Overview
Botulinum Toxin which, is more popularly known as Botox, is a neurotoxin protein. It is one of the most toxic proteins in existence. Anyone who is interested in anti-aging treatments and the eradication of lines and wrinkles will certainly have heard of this treatment. Botox is administered by injection by a qualified professional. It is produced by the company Allergen Inc., and is only available through licensed skin care professionals. Allergan Inc. has an official and detailed website. They tell us on the website that the effects seen after administering injections of Botox will last approximately four months. As well as cosmetic uses, Botox is also used to treat a number of medical disorders such as migraine and TMJ syndrome, as well as disorders associated with the Central Nervous System.
Product Details
Over the past few years injections of Botox for cosmetic purposes have been given to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The great majority of recipients of Botox injections are women. Botox was approved for cosmetic purposes by the US Food and Drugs Administration in 2002. Although many of those who have had Botox injections find it effective, some say that it gives those who have these injections a blank look and that they become almost expressionless and “plastic” due to the toxin's paralyzing effects. Botox injections are not a permanent solution to lines and wrinkles, and if you choose this anti-aging treatment you will need to have repeated injections, which can add up quickly. According to the official website of Allergan Inc., the manufacturers of Botox, side effects of Botox injections can include: focal facial paralysis, redness, swelling and a temporary droopy eyelid.
On the 8 February 2008 the Food and Drug Administration announced that Botox has been linked to cases of respiratory failure and death following treatment with Botox for medical use. A small number of those who have received Botox for cosmetic purposes have reported severe long term reactions. However Botox remains the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States, and it does seem to yield definite results. Of course, due to both cost and medical considerations, many are now looking for wrinkle fighting alternatives that are associated with fewer risks. Fortunately for these consumers, non-injection wrinkle treatments have advanced tremendously in the last three years, making it much easier to avoid the cost and discomfort associated with Botox.
The Good
- Botox for cosmetic use is approved by the Food and Drugs Administration.
- Botox is very popular with Hollywood celebs.
- Allergan Inc, the manufacturers of Botox have a well constructed official website.
The Bad
- There are now a number of patented anti-aging ingredients on the market such as Argireline and Matrixyl 3000 that are claimed to have the same effect as Botox, with clinical data to back up claims.
- There have been several deaths linked to the medical use of Botox.
- Botox is not a permanent solution to wrinkles.
- Some say that long term use of Botox injections gives the patient a blank "paralyzed" expression.
- Spa appointments can become costly and time consuming.
- Not all consumers are comfortable with the idea of needles close to their faces.
The Bottom Line
Botox is the treatment of choice for many women seeking a solution to the effects of aging on the skin. However as a result of innovative research into peptides there are now a number of competitive anti-aging creams on the market which contain ingredients such as Matrixyl 3000 that many believe are a solid alternative to Botox injections. Anyone who has any kind of neurological disorder should always seek specialized medical advice before undergoing Botox injections for cosmectic purposes.
