Furrowed brow approximately 5 or more injections

The whole procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes in your doctor’s office. There’s no anesthesia and very little discomfort or pain after the injections. You may experience headaches for a few hours but will be able to resume your normal activities immediately. Take caution to not rub the area near the injection, so the toxins won’t migrate to other areas of the face. The results could be temporary weakness or droopiness of the ****** muscles.



By: Patricia Woloch

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