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How Botox® WorksIn Las Vegas, NevadaBotox®, the cosmetic form of Botulinum Toxin A, temporarily reduces or eliminates wrinkles, fine/frown lines in the face and forehead creases, clears away crow’s feet, and banishes neck bands. Studies have also suggested that Botox® is effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes. New uses for Botox®, currently being studied, include treatment of head and neck tremors, hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating), facial spasms, and writer’s cramp. Botox® is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Botox® is widely used as a cosmetic enhancement because it blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles. These toxins bind to the nerve endings and prevent the muscles from contracting by blocking the release of the acetylcholine from the nerve. (The acetylcholine causes the muscle contractions.) Non-cosmetic Botox® is often used to cease involuntary muscle spasms. Once the resting tone of the treated muscle is weakened, the muscle relaxes and the overlying skin flattens. Consequently, this popular non-surgical injection gives the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. This approach is different from other injectable treatments for the aging face. Hylaform, Restylane, Collagen, autologous fat transfer, dermal grafting, Alloderm, Softform etc. all work by filling in wrinkles/tissue deficits. By physiologically weakening/paralyzing the muscles, Botox®, quickly removes wrinkles. Botox® is a fine dust in a small glass bottle which is mixed and diluted to its injectible form. Options for alternative treatment include: injection of a soft tissue filler or the surgical excision of the muscles, usually through a brow-lift incision. BOTOX® Is Approved by the FDAApproved by the FDA for cosmetic use in the spring of 2002, Botox® had already been approved for non-cosmetic use in 1989. More than 1 million patients have been treated worldwide. In the 1960’s, physicians investigated the use of the earliest form of Botox® for treating crossed eyes, a condition caused by uncontrollable muscle spasms behind the eye. |
