Botox® is manufactured by Allergan Inc. and is a type of purified protein that is derived from Botulinum Toxin A. It is a neurotoxin that is used clinically to treat muscle spasticity conditions such as blepharospasm (eyelid spasm), strabismus (crossed eyes) and torticollis (wry neck).
It works by temporarily paralyzing the affected muscles or sweat glands. Botox® is most often used cosmetically to treat smooth fine lines and soften wrinkles, as well as for excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis).
Some examples of what Botox® can treat:
Wrinkles
Wrinkles are grooves in the skin, which are unavoidable as we age. They are said to be caused by aging, facial expressions and sun exposure and can appear on almost anywhere on our body, such as our forehead, around the eyes, nose, lips, chin, in between the eyebrows, neck, etc.
Our skin, when magnified, looked as though they are pieced together from irregular triangular pieces. As we age, collagen is lost at a rate faster than what the body can replace. Thus, the skin loses it firmness and causes folds to form at the “edges” pieces together. Sun exposures accelerate cell degeneration, which further speed up the rate wrinkles forms.
Wrinkles are also formed at areas which there are constant and repetitive facial muscle movements. Just like a piece of sponge, if you repeatedly squeeze it, you will notice prints of lines on the sponge.
Botox® will paralyze the muscles, hence, eliminates the mechanical wrinkles.
Excessive Sweating
Also known as Hyperhidrosis, it is a condition whereby one sweat excessively. Hyperhidrosis can occur on the hands, feet, armpits and groin, which are among the most active body regions with the highest concentration of sweat glands.
People who suffer from Hyperhidrosis are often embarrassed by this illness. Botox® is an FDA approved treatment to treat Hyperhidrosis. It works by disabling the sweet glands, thereby causing a reduction in the sweating.
Bruxism
Also known as teeth grinding or jaws clenching.
Bruxism occurs in most people at some time in their lives. It happens usually when one is asleep and is one of the most common sleep disorders treated by doctors. Although not life threatening, bruxism often result in dental damage, sore jaw, headaches, migarines, neck pains, etc.
Sucessful treatment with the use of Botox® injected in to the jaw muscle can reduce the effects of Bruxism. The doctor must determine the correct dosage to be used as overdose can prevent the use of the jaw muscles and hinder chewing.
Migraine
Botox® is injected around the head and neck as a treatment for adults with chronic migraine. It is approved by the US FDA as a treatment to prevent chronic migraine in adults in Oct 2010.
Muscular Calves
Our calves are made up mainly of muscles and are one of the most used set of muscles on our legs. A lot of us keep ourselves healthy and trim by exercising and this exercised the calf muscles, which will unfortunately cause them to be big and bulky.
Especially for ladies who wear skirts or shorts that expose their calves, over muscular calves look too manly.
Botox® can help to relax the calf muscles and soft the muscular look.
Oily, acne prone skin and enlarged pores
Better known as micro Botox®. It is injected to the muscles (known as erector pili) on the surface of the skin to constrict the pores. Botox® makes the sebaceous glands less active, which results in less sebum being produced, thus, less oily skin and acne.