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What you need to know about BOTOX®

Looking for a way to turn back the clock on your appearance? Now with Botox®, you may have found what you were looking for.

What is Botox® ?

Botox® is an injectable treatment that has become a buzzword in the world of cosmetic procedures. With millions of people around the world opting for Botox® to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, it’s no wonder this minimally invasive treatment has become so popular. But what exactly is Botox® , and how does it work? In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at Botox® and everything you need to know before considering the treatment.

Botox® has been in the cosmetic industry for since 1991 when the rights were sold to Allergan by an Ophthalmologist (eye surgeon). He used a tamed form of botulism toxin (Botox® ) to help a patient that had three failed double vision operations. 40 years ago, Alan Scott became the hailed father of Botox® as his experiment was successful.

Medical Use for Botox®

Using Botox® for medical purposes is no accident. There is research still done today to understand the benefits this toxin has on muscles in the face and body.

“Botox® is formed by spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which is found naturally in sediments as well as the intestinal tracts to some animals and fish. The drug binds itself to receptors in skeletal muscle, nerve endings, the brain and some smooth muscle, preventing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, by blocking nerves from sending signals to the muscle to contract, Botox® essentially paralyzes the muscles for short-term periods.”

It was found when using the neurotoxin, Botox® remains confined to the targeted area and had no side effects. This allowed physicians at the time to discover different uses of similar toxins to help correct other eye muscle spasms. Botox® is used for several different medical purposes such as: migraines, neck and muscle spasms, lazy eye, overly sweating and prevention of hair loss.

Botox® research continues today, and in the future may be used to treat depression, chronic pain and even obesity. So, let’s not judge a face by its Botox® and keep an open mind about this interesting universal neurotoxin!

Cosmetic Use for Botox®

In the realm of cosmetics, Botox® injections are primarily used to temporarily reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and lines caused by muscle movement. Here are some common cosmetic uses for Botox®:

Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Botox® is often used to treat dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles that appear when you make certain facial expressions, like frowning or smiling. It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause these wrinkles, leading to a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Forehead Lines: Botox® can be injected into the forehead muscles to reduce horizontal lines that form when you raise your eyebrows or make other facial expressions.
Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines): These are the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows when you frown. Botox® injections can help smooth out these lines by relaxing the muscles responsible for creating them.
Crow’s Feet: These are the lines that radiate from the corners of your eyes when you smile. Botox® can be used to soften these lines and create a more youthful appearance.
Bunny Lines: These are diagonal lines that appear on the sides of the nose when you scrunch it up, often seen when you smile. Botox® can be used to reduce the appearance of these lines.
Jaw Contouring: Botox® injections can be used to slim the jawline by relaxing the masseter muscles, which can reduce the appearance of a square or overly developed jaw.
Chin Dimpling: Botox® can help smooth out dimples or “pebble chin” that can appear on the chin area when you talk or make certain facial expressions.
Neck Bands: Botox® injections in the neck area can help reduce the appearance of vertical bands or lines that form as a result of muscle contractions.

It’s important to note that the effects of Botox® are temporary, typically lasting around 3 to 6 months, after which follow-up injections are needed to maintain the desired results. Botox® injections should be performed by trained medical professionals to ensure safety and proper administration.

As with any cosmetic procedure, it’s important to have a thorough consultation with a qualified medical professional to discuss your goals, expectations, and any potential risks or side effects associated with Botox® injections.

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At Flying Horse Medical Center, we offer aesthetic consultations to help you determine the best treatments to achieve your beauty goals. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation with one of our aesthetic providers.

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