Posts Tagged ‘Muscle Activity’
Jul 12 2009
Is Botox Right For You?
Botulin toxin, sold commercially under the brand name Botox, is an exceptionally potent neurotoxin that has found a variety of remarkable uses in modern medicine. It is also the most popular nonsurgical medical cosmetic treatment in the UK and USA.
Researchers discovered in the 1950s that injecting overactive muscles with minute quantities of botulinum toxin type A decreased muscle activity by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby rendering the muscle unable to contract for a period of 4 to 6 months.
Alan Scott, a San Francisco ophthalmologist, first applied tiny doses of the toxin in a medicinal sense to treat crossed eyes and uncontrollable blinking, but a partner was needed to gain regulatory approval to market his discovery as a drug. Allergan, Inc., a small pharmaceutical company that focused on prescription eye therapies and contact lens products, bought the rights to the drug in 1988 and quickly received FDA approval in 1989. Allergan renamed the drug Botox.
Cosmetic benefits of Botox were quickly realized when the frown lines between the eyebrows appeared to soften following treatment for eye muscle disorders. The increased potential of Botox as a cosmetic treatment led to clinical trials and subsequent FDA approval in April 2002.
Currently, Botox is finding enormous additional potential in several therapeutic areas including the treatment of migraine headaches, cervical dystonia (a neuromuscular disorder involving the head and neck), blepharospasm (involuntary contraction of the eye muscles), and severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Other uses of botulinum toxin type A that are widely known but not approved by FDA include urinary incontinence, **** fissure, spastic disorders associated with injury or disease of the central nervous system including trauma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy and focal dystonias affecting the limbs, face, jaw, or vocal cords. It is also used off label for the treatment of TMJ, but a side effect in some patients is a jaw left too weak to chew solid food for about 3 months after the injection.
Treatment and prevention of chronic headache and chronic musculoskeletal pain are emerging uses for botulinum toxin type A. In addition, there is evidence that Botox may aid in weight loss by increasing the gastric emptying time.
As an alternative to Botox, anti-aging creams are heavily marketed and advertised on television, with the promise of looking younger and the reduction in visible wrinkles on the skin.
Traditionally, they have been targeted towards women, but products specifically targeting men are now common. This change may be due to the fact that many societies in recent years have seen an increased focus on young looks, including in men. Some men report that looking younger makes it easier to get a good job.
There are a range of cosmetic ‘treatments’ for the appearance of wrinkles on the skin such as plastic surgery and botox injections. One of the marketed advantages of anti-aging cream is that it is an alternative to these more extreme cosmetic treatments.
Critics take the view that the manufacturers of these products prey on the fears of women, and that the advertisements abuse science by claiming that their products are scientifically proven to work. It is said that the ’scientific data’ is based on the perception of women who have tried the product, and are asked whether or not they think they look younger. These are the hallmarks of a placebo.
However, it is plausible that some of the anti-aging products could have a rejuvenating effect, as promised. However, the effects of most anti-aging products likely depends on their concentration and mode of application, making their effects less certain.
Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and the entire resource box is included.
By: Heather Colman
About the Author:
Researchers discovered in the 1950s that injecting overactive muscles with minute quantities of botulinum toxin type A decreased muscle activity by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby rendering the muscle unable to contract for a period of 4 to 6 months.
Alan Scott, a San Francisco ophthalmologist, first applied tiny doses of the toxin in a medicinal sense to treat crossed eyes and uncontrollable blinking, but a partner was needed to gain regulatory approval to market his discovery as a drug. Allergan, Inc., a small pharmaceutical company that focused on prescription eye therapies and contact lens products, bought the rights to the drug in 1988 and quickly received FDA approval in 1989. Allergan renamed the drug Botox.
Cosmetic benefits of Botox were quickly realized when the frown lines between the eyebrows appeared to soften following treatment for eye muscle disorders. The increased potential of Botox as a cosmetic treatment led to clinical trials and subsequent FDA approval in April 2002.
Currently, Botox is finding enormous additional potential in several therapeutic areas including the treatment of migraine headaches, cervical dystonia (a neuromuscular disorder involving the head and neck), blepharospasm (involuntary contraction of the eye muscles), and severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Other uses of botulinum toxin type A that are widely known but not approved by FDA include urinary incontinence, **** fissure, spastic disorders associated with injury or disease of the central nervous system including trauma, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy and focal dystonias affecting the limbs, face, jaw, or vocal cords. It is also used off label for the treatment of TMJ, but a side effect in some patients is a jaw left too weak to chew solid food for about 3 months after the injection.
Treatment and prevention of chronic headache and chronic musculoskeletal pain are emerging uses for botulinum toxin type A. In addition, there is evidence that Botox may aid in weight loss by increasing the gastric emptying time.
As an alternative to Botox, anti-aging creams are heavily marketed and advertised on television, with the promise of looking younger and the reduction in visible wrinkles on the skin.
Traditionally, they have been targeted towards women, but products specifically targeting men are now common. This change may be due to the fact that many societies in recent years have seen an increased focus on young looks, including in men. Some men report that looking younger makes it easier to get a good job.
There are a range of cosmetic ‘treatments’ for the appearance of wrinkles on the skin such as plastic surgery and botox injections. One of the marketed advantages of anti-aging cream is that it is an alternative to these more extreme cosmetic treatments.
Critics take the view that the manufacturers of these products prey on the fears of women, and that the advertisements abuse science by claiming that their products are scientifically proven to work. It is said that the ’scientific data’ is based on the perception of women who have tried the product, and are asked whether or not they think they look younger. These are the hallmarks of a placebo.
However, it is plausible that some of the anti-aging products could have a rejuvenating effect, as promised. However, the effects of most anti-aging products likely depends on their concentration and mode of application, making their effects less certain.
Permission is granted to reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and the entire resource box is included.
By: Heather Colman
About the Author:
This article is Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more botox resources at botox-notes.info.
May 22 2008
Should You Try Botox Injections for Wrinkles?
Botox is called Botulinum Toxin by doctors. Years ago, it had other uses. Lately, it has been discovered that Botox could be used to solve wrinkle problems as well. This anti-wrinkle treatment is a kind of medication used to treat wrinkle problems. Botox injections are injected in the wrinkled area of the skin, relaxing the facial tissues. This results in gradual disappearance of fine wrinkles. It is best for deep forehead wrinkles.
It has now become the fastest growing division in the cosmetic industry.
Many believe that this medication paralyses the facial muscles. It is not a false assumption. It so can happen only if you take an over dosage of this medication. You should always leave it to the doctor when it comes to taking a Botox injection. The mixing of crystalline form of Botox with a form of liquid to prepare the Botox injection is quite a task. Variation in the amount of liquid and Botox crystals might call for help. I am sure you would not want that to happen. Therefore, it is important to go to a physician who is a professional, has done this before, and assures your safety and beauty to you.
You should always keep in mind, never take any other medication like aspirin or go to sleep to avoid bruising of your skin. However, never forget that all medical treatments involve some risks. It is just that the decree of risks range from low to high. Risks are minimal when you take Botox injection:
- Regular discomforts like headache or low temperature.
- Eyelids or eyebrows may droop. The doctor should check your facial condition before giving you any injection. This is called Ptosis.
- If you are allergic to egg, then Botox is a no-no for you. It has albumin as a base.
- It is recommended that pregnant women should not take Botox injections.
The results of Botox injection become visible after three days itself. The effects may last as long as four to five months. With time, the muscle activity will change reducing the effects of Botox.
There could be serious issues as well. Botox has botulism, which is a food poisoning toxin. This toxin can spread in your body putting your health at risk. However, if you not allergic to any of its ingredients, you might not suffer from any of these risks. With increase in demand in the cosmetic industry, Botox industry has become the most wanted wrinkle reduction injection. For good results, you will have to take Botox injection every three to four months because after few months, the effect of Botox begins to fade away. Botox cannot completely erase those wrinkles off your face. It only lightens the deep wrinkles and help get rid of fine wrinkles on your face.
There may be other injections as well. Nevertheless, it is more favorable because of its results. This is the modern fountain of youth and this is the potion that will make you look younger. Take a picture of yourself after taking Botox injection to see the results. You will be surprised.
Related Articles:
Best anti wrinkle cream
Get Rid Of a Deep Wrinkle
Homemade Wrinkle Cream – How to Make Anti-Wrinkle Cream at Home
By: Raj Kumar
About the Author:
It has now become the fastest growing division in the cosmetic industry.
Many believe that this medication paralyses the facial muscles. It is not a false assumption. It so can happen only if you take an over dosage of this medication. You should always leave it to the doctor when it comes to taking a Botox injection. The mixing of crystalline form of Botox with a form of liquid to prepare the Botox injection is quite a task. Variation in the amount of liquid and Botox crystals might call for help. I am sure you would not want that to happen. Therefore, it is important to go to a physician who is a professional, has done this before, and assures your safety and beauty to you.
You should always keep in mind, never take any other medication like aspirin or go to sleep to avoid bruising of your skin. However, never forget that all medical treatments involve some risks. It is just that the decree of risks range from low to high. Risks are minimal when you take Botox injection:
- Regular discomforts like headache or low temperature.
- Eyelids or eyebrows may droop. The doctor should check your facial condition before giving you any injection. This is called Ptosis.
- If you are allergic to egg, then Botox is a no-no for you. It has albumin as a base.
- It is recommended that pregnant women should not take Botox injections.
The results of Botox injection become visible after three days itself. The effects may last as long as four to five months. With time, the muscle activity will change reducing the effects of Botox.
There could be serious issues as well. Botox has botulism, which is a food poisoning toxin. This toxin can spread in your body putting your health at risk. However, if you not allergic to any of its ingredients, you might not suffer from any of these risks. With increase in demand in the cosmetic industry, Botox industry has become the most wanted wrinkle reduction injection. For good results, you will have to take Botox injection every three to four months because after few months, the effect of Botox begins to fade away. Botox cannot completely erase those wrinkles off your face. It only lightens the deep wrinkles and help get rid of fine wrinkles on your face.
There may be other injections as well. Nevertheless, it is more favorable because of its results. This is the modern fountain of youth and this is the potion that will make you look younger. Take a picture of yourself after taking Botox injection to see the results. You will be surprised.
Related Articles:
Best anti wrinkle cream
Get Rid Of a Deep Wrinkle
Homemade Wrinkle Cream – How to Make Anti-Wrinkle Cream at Home
By: Raj Kumar
About the Author:
