Wrinkle reducing treatments
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a chemical produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. Botox ® is a protein derivative of the toxin. When injected, the muscle it is injected into becomes weakened or inactivated. It stops the muscle from functioning by blocking neuromuscular transmission. Therefore, it stops the chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle..
How long has Botox ® been in use?
Since 1978 when Botox ® was first used in patients who had an eye squint. The treatment weakened the overactive eye muscle. Since then, it has been used in a variety of therapeutic areas such as neck spasms, writer’s cramp, tics, multiple sclerosis, facial spasms, Parkinson’s Disease and cerebral palsy. More recently, the use of Botox ® for cosmetic therapy has become widespread.
How safe is Botox ® ?
In high concentrations botulinum toxin is a potent poison. However, Botox ® used in very small doses as in cosmetic therapy, has a very high margin of safety.