Questions About BOTOX Cosmetic

TAMPA, FL, July 14, 2011 (Press-News.org) BOTOX Cosmetic revolutionized cosmetic medicine. Since its approval by the FDA in 2002 for the treatment of glabellar lines, it has become the most popular cosmetic treatment in the world. In the US alone, more than 5 million treatments were performed in 2010 using BOTOX Cosmetic and similar compounds. However, many people still have questions about BOTOX Cosmetic. Here are some of the questions people have about BOTOX Cosmetic.

What is BOTOX Cosmetic?
BOTOX Cosmetic is a purified form of botulinum toxin A. The botulinum bacteria is named for the disease it causes, botulism, whose name was derived from "botulus," Latin for sausage. This deadly disease plagued the early food-packing industry where poor standards and processing procedures allowed the bacteria to thrive.

So how did people come up with the idea for BOTOX Cosmetic?
Like a lot of advances in medical technology, the discovery was somewhat accidental. When it was discovered that botulism is due to the botulinum toxin, several avenues of research were attempted. Weaponized forms of botulinum toxins were attempted in WWI, but these proved unworkable.

Once it was discovered that the botulinum toxin works by paralyzing muscles, people began researching the use to botulinum toxin A to treat spasms and muscle disorders. The first treatment was for crossed eyes and eyelid spasms. This use was approved in 1989. Doctors using the botulinum toxin injections to treat eyelid spasms noticed that it also seemed to smooth the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.

As early as 2000 people were using botulinum toxin off-label to treat facial wrinkles, and in 2002, the manufacturer, Allergan, applied for and received approval for the version called BOTOX Cosmetic.

How does BOTOX Cosmetic work?
BOTOX Cosmetic works by inducing what is known as flaccid paralysis in certain facial muscles responsible for some facial wrinkles. Muscles contract when they receive a certain chemical signal from the nerve that controls them. This chemical, acetylcholine, travels through the nerve in a bubble or vesicle that must be opened to release it to the muscle. BOTOX Cosmetic prevents the opening of this bubble, so the nerve cannot send signals to the muscle.

Will BOTOX Cosmetic affect my ability to make facial expressions?
Yes, to some extent. BOTOX Cosmetic will not prevent you from making expressions like smiles, frowns, or scowls, but it will alter these expressions. Because it reduces the ability of some muscles to function, other muscles will have to work harder to create the expressions you request, so your expression might be slightly different. Sometimes, people's expressions are altered because their muscles are working differently. One commonly-reported side effect is more pronounced "bunny lines" on the side of the nose.

In addition, BOTOX Cosmetic may even affect your ability to experience emotions. Because emotions work partly due to a feedback loop between your expressions and your brain, the diminished ability to physically express emotion actually impairs your ability to feel it. No long-term studies have been performed to determine whether this is a cumulative effect.

If you have more questions about BOTOX Cosmetic, please visit the website of Gayoso Plastic Surgery in Tampa, Florida at http://gayosoplasticsurgery.com.