Plastic Surgery and Botox Answers explained

We all have thought about looking younger. We all have tried the lotions and potions looking for the fountain of youth. With plastic surgery and botox procedures becoming more common place, these have become a more affordable and safer option for battling the aging process. Modern medical advances have come a long way from it's crude beginnings concerning plastic surgery and botox injections seem to be the icing on the cake.

One of the most important things that you can do is research. You will want to know all that you can about the plastic surgery and botox procedures before visiting a plastic surgeon. You will also want to research the surgeon that you choose. You'll want to check out their licenses and make sure that they are reputable. You should also speak to some of their patients if possible to make sure you are choosing a good surgeon. Plastic surgery is permanent and you want to make sure you are making a well informed decision before going under the knife. Botox can be damaging if not done correctly, check out your doctors before you commit.

There is a difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgery is defined as surgery preformed to fix a defect or repair a problem for a more normal appearance. Cosmetic surgery is defined simply as a surgical procedure used to enhance ones appearance, or make someone look younger.

Botox is Botulinum toxin

Plastic surgery originated in India with the first publicly documented cases being printed as early as 1794. Because early medical techniques lacked the sophistication of todays medical sciences, these early procedures were painful and generally resulted in death due to infection. With the advancement of modern science, these elective procedures are less painful and more viable as an option. Also with the advancement of antibiotics, infection is less likely.

Reconstructive procedures generally use the grafting technique. This procedure uses a graft or flap of skin from another sight (legs, arms, neck, etc.) Cosmetic surgeries are a subspecialty of surgery that are solely used to enhance appearance. Some common procedures are rhinoplasty (nose jobs), implants (breasts, chin, cheek, etc.), and the face lift. Because of the cost of these procedures, a lot of people seek doctors outside of the country. This can be dangerous because of lack of surgical support and unsanitary conditions.

Botox is Botulinum toxin and is used to treat painful muscle spasms and is also used as a cosmetic treatment. Botox itself is easy to get and highly toxic, therefore, you only want to have botox injections done by a professional. Botox is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum or botulism.

There are seven types of botulism typed A through G. Researchers discovered in the 1950's that botulism type A caused painful muscle spasms to cease with the results lasting from 3 to 6 months. This type is what is used today for both medically necessary procedures and cosmetic ones. Although highly toxic, botulism is common and when used in small doses can be effective without the toxidity.

It was first discovered that botulinum toxin stops neuromuscular transmission in 1949. This toxin was experimented with using monkeys in the beginning and first used on humans in 1980. In December of 1989, botox was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat muscle spasms in patients over age 12. In 2002 the US Food and Drug Administration approved botox for cosmetic procedures, most commonly to reduce the appearance of frown lines, creases in the forehead, and fine lines and wrinkles thus making the patient appear younger. Botox is also used in the armpits to reduce excessive sweating.

With plastic surgery and botox treatments

Like any other medical procedure there are side effects to botox treatments. These can be the paralyzing of the wrong muscle groups or allergic reaction, resulting in respiratory distress. Some other side effects can be an uneven smile, drooping eye lids, or the inability to close the eyes. These side effects usually disappear in about 6 weeks. Because Botox is administered by injection, bruising around the injection sight is common, usually lasting about 7-10 days. The effects of botox treatments can last as little as 6 weeks, but you can generally expect the procedure to last any where from 3 to 8 months, at which point, the procedure needs to be repeated.

The fountain of youth is a myth, but with plastic surgery and botox treatments, you can look like you have found the secret. As common as these procedures are today, all you need to do is a little research. Find a good, qualified surgeon, talk to former patients, learn about the procedures themselves and make a wise and educated decision about your plastic surgery or botox treatment. With the advancement of modern medicine and a little research to back up your decision, both of these procedures are relatively risk free and can be very affordable. You really can look like you took a swim in the fountain of youth and turn back the clock and the signs of aging.