Botox 101 What It Is and Why You Might Want It

Got wrinkles? Get Botox. This appears to be the mantra of this century when it comes to looking good and keeping wrinkles at bay.

Got wrinkles? Get Botox. This appears to be the mantra of this century when it comes to looking good and keeping wrinkles at bay. But what is this amazing anti-aging treatment and where did it come from? Botox was first introduced in the 1980''s as an option for treating medical conditions like uncontrolled blinking and lazy eye.

It didn''t take long for doctor to realize that this procedure could diminish the lines and wrinkles that were the result of the aging process as well, and a multi-million dollar cosmetic industry was born. This procedure has become so commonplace today; many women don''t even have to make an appointment for the treatment any longer. After lunch with friends, simply pop by your doctor''s office for a de-wrinkling. Quick, convenient and no more wrinkles; what more could you ask?

Botox injections were originally approved by the FDA for treating lines and wrinkles between the eyebrows in 2002. Doctors now use Botox to eliminate any number of other signs of aging, including crow''s feet and lines across the forehead. The end result can be skin that looks smoother, younger and wrinkle free. And the really exciting thing about this procedure is that you can see the results almost immediately. There is no recovery time to speak of, no scarring and very little discomfort throughout.

How does it Work?

Botox injections consist of very diluted amounts of the botulism bacterium that is injected directly under the skin''s surface. This substance will cause controlled weakening of the muscles so you end up with muscles that are softer and more relaxed. The procedure itself only takes a few minutes, and there is no anesthesia necessary, which is why some doctors can perform Botox injections on a lunch hour or for drop-in patients. The results are quick ? but they are far from permanent.

How Long does it Last?

The average amount of time that a Botox injection lasts is four to six months. At this point, full muscle function returns and so do the wrinkles. At this point, you can repeat the procedure to keep lines and wrinkles at bay. You may find that your returning wrinkles are less pronounced than the original lines you saw, since the Botox injections can "train" the muscles of the face to relax somewhat.

Botox is a great way to look and feel younger, but it is not for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not have this treatment done. Women who suffer from a neurological condition are also no good candidates for this procedure. If you are interested in finding out more about Botox treatments for you, make an appointment with your doctor.

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