You’ve heard of Botox; it has been a household name since it first received FDA-approved for cosmetic antiaging. But what is Botox and how does it work?
“What is Botox?” and Other Botox FAQs
BOTOX is a localized, injectable muscle relaxer that reduces the appearance of lines created by muscle contractions in the upper face. By injecting Botox and similar products into the muscles that cause forehead lines, brow lines, and crow’s feet, the muscles relax and reduce movement. This smoothes lines and slows the advancement of visible facial aging.
In addition to Botox, Dysport and Xeomin also work in similar ways, offering varying benefits to patients.
What is Botox made of?
The active ingredient in Botox and Botox alternatives is botulinum toxin. Most commonly known as a cause of botulism, this refined, diluted form is safe to use for both cosmetic and medical applications. Botox is not the only type of medication derived from otherwise toxic ingredients. As Paracelsus, the “father of toxicology” and pioneer during the “medical revolution” during the Renaissance, said, “All things are poison, and nothing is without poison, the dosage alone makes it so a thing is not a poison.” This is a basic tenet of toxicology and medicine that exists to this day. After all, water is essential to life, but too much will make you drown.
What is Botox used for?
In addition to its use as a cosmetic wrinkle relaxer, Botox is also FDA-approved for medical treatments. Its original use was for blepharospasms, an eye spasm condition. When injected, the spasms would stop or reduce, improving the patient’s quality of life. Since then, Botox has been cleared for use in patients with:
- hyperhidrosis, a condition of excessive sweating
- chronic migraines
- overactive bladder
- urinary incontinence
Botox is also currently being tested for its ability to help patients with asthma, cerebral palsy, and who have recently had heart surgery.
What is Botox Cosmetic?
Botox Cosmetic is specifically used for non-medical uses in cosmetics, specifically for facial anti-aging. It is FDA-approved for forehead lines, brow lines, and crow’s feet. It can also be used off-label as a brow lift, to tighten the jawline, and to tighten neck muscles for a non-surgical neck lift.
What is Botox best used for?
Botox has been called the new miracle drug, as it has numerous applications. Many medical experts compare it to the discovery of aspirin and antibiotics, due to its ability to treat everything from excessive sweating to severe, chronic pain. Due to its being tested for life-saving applications as well, Botox could be the next miracle drug. Botox is the most tested drug on the market and has more than 10 FDA approvals. It is best used for whatever you, as a patient, need it to do.
What is Botox classified as?
Botox is a neurotoxin. While that sounds scary, remember that the dosage makes the poison (see above). Diluted and refined, Botox works by decreasing nerve signals to the muscles. This relaxes the muscles to achieve the desired result. For cosmetics, this means that fine lines and wrinkles are reduced or diminished. In medicine, it could mean that a patient who has migraines for half a month or more on average can have more pain-free days.
Do you have more questions about Botox?
Learn more about Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin and if these treatments are right for your anti-aging goals at Ultra Smooth Skin in Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ. Contact us today and schedule a consultation in one of our three convenient locations.
