The Fountain of Youth: Botox for Wrinkles

In recent years, the use of Botox, that is a specific toxin to reduce the visibility of wrinkles on the face and forehead, has become increasingly popular. With that popularity, it has come under increasing attack from the media—both sides muckraking to try and prove their point. So, what is the big deal with Botox for wrinkles?

What Exactly Does Botox Do, and How Can I use Botox for Wrinkles?

Botox is actually a shortened form of the word, botulinum toxin type A, a natural neuro-toxin. In 1989, the FDA approved the use of Botox for treatment of certain diseases involving muscle difficulties. The reason for this is that Botox actually blocks the receptors in the muscles that cause it to contract—forcing the muscle to be semi-permanently unable to contract. In layman terms—it paralyzes the muscles.

In terms of reducing the visibility of wrinkles, the toxin needs to be directly injected into the muscle. The effect is strictly localized—that is it will not spread throughout the body and will only affect the area of injection. The relaxing of certain muscles causes the skin to tighten over the face, and in effect the Botox reduces wrinkles.

The only way to get Botox for wrinkles is through injection by a professional—its not an at home project. Typically, a plastic surgeon will proscribe the Botox for your wrinkles and you will go into his office and he will provide the injection for you. The injections effects on the muscles wear off relatively quickly, but the effect on the wrinkles typically last four to six months.

Botox injections for wrinkles are not without side-effects, like any other drug. Some of the side effects may include soreness in the area of injection, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, blurry vision, allergic reaction, and headaches. All in all, for a toxin, Botox does not have all that many side-effects considering what some of the other medications have.

As a whole, using Botox for wrinkles still takes place, but it has been demonized by the media. That is not to say however that some of the points are not valid, and the long term effects of repeated Botox injections for wrinkles are still unknown. However, it is definitely an option to reduce the look of wrinkles on your face. Nevertheless, the side-effects are enough to make the decision a significant one, and not a course of action to be taken lightly.