Botox consists of spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, naturally present in sediments, as well as in the intestinal tracts of some animals and fish. The drug attaches itself to the skeletal muscle receptors, nerve endings, brain and some smooth muscle, preventing the acetylcholine neurotransmitter from being published. Botox effectively paralyses the muscles for short-term periods by blocking nerves from transmitting signals to the muscle to contract.
In the 1820s, after experimenting on animals and on himself, the German physician and poet JustinusKerner first came up with the concept of using botulism, which he called "sausage poisoning," for medicinal use.
Military scientists experimented with it during World War II. While it can be 100 times more toxic than cyanide, making it into a weapon is extremely difficult. The toxin was supplied to interested university researchers when the Army disbanded its Chemical Corps.
In comparison to the muscle that was damaged by Botox, the drug bupivacaine, a local anaesthetic, may improve the eye muscle. In two-thirds of the patients examined, they found strabismus had been successfully corrected. In a way that he compares to lifting weights, Bupivacaine can relax eye muscles. "That's what your muscles respond to," he said of the anaesthetic. "In order to make the fibers stronger, they send a signal to satellite cells which lie around the muscle fibers."
Uses of Cosmetics
Reducing the development of facial lines is the main use of Botox.
Individuals frequently ask for injections in the following areas of the face:
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Eyebrow wrinkles, called frown lines, glabellar lines, or elevens,
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Around the eyes, known as crow's feet, folds
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In the forehead, longitudinal creases
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Lines at the mouth's corners
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"On the chin, "cobblestone" skin
However only injections for use around the eyes and on the forehead have been approved by the FDA.
Research has not shown if the dark circles under the eyes may be changed by Botox. Here, read more.
In order to enhance the appearance of their bodies, some people even try Botox. There is no proof that, however this works. Here, find out more.
Medical Purpose
Botox is also used by healthcare practitioners to treat a number of medical conditions, most of which impact the neuromuscular system.
For the following uses, the FDA has licensed Botox. The approval shall, unless otherwise stated, be for use in persons 18 or older:
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Upper limb spasticity, in someone over 2 years of age
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For anyone older than 12 years, crossed eyes or strabismus
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Extreme sweating from the underarm or hyperhidrosis
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Migraine avoidance in individuals whose migraine headaches last for at least 4 hours on 15 or more days per month
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Reduction of overactive bladder symptoms due to a neurological disorder if anticholinergic drugs do not improve.
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Eyelid spasms due to dystonia, or blepharospasm,
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A neurological disorder of motion called cervical dystonia that affects the head and causes pain in the neck
Botox injections are often used by certain individuals for off-label or unapproved purposes, such as treatments for:
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Alopecia
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Sialorrhea, which includes producing too much saliva
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Psoriasis
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Dyshidrotic eczema that affects the palms and soles of the hands and feet
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Anismus, an anal muscle malfunction
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Post-herpetic neuralgia
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Vulvodynia, vaginal pain and discomfort without a specific cause,
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Disease of Raynaud, which impacts circulation
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Achalasia, a throat condition that makes it difficult to swallow
See us at Longevity Aesthetics and Laser Spa in OKC for cosmetic treatment and more. For detailed services see our website.
**Disclaimer: This content is neither a medical advice nor it imply a doctor-patient relationship.