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Who
would have thought that something
that is supposedly poisonous
could have so many people
clamoring for it?
Skepticism
proven wrong
When botox
hit the market, many were
skeptical on the effects of these
newly developed chemical. A
protein complex made from a
bacterium called clostridium
botulinum, many feared that the
chemical will have the same
effect on the skin as it has on
the body.
For those
who do not yet know, botox come
from the same toxin that can
cause food poisoning in humans.
It turned
out to be quite effective and a
huge huge success especially in
the cosmetic surgery business. It
is also being used to relieve
pain in muscle areas of people
who have has chronic pains. Its
is actually so effective that
people who were normally confined
to their homes because of the
pain now live normal lives.
Popular
alternative
Since botox
inhibits the release of
acetylcholine, a chemical
responsible for the contraction
of muscles in various parts of
the body, it is primarily used to
clear out wrinkles and frown
lines in the face through
injection in the areas of
concern.
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The
effect of the drug can
last for several months.
Only small amounts of
the toxin are however
used for these cosmetic
procedures. Too much use
of the toxin can produce
disastrous side effects.
In
2001 alone, almost 1.6
million Americans have
had botox injections in
different areas of their
bodies.
This
is a significant
increase from
2000’s figures. In
fact, botox injections
are even more popular
than the immensely
popular breast
enhancement and breast
augmentation procedures.
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Botox
parties
The
procedure has become so popular
in fact that people even organize
parties and social events just
for the occasion of injecting
botox.
This is
actually part of the marketing
campaign that has gained botox
injections so many followers.
Women (and men) who regularly
inject botox for maintenance get
together in small gatherings and
simultaneously inject botox.
Outsiders especially those who
have not yet tried the drugs but
are interested can join the
party.
Abuse
and overuse
One of the
growing concerns in the industry
is the potential abuse of the
drug. Although botox is basically
a prescription drugs, there are
unqualified people who are
distributing the medicine.
And because
the drug must be injected again
and again to maintain its effect,
there is also the danger of the
drug being overused or for people
to over-apply thinking that it
will lengthen the effect of the
drug.
Injecting
too much botox or accidentally
injecting it on the wrong area
can cause droopy eyelid muscles,
a condition called ptosis. This
could last for several weeks.
Other side
effects that botox have are
headaches, respiratory
infections, flu-like symptoms and
even nausea. Some people will
also experience pain on the area
where the botox was applied as
well as redness and swelling.
There will also some muscle
weakness around the area where
the botox was applied.
Contraindications
Although
botox is available to all people,
there are some who are allergic
to the toxin. So it is best that
one consults a physician first
before applying the drug.
Although
there has never been any studies
or research on the effect of
botox on pregnant women and on
nursing women, medical people err
on the safe side and just
prohibit the drug.
About The
Author
Robert
Thatcher is a freelance publisher
based in Cupertino, California.
He publishes articles and reports
in various ezines and provides
botox resources on
http://www.justbotox.info.
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