Botox

Botulinum toxin, known better by the brand name Botox®, temporarily reduces or eliminates forehead creases, frown lines, crows feet around the eyes and thick lines on the neck. Botox® injections block the nerve impulses and temporarily paralyzing the muscles. This reduces wrinkles and gives the skin a smoother, tighter appearance. The effects are most noticable after about a week. The Botox® injections need to be repeated every four to six months. The FDA recommends that Botox be injected not more frequently than once every three months, and that the lowest effective dose should always be used.

What is Botox®?
Botox® (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is a protein complex produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which contains the same toxin that causes food poisoning. When used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified botulinum toxin, small doses block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction. By selectively interfering with the underlying muscles' ability to contract, existing frown lines are smoothed out and, in most cases, are nearly invisible in a week. Botox® has also shown to reduce excessive sweating, ease migraine headaches, and alieving muscle spasms in the eyes and neck.

Botox® Parties
Some Cosmetic Surgeons host "Botox® Parties" where several people gather in groups to have the procedure done. This can reduce the cost for each patient and also reduce the stress and anxiety involved in having the procedure for the first time. The group members tend to give each other support before and after their injections.