Botox, simply put, is a prepared form of the Botulinum Toxin. As a toxin Botulinum is very dangerous and immensely poisonous to humans. Many people would say that Botulinum is one of the most poisonous substances known to man.



The product Botox (registered trademark) is made from botulinum toxin A, one of the 7 neurotoxins which are produced by Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium which causes Botulism. The food poisoning, Botulism, can cause death because it blocks the nerves leading to the muscles of the body and thus stopping the brain from telling a muscle to contract (paralysis).

FDA-approved Botox is accepted as safe and is used in the treatment of spasms and involuntary muscle contractions which are commonly seen in the likes of blepharospasm, cervical dystonia and strabismus. Even though Botox is a specific commercial product the word is used more generally to describe the popular skin care treatment to reduce facial wrinkles and fine lines.

A few years ago Botox Cosmetic was given FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval for aesthetic use while being available on prescription only. Only the least amount of Botox should be used and only one injection should be given in any three month period. Folk taking antibiotics and women who are breast feeding or are pregnant should never use Botox because of a possible risk of adverse reaction to it.

The cosmetic treatment which most people know simply as "Botox", because of it being the injection of the registered product into the muscles and skin of the face, is usually carried out only in a controlled medical environment. The Botox paralyzes the muscle tissues to such a degree that even the most obvious furrow and frown lines (and wrinkles) no longer appear. Unfortunately the treatment is temporary as the effects eventually, over the weeks, disappear.

Botox has, for the last few years, continued to be one of the top anti-aging treatments in great demand across the country. Rather than having the treatment performed in a medical environment many people are opting to have it carried out at so called "Botox Parties". At these parties it is common for people to consume alcohol the FDA have been driven to warn that having the treatment while under the influence can increase the amount of bruising experienced.

Although Botox is the most popular substance used in this anti-aging treatment there are other products by other companies such as the Dysport brand which can be used as an alternative. Although the procedure produces amazing results the dramatic removal of the ability of making facial expressions is removed. Subsequently many people prefer to have different anti-wrinkle treatments such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels.