Botox Cosmetic Treatments | What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is the substance found in Botox cosmetic treatments. When purified, botulinum toxin offers numerous benefits, both cosmetic and therapeutic. Read on to learn more and discover if Botox can benefit you.

What is Botulinum Toxin and How is It Used in Botox Cosmetics

Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by a bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum. Botulinum acts as a neurotoxin. It blocks a chemical known as acetylcholine, which plays a crucial role in muscular movement. Botox blocks the transmission of acetylcholine. When injected, Botox prevents a  muscle from contracting. The effect of the Botulinum Toxin on the injected muscle is temporary. Within 3 to 5 months, the toxin breaks down and is safely absorbed by the body.

What is Botox

Botox is the brand name for Botulinum Toxin. The FDA first cleared botox as a prescription medication in 1989. Botox is not the only treatment of its kind. Cosmetic injections, such as Xeomin and Dysport, are also derivatives of the Botulinum Toxin Type A.

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Cosmetic Applications of Botulinum Toxin

Botox injections are the most popular cosmetic treatment on the market. Cosmetically, Botox effectively smooths out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is especially good at reducing crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and brow lines.

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Medical Applications of Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum Toxin is famous for its cosmetic applications. However, Botox has several therapeutic applications for a wide range of conditions. Botox is scientifically proven to improve the following:

• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Chronic Migraines
• Overactive bladder
• Neck spasms
• Tremors
• Lazy eye or cross eyes

Is Botox Safe?

Botulinum Toxin may sound intimidating. It’s associated with a severe condition called botulism. However, Botox cosmetic treatments utilize only a minuscule amount of neurotoxin. The potency of the Botulinum formulation is only strong enough to relax the muscle it’s injected into temporarily.

Botulinum Toxin, when used in clinical settings, has an impressive safety profile. In fact, Botox, with more than 500  articles demonstrating safety and effectiveness, is the most widely researched and studied treatment of its kind.

Botulinum Toxin Injections

Botox is safe and effective when administered by a reputable professional. If you are interested in Botox cosmetics, remember that cosmetic injections are technique-sensitive procedures. The skill and expertise of the person injecting your Botox significantly affect your experience. To ensure your safety and satisfaction, chose a well-known Botox provider who has ample experience performing this cosmetic injection.

Because the provider is critical in receiving a safe and effective treatment, discerning patients living in Purchase, NY chose the Altman Aesthetic Center as their premier Botox provider. Learn more about this cosmetic injection by scheduling a consultation with the Altman Aesthetic Center. Reach out online or call (914) 600-3479.

SOURCES

Nigam, P K, and Anjana Nigam. “Botulinum toxin.” Indian journal of dermatology vol. 55,1 (2010): 8-14. LINK.