by Priya Kamath

Created on: November 01, 2010   Last Updated: November 02, 2010

With all the publicity ‘Botox’ has garnered in the recent years, one would like to know exactly what it is and how it works. Well, here are the facts:

Botox is one of the many trade names for the neurotoxin protein called botulinum toxin derived from the bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. In large doses, the protein can cause botulism, a rare but serious paralytic illness. However, given in extremely small, therapeutic, localized doses, it can be used to treat several disorders by enabling controlled weakening or partial paralysis of muscles.

It is effective in the treatment of cervical dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes severe neck muscle contractions. It is used in the therapy of several eye muscle disorders like blepharospasm which causes uncontrollable blinking and strabismus or misalignment of the eye. It has also proven to be an efficient remedy in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating. In fact, Botox has been recently approved by the FDA to treat patients with chronic migraines.

However, the popularity Botox has gained over the recent years is from its aesthetic applications rather than its original intended purpose. Botox is used in cosmetic medicine to treat the look of fine lines and superficial wrinkles between the brows caused from everyday brow furrowing. It also diminishes or smoothes out facial creases caused by everyday expressions such as smiling, frowning or squinting, giving the recipient a clean and smooth facial appearance.

So how does it work?  Normally, our brain sends electrical messages to our muscles so that they can contract. The electrical message is transmitted to the muscle by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. When injected underneath the skin into the affected area, Botox works to block the release of acetylcholine. With the flow of acetylcholine inhibited, the muscles do not receive the signal to contract and as a result stay paralyzed or relaxed. Consequently, the wrinkles relax and soften. Most patients require recurring treatment as the wrinkles or lines start to reappear, however, after each injection the wrinkles are less severe as the muscles are trained to relax.

Several factors contribute to the widespread popularity of Botox. First of all, it is less invasive than a face lift and the results are immediately apparent. Secondly, Botox procedures do not require anesthesia and usually take just a few minutes to perform. Botox is also much cheaper than a face lift. Besides, Botox is temporary. If the recipient of Botox treatment is not happy with the results, the effect will gradually wear off. Typically, the original appearance is restored within about three to six months.

 Botox is appositely called a miracle of modern science!

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