What is Botox used for?

Huntesville Botox is a drug which works by weakening or paralyzing muscles. It can help reduce visible skin wrinkles when used in small doses and treat other muscle conditions.

Botox is a protein that is created from botulinum toxin which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulism is actually caused by the same toxin. While Botox is considered a toxin, when it is used correctly and in small doses, it has various cosmetic and medical uses. One of the most popular uses for Botox injections is to reduce skin wrinkles. Botox is also used to help treat conditions such as crossed eyes, spasms in the eyelid, excessive sweating, in addition to some bladder disorders.

Botox is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium also exists in various natural forms, such as soil, lakes, forests, and in the intestinal tracts of some mammals and fish.

The naturally occurring Clostridium botulinum bacteria and spores are harmless. Problems can arise only when the spores transform and the population of cells increases. At one point, the bacteria begin to produce botulinum toxin. This toxin is the deadly neurotoxin which results in botulism. The botulinum toxin is incredibly toxic.

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) confirms that Botox is safe and has minimal side effects when used correctly. Manufacturers manufacture Botox injections from very small doses of the botulinum toxin. The drug temporarily paralyzes the muscles. This can benefit a range of both muscle and nerve-related disorders.

Some of the commercial types of Botulinum toxin include the following:

• Botox - onabotulinumtoxin A
• Dysport - abobotulinumtoxin A
• Xeomin - incobotulinumtoxin A
• Myobloc - rimabotulinumtoxin B
• Jeuveau - prabotulinumtoxin A

The term Botox is often used generically for these different products. However, “Botox” is a registered trademark of Allergan Inc.

Botox is considered a neurotoxin. These substances are used to target the nervous system and disrupt the nerve that signals processes which stimulate the contraction of muscles. This process is how the drug temporarily causes the paralysis of muscles.

In order for the muscles to contract, the nerves release a chemical messenger which is called acetylcholine. This occurs at the junction where the nerve endings connect with the muscle cells. Acetylcholine attaches to receptors found on the muscle cells and results in the muscle cells contracting or shortening.

Botox injections work by preventing the natural release of acetylcholine. This stops the contraction of the muscle cells. The toxin lowers abnormal muscle contractions, which allows the muscles to be less stiff.

The most common use of Botox is in the reduction of wrinkles on the face. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery reports that Botox injections are the most popular cosmetic procedure in the country. More than 7 million people had Botox treatments performed in 2016.

The effects of Botox are temporary and typically last for about 3 months to a year.

The most common areas people use Botox on their face include:

• Frown lines, which are also called glabellar lines
• Wrinkles around the eyes or crow’s feet
• Horizontal creases located on the forehead
• Lines near the corners of the mouth or smile lines
• “Cobblestone” skin found on the chin

Research has not indicated whether or not Botox can improve dark circles around the eyes. Some people also use Botox in an attempt to improve the appearance of their hair, however, there is little evidence that this is effective.

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