Use of Botox to Reduce Wrinkles and Frown Lines
Nonsurgical Facelift and Wrinkle Injection for a Smooth Complexion
Oct 6, 2009
Botox is a trade name for the neurotoxic protein called botulinum toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridum botulinum. In large enough doses, the protein causes botulism which can be a fatal illness linked to food poisoning. In short, Botox is a watered down version of botulism.
How Does Botox Work?
Procedures to lessen harsh frown lines and crows feet work by injecting small amounts of diluted botulinum toxin, which works by relaxing the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses. After repeated treatments, the wrinkles return as less severe as the muscles are trained to relax.
When people enter their forties, the middle of the face starts to shift as the cheeks lose some of their fat and laughter lines set in. The cheeks become deflated towards the end of the 4th decade, and the jowls start to sag. A combination of Botox as well as mini face lifting procedures are said to provide the best results for patients in this age group.
Pros of Botox
- The procedure is quick, no anesthesia is needed and the effects appear in a short period of time (3 to 5 days).
- The patient's appearance can be improved, making him or her look years younger by smoothing out crow's feet and frown lines.
- The procedure can be repeated if necessary after a few months.
- Botox can also be used to treat conditions such as hyperhydrosis, that is, excessive sweating under the arms, hands or feet.
- According to Dr Mary Dingley of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery “Treatment can actually improve a person's feelings of wellbeing and help with depression, particularly in people who have deep frown lines”.
Cons of Botox
- The patient can have a “frozen” expression, making him or her look unnatural.
- There can be temporary headaches, pain and bruising in the areas which were injected.
- A certain percentage of Botox patients have reported dizziness, sore throats, back pain, problems swallowing, difficulty speaking, double vision and in rare cases, an allergic reaction.
- The effects are not permanent and will wear off anywhere between 2 – 8 months.
- Treatments can be expensive, approximately $500 per treatment.
- Long term effects of Botox have not yet been monitored and are still unknown.
Botox Alternatives
New non-surgical facelift procedures and wrinkle removal products are coming on the market all the time as Botox alternatives, which comprise of cosmetic Botox creams, lotions, serums and dermatological procedures such as skin peels.
REFinex: formulated with a snake venom ingredient, REFinex is made from venoms' peptides for use in cosmetics. Retails for approximately $68.00 for a 30g tub.
Hexapeptide: Works by reducing muscle contractions. Said to be a non-toxic, non-irritant compound that modulates the excessive stimulation of the facial muscles, relaxing facial tension and it also reduces wrinkles, frown lines and crows feet.
Ultrox: A botox alternative that combines oligopeptides that originate in natural products such as Hibiscus esculentus, Hyluronic Acid and Acetyl Hexapeptide-3. Ultrox is a precription medication approved to treat frown lines in people up to 65. Approximately $80 for a 60g tub.
Dermatological procedures: These procedures are often used as Botox alternatives or in combination with Botox. Often, they work by resurfacing the skin, using chemical peels, dermabrasion or lasers.
Photorejuvenation: An approach which is based on the concept that the application of intense pulsed light induces controlled wounds on the skin which stimulates the skin to produce new collagen to reduce wrinkles.
Before trying any skin products or even if deciding to go forward with Botox, always make sure a professional skin specialist is consulted first. Make sure that the doctor administering the injections has a good reputation- ask for references and visit forums to see if his/her clients were satisfied.
Botox is not a cure for permanent aging and it can have some pretty odd side effects. But many patients are satisfied with the results and the Botox industry now tops the $300 million mark.
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Source:
medicalnewstoday.com, article 'What is Botox', Peter Crosta, information retrieved 6 October, 2009
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