What Is BOTOX® Derived From?
Clostridium Botulinum is a bacteria readily found in natural settings including lakes, soil, and intestinal tracts of fish and animals. Naturally occurring Clostridium Botulinum is generally harmless, however, once the spores on the bacteria begin to increase cell population, the bacteria at a certain point starts to produce Botulinum Toxin. Botulinum Toxin is a deadly neurotoxin responsible for botulism (a serious and deadly condition where botulinum toxin attacks the body's nerves causing muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, and even death). When Botulinum Toxin is used in small doses and is appropriately used in therapeutic and cosmetic contexts, it is safe and has very few side effects. BOTOX® is produced in controlled laboratory conditions and is given as a freeze-dried product that is mixed with saline solution before injections.
How Does BOTOX® Work?
BOTOX® (Botulinum Toxin) is a neurotoxin that targets your nervous system. Normally, your brain sends electrical signals to your muscles telling them to contract and move. This includes voluntary movements such as lifting your arm as well as involuntary movements such as breathing. The electrical message is transmitted to the muscles by a substance called acetylcholine. BOTOX® disrupts the signaling process by blocking the release of acetylcholine, therefore, the muscles do not receive the message to contract. Wrinkles are a natural process of aging and one of the biggest causes of facial wrinkles and fine lines is the years of facial muscle movement through smiling and frowning with a combination of lost skin elasticity. BOTOX® stops the acetylcholine release where injected, temporarily allowing facial wrinkles and fine lines to relax and smoothen.
What Is BOTOX® Used For?
BOTOX® is originally intended as a treatment of blepharospasm (eye spasm) and strabismus (misalignment of the eyes). In 2002, BOTOX® became FDA-approved for cosmetic purposes to treat wrinkles and fine lines. According to the Canadian Society Of Plastic Surgeons, BOTOX® is the most popular cosmetic procedure nationwide. BOTOX® treatments are also used in the prevention of wrinkles by stopping the facial gestures that commonly cause them. Other FDA approved uses for BOTOX® includes treatments for:
- Chronic migraines
- Excessive underarm sweating
- Overactive bladder
- Crossed-eyes
BOTOX® injections can be safely combined with other cosmetic procedures such as dermal injections to provide astounding wrinkle reduction results. This popular combination of both BOTOX® and dermal injections is often described as a “ non-surgical facelift.” BOTOX® can also be used with other cosmetic laser treatments to help you achieve your desired skincare results.
Calgary BOTOX® Injections
BOTOX® injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments to safely reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines leaving you with a natural, youthful appearance. These injections can also be used for therapeutic purposes to treat certain conditions related to the nervous and muscular systems.
To find out more about the costs and benefits of BOTOX® treatments and how our skin care specialists can help create a customized treatment that would work best for your specific aesthetic goals and needs, contact our Calgary clinic at (403) 253-2555 or fill in our online contact form.
FAQs
Q: How long do BOTOX® results last?
A: BOTOX® results normally last from 3-4 months depending on how well you take care of your skin and protect it from the sun.
Q: Do BOTOX® treatments require any downtime?
A: One of the biggest benefits of receiving BOTOX® injections is that there is no downtime required. Treatments are often quick, only lasting around fifteen minutes, and will allow you to resume your daily activities after your appointment.
Q: Do BOTOX® treatments hurt?
A: BOTOX® treatments will not cause any pain or discomfort. If you are sensitive to needles, your licensed practitioner will apply numbing cream to the injection areas so you do not feel any discomfort.
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