A toxin produced from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, Botox is the brand name. Also known by other names like Xeomin, the toxin is harmful in large amounts as it can cause botulism. For the common man, this is associated with food poisoning. There are serious complications associated with the disease including paralysis. The researchers have found a method by which they can use this toxin to the advantage of the humans. Small and diluted amounts can be injected in different muscles and cause control weakening. This would make it appear taut, reduce the wrinkles, and thereby take ages away from the face of the patient.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved using of Botox in the late 1980s for treating various ailments like the blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking) and strabismus, which is a lazy eye syndrome. For years, the medical practitioners have been using Botox Charlotte NC to successfully treat the wrinkles and various facial creases. In the year 2002, Botox gained the approval for the treatment of frown lines between the eyebrows, which were called the glabellar lines. However, the toxin is often administered in other parts of the face also.
If one is wondering how the toxin works to accomplish all this, it is used to simply block the signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle is unable to function or contract and this makes the wrinkles to appear relax and soften. It is regularly used in the forehead lines, crow's feet, and other frown lines. The wrinkles that are caused by the sun damage and gravity will not respond to the treatments by Botox.
The process takes only few moments and no anesthesia is required for the process. The injection is conducted with the help of a fine needle which is inserted into specific muscles. There would be only minor discomfort. It would take three to seven days for the toxin to attain its full potential and it is best to avoid alcohol at least one week before the treatment. All kinds of aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications should be stopped two weeks prior to the treatment. This is also important to stop any kind of bruising to appear.
The effects from the injection usually last for about four to six months. As the action of muscle is finally restored, the lines then the wrinkles would begin to reappear and therefore they would be needed to be treated again. The lines and wrinkles would become less severe with each injection. This is because the muscles have already been trained to relax.
Since the Botox Charlotte NC is being injected in the face, there are people who would worry about the side effects. One of the most common side effects occurring due to Botox is temporary bruising. The patient may have severe headaches that would resolve between 24-48 hours. This is very rare. Some patients may even feel their eyelids to be drooping and this resolves in three weeks maximum. This is because the toxin moves around, and this is the reason that the affected area should not be rubbed for 12 hours after the injection. It is best for the patient to lie down for three to four hours.
It is important to remember that if the patient is pregnant, breast-feeding or have any kind of neurological diseases, they should not be using Botox. Since the injection works only for certain wrinkles, it is important that a doctor is consulted. Botox is costly and different insurance coverage would vary accordingly. When it is used for cosmetic purposes, the treatment is not covered at all. It is best to consult the insurance carrier.
