Botox is a cosmetic formula made from the toxin Botulinum A

Most people have heard of Botox in the past few years, but what is Botox exactly? And what is it used for? Botox is a cosmetic formula that is made from the toxin Botulinum A. Botox is basically a purified form of the botulinum toxin, so it's almost in the same category as Botulism. Botox has been used for many different things, with more research being done all the time to see what else it can treat.

Botox has been used cosmetically to treat wrinkles or deep frown lines. But medically, Botox has been used to treat writer's cramp, excessive sweating, termors and some forms of muscle spasms- more research is being done to determine the effectiveness and safety of using Botox to treat various types of neck and back pain as well. Now that we've answered the very basics of what Botox is, what exactly is botulinum and botulism?

Botulism is basically food poisoning, this happens when someone eats food that has been contaminated with a bacteria that is known as botulinum. This type of bacteria creates what is known as a neurotoxin. Botulism or, food poisoning by Botulism, can be fatal. This is why Botox must be injected by a licensed healthcare provider in a medical setting, those same toxins that can ease pain, stop sweating and reduce wrinkles- can paralyze a person, especially if taken orally, and this paralysis can result in death.

The primary reason why Botox has been used as a wrinkle reducer and cosmetic treatment is because of it's paralytic properties. Botox injections will last anywhere from three months to eight months, and aren't as expensive as cosmetic surgery or face-lifts. Botox works in the same way that the other types of botulinum toxins work, it blocks nerve endings and represses muscle contractions and spasms. This gives the face an easy way to reduce or eliminate the appearance of wrinkling, without the expense and pain of a face-lift or other surgery.

Botox is directly injected under the skin

Botox is directly injected under the skin in areas where wrinkling occurs, this causes paralyzation and relaxation of the facial muscles, which instantly smooths the appearance of the face. Botox also works in this same way when used for excessive sweating, tremors and muscle spasms- it causes the nerves and muscles in those areas to relax, or become paralyzed, which in turn stops most pain and spasms. However, like any other medication or treatment, there are risks and possible side effects to be aware of before using Botox. Botox can cause an allergic reaction (just like any other food, medication, etc) in anyone, even if they've had Botox injections before.

Botox injections to the face to reduce wrinkling can make you look as though one eyelid is drooping down further than the other- it can actually CAUSE one eyelid to droop- Botox can alter your facial expressions to the point that you continuously look as though you are angry, frowning, bored or even surprised. And of course, if one is on antibiotics, they definitely should consult with a physician before getting Botox injections.

Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not get Botox injections, this is because of the risk to the unborn child or nursing infant. Pregnant or nursing women should wait until their child isn't depending on their body system or their milk, there are risks that Botulinum can actually transfer to the unborn or nursing childre, and cause serious illness or even death. Botox can not be used to prevent or get rid of super-fine lines or wrinkles, but it can help get rid of or lessen the appearance of deep lines or indentions caused in the skin by facial expressions. Botox can help retrain facial muscles so that expressions do not cause the deep lines or creases, and with time can make Botox completely un-ncessary.

There are those out there who can not continue to use Botox, because after a few times of getting Botox injections- the Botox becomes less effective and stops working for them. Depending on how deep the lines and creases in your facial skin are, this will determine how much Botox is used in your skin. The more Botox that is used, the more "relaxed" your facial expressions will be. Make sure to discuss with your physician or cosmetologist what kind of results you are looking for and expecting before you choose to have Botox injections done, and make sure that you are being realistic about what to expect after getting Botox injections. Steer clear of any physician, cosmetologist, surgeon, or even a spa nurse who won't take the time to answer your questions or let you know what the risks of Botox injections are.

Avoid getting Botox injections at a spa

Avoid getting Botox injections at a spa or a "Botox party," a recent phenomenon has been the sudden burst of "Botox parties" where people get injected with Botox during cocktail parties or other types of gatherings- along with that, there are little "salons" and "spas" opening up all over the place that offer Botox. Steer clear of any place that doesn't have a licensed physician, physician's assistant or a registered nurse to do the injections.

Definitely do not have Botox injections done at any type of "party" or "spa" where no medical personnel are available - the consequences could be deadly! As long as Botox is administered by a reputable physician or other duly licensed health-care professional, in a medical environment - it can be a good alternative to a face-lift. Botox is used for cosmetic purposes, but it should also be used with caution, it is still a diluted form of a toxin. When safe injection techniques are used in a safe, sterile environment, by a licensed medical professional, Botox is relatively safe and side effects will be minimal.