With its immense rise in popularity, Botox has become a household name. Botox is the brand name for a toxin derived from Clostridium botulinum, which is largely associated with food poisoning. Millions of people enjoy the cosmetic and medical benefits of Botox each year, but the fact Botox is essentially a toxin can put many people off trying it for themselves. However, doing a little research into how Botox works should put your mind at rest.

In large doses, the botulism toxin can cause paralysis. However, it is this side effect which doctors have been able to harness and use to their advantage. The toxin is extremely diluted before being injected into the muscle, so its harmful effects pose no risk to the patient. Botox is most renowned for its effectiveness in reducing wrinkles and received FDA approval for this purpose in 2002, having been shown to be safe in clinical trials.

Botox blocks the transmission of signals from nerves to the muscles, by hindering the production of the neurotransmitter (the chemical which relays the signals). When used for cosmetic purposes this causes the muscle to relax giving it a smoother appearance and greatly reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Over the course of 3 to 6 months the nerves will send out new ‘sprouts’ and the muscle will start receiving signals once again. This leads to the effects of Botox treatment wearing off. The duration of the results may vary a little depending on the individual. Some people may require more regular treatments while other patients may go as long as 9 months before needing another injection.

Botox also has several medical applications. One of these uses is in treating excessive sweating, particularly from the arm pits, as Botox blocks the nerves which stimulate sweat production. This treatment may also be available to people who do not have a medical condition but who still feel they can benefit from Botox’s beneficial effects on sweating. For instance, people in high stress jobs such as attorneys often opt for Botox injections for this purpose, as do people such as chefs who may be working in humid conditions.

Although the FDA has not yet granted approval, many doctors also offer Botox as a treatment for headaches and migraines to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. It is believed that reducing muscle strain in the forehead can halt the onset of a migraine.

The effects of Botox can be hindered by certain medications such as Tobramycin and Norvasc. Therefore, is important to tell the doctor if you are taking antibiotics as they may prevent treatment from working effectively.

If you are considering Botox treatment many clinics will happily provide you with information or an initial consultation free of charge. A qualified practitioner should be able to answer all your queries and put your mind at rest that you will be receiving a safe and beneficial treatment.