Posts Tagged ‘botulinum toxin’
What Are the Botox Side Effects?
The popular injectable wrinkle remedy Botox, like every other medicine, has side effects. These side effects are undesirable results that could occur along with the benefits that Botox injections offer. The operational word is “could”. That’s because not all who undergo Botox treatment suffer from side effects; most of those who get Botox injections do not experience any adverse effects at all.
Although the chances of experiencing side effects from Botox treatments are minimal, it would be very useful to know what the Botox side effects are. These side effects were identified through the analysis of the results of thorough clinical studies in which the condition of a control group not taking Botox was compared to that of a group undergoing Botox treatment.
Studies conducted on the use of Botox for cosmetic treatments such as in the reduction of facial lines and wrinkles have established that Botox could cause high blood pressure, dental problems, droopy eyelids, nausea, indigestion, heartburn, muscle weakness and facial pain. These Botox side effects were experienced singly or in combinations by about 1 to 3 percent of those undergoing Botox treatments.
Botox Treatment Benefits
Botox treatment, administered through injections by qualified professionals, is approved for disorders such as cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, strabismus, and hyperhidrosis. The active ingredient in Botox is botulinum toxin type A, a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The neurotoxin acts by blocking the signals that cause muscle spasms directly in the affected muscles. The resulting relaxation of the muscles provide relief.
Botox treatment decreases the occurrence of spasms in cervical dystonia. Also called spasmodic torticollis, it is a neurological movement disorder in which the muscles of the neck spasm uncontrollably, thus forcing the neck or head into uncomfortable positions and motions that are often painful. Common symptoms of cervical dystonia include pain at the neck and shoulders, problems swallowing, tightness of the muscles, and tremors.
Blepharospasm can also be corrected using Botox treatment. In individuals who have blepharospasm, the muscles around the eyes, and sometimes of the surrounding facial areas, twitch uncontrollably. This can cause the eyes to narrow or close involuntarily, thus affecting vision. Other common symptoms for blepharospsm are pain and soreness in the eyes and surrounding areas, unusual dryness or watering of the eyes, excessive blinking, and sensitivity to light.
Botox Injections: What to Expect
Botulinum toxin type A is used as a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for wrinkles and facial lines in individuals from 18 to 65 years old. Manufactured and marketed by the pharmaceutical company Allergan in an injectable form under the commercial trade name Botox, it is becoming increasingly popular. Botox injections have been proven to be generally safe and effective in reducing facial lines.
Wrinkles and facial creases are caused mainly by the repetitive movements of facial muscles. Botox injections block the release of a chemical neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which sends messages coming from the brain to various parts of the body, between nerve endings and muscle fibres at the site of injection. This inhibits the muscles’ ability to contract. Reduction of creases and wrinkles result from the reduced mobility of the muscles.
The administration of Botox injections are best done by cosmetic procedure specialists such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Their extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, along with experience in injecting Botox, guarantees optimal results. That’s why practitioners who specialize in cosmetic procedures should be consulted when opting to undergo Botox treatment, even if it can be injected by all authorized healthcare providers.
The Secret of Facial Skin Care
All that it takes to keep your skin healthy, glowing, and youthful for years and years is to make sure that it is properly cleansed, moisturized, and protected. Proper skin care can be done using a simple regimen that does not require hours to be spent on complicated routines nor necessitate the acquisition of numerous and expensive facial skin care products.
You will first need to determine if your skin is oily, normal, combination, dry, or sensitive. Then you can make a selection of the correct products depending on what type your skin is. The three essential facial skin care products you need are a cleanser, a moisturiser, and a sun screen, and these must be specifically made for your particular skin type.
Cleansing is the fundamental and most essential aspect of facial skin care. It removes dirt, dead skin cells, excess oil, and the residue of substances applied to the skin such as cosmetics. If such are not removed, these form a grimy deposit on the surface of the skin and foster the development of harmful microorganisms which will eventually lead to infection and disease. Facial skin should be cleansed in the morning and in the evening.