Stop Frowning: Common Uses And Side Effects Of Botox

We laugh and cry, we smile and frown. As we age, those emotions of life begin to etch their memories onto our faces and leave their marks as wrinkles. Most women (and some men) use cleansing creams and beauty lotions to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. The health and beauty aisles at the drug stores and grocery stores are overflowing with cleansers, exfoliators, moisturizers, toners and makeup. Yet no temporary fix has proven to be as effective as Botox.

Botox is a neurotoxin protein that comes from clostridium botulinum and is injected under the skin. While its use is primarily cosmetic, this protein is also used to help in several medical applications. When this protein is injected, it helps to block nerve impulses and thus wrinkles soften and the skin is smoother. These injections are very popular; in fact, they have become the most popular cosmetic procedure that is performed in the United States.

The effects of these injections are temporary, and only require a few visits to a physician each year. After the office visit, you can expect to see results within a week (although some patients see results within just a few days). The wrinkle-smoothing results of the injections usually last from three to six months, but some people's results last a little longer.

Many different types of facial imperfections can be helped with botox injections. Glabellar lines (frown lines on the forehead), crows feet, laugh lines and forehead creases are some of the features that can be temporarily smoothed out with injections. Visible signs of aging can be lessened and your self-confidence can be boosted with each visit.

Like all cosmetic procedures, the risk of side effects does exist. However, given the popularity of this product, the side effects are fairly minimal. Generally, some bruising may occur at the injection site. This is not an effect of the medicine, but an effect of the injection itself. Also, some people have reported headaches or flu-like symptoms, but these are usually mild and not severe.

Botox injections also have their place in medical procedures. Many people have had relief from eyelid spasms, neck spasms, migraine headaches and eye muscle spasms thanks to the same injection that smoothes wrinkles. The toxin works similarly in these areas as it does in cosmetic areas of the face.

There has been some concern raised with the fact that Botox is made from a toxin and thus a toxin is being injected into the body. While it is true that this toxin causes botulism, the injections are given at a much lower (and diluted) dose than that which makes people ill. These injections are safe when administered by licensed professionals in a clinic or office setting.

It is important to note that home parties where similar results are advertised cannot be considered safe. Only trained professionals should be administering these injections, so seek out an office that is certified and doctors who have the proper credentials. Like any medical procedure, there are risks involved. However, these risks are dramatically minimized when the procedures take place in a credible location.