BOTOX®

BOTOX® is a substance that paralyzes muscles temporarily, and is a toxin that comes from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It was approved by the FDA in the 1980s for use in treating medical ailments, and was later approved for cosmetic use as well. In most cases, BOTOX® treatments are administered by injection.
 
 
Though the drug was used first for medical purposes, BOTOX® is most often thought of as an alternative to cosmetic surgery and is usually used on the face to tighten facial muscles in order to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. BOTOX® injections are less expensive than traditional plastic surgery procedures, and are also less invasive.
 
However, the effects of BOTOX® are not permanent, and last only about four to six months. Side effects are rare and are usually mild, most often resolving themselves after a few days or a few hours. Unlike most treatments, no allergic reactions to BOTOX® have been observed thus far.
 
BOTOX® treatments are not generally covered by insurance when they are used for cosmetic purposes, but in cases where it can help with medical situations, it may be covered by certain insurance policies.
 
Many people do not know or realize that BOTOX® can be used to treat medical conditions. In some cases, BOTOX® can help with the following conditions:
  • anal fissures
  • blepharospam
  • cerebral palsy
  • dystonia
  • excessive sweating
  • migraines
  • strabismus
  • stroke.
Doctors often prescribe BOTOX® to treat a number of medical conditions. Sometimes this treatment is prescribed alone, and sometimes it is prescribed in conjunction with other treatments.
 
In this section, we will cover all aspects of BOTOX® treatments, including both cosmetic purposes and BOTOX® in terms of medical treatment. 

Cosmetic Uses for BOTOX®

The most well known purpose of BOTOX® is to eliminate or reduce the appearance of wrinkles, most often on the face. BOTOX® injections are among the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States.
 
Unlike most cosmetic procedures, BOTOX® requires no surgery and is less expensive than traditional plastic surgery. Its effects are long-lasting, though not permanent. To maintain the effects of BOTOX® treatments, patients need to undergo BOTOX® injections every four to six months.
 
Side effects are usually very mild and short-lived when people undergo cosmetic BOTOX®.

Medical Uses for BOTOX®

While most people think of BOTOX® only with respect to cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery alternatives, BOTOX® can be used to treat many medical conditions and ailments.
 
In general, BOTOX® helps to induce paralysis in one or more muscles. BOTOX® achieves this by blocking the transmission of a signal from the nerves. While the muscle is paralyzed, the patient experiences relief from pain or spasms and other symptoms.
 
Most conditions that are treated with BOTOX® have few or no other treatment options, aside from surgery. Side effects of BOTOX® treatments are mild and don’t usually last long. Most people don’t realize that cosmetic BOTOX® hasn’t been around as long as medical uses for BOTOX®.
 
Resources
 
MedicineNet (2007). Botox. Retrieved October 10, 2007, from the MedicineNet Web site: http://www.medicinenet.com/botox_treatment/article.htm.