How Effective is Botox Treatment

Botox Risks
Botox has many potential benefits, both in producing a more youthful appearance by minimising the effects of wrinkles and in medical .....

Botox was originally used in the 1970s for the treatment of certain eye disorders. In the last 15 years its popularity has increased, and it has developed a reputation as being highly effective as both a cosmetic procedure and in treating a variety of medical problems. But does Botox deserve its reputation as a highly successful treatment?

Overall, Botox is very effective as a cosmetic treatment to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, with particularly prevalent and deep wrinkles the results may not be entirely pleasing as the Botox may relax and smooth out the muscle but crease in the skin may still be visible. A collagen injection will often correct this.

In comparison to alternative treatments, such as tablets or surgery, Botox is extremely successful in treating excessive sweating, but the results are variable depending on the area of the body being treated. The best results are achieved when Botox is used to block the nerves which stimulate sweating in the arm pits, and the results are relatively long lasting at between 6 and 10 months. Areas such as the palm of the hands, however, do not respond so well to treatment. Multiple injections into the hand are necessary to effectively treat palmar hyperhidrosis and nerve blocks will be needed to prevent pain to the patient. Only Botox treatment of the arm pits is FDA approved when it comes to excess sweating.

Botox For Headaches And Migraines
Botox was originally licensed in the 1970s for treating blepharospasm and nystagmus (both eye disorders) in children, but in .....

The FDA has, so far, refused approval for the use of Botox in treating headaches and migraines as there is insufficient evidence from clinical trials to satisfactorily prove whether the treatment is safe or effective. However, initial evidence is encouraging and there are many patients who have undergone Botox treatment to prevent recurring tension headaches or migraines who are extremely satisfied with the results. By relaxing the muscular strain, the frequency and intensity of the headaches is reduced. The longevity of results is equal to that of cosmetic Botox treatments.

Whether the purpose of Botox treatment is medical or cosmetic, the results are only temporary. Botox is a derivative of the botulism toxin (which is associated with food poisoning) and works because it blocks the transmission of nerve signals to the muscle. Over time, the nerve will branch out to re-establish a connection and the effects of the Botox will wear off. The duration of the effects of treatment is dependent on the individual and where the injection was made For instance, in cosmetic treatments, you should expect the effects to last around 3 to 6 months, although the results may last up to a year. For some medical treatments such as excess seating the results are more long lived.

A minority of patients have high levels of immunity to the botulism toxin and the effectiveness of the treatment maybe reduced significantly. If a patient does not respond to Botox treatment, injections may need to be repeated every 2 to 4 weeks to see an effect. Men are more likely to be resistant to Botox treatment. Some doctors have theorized that this may be due to the higher levels of muscle density.

Botox And Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the effects of the use of certain medicines and treatments on the health and .....

If you are considering Botox treatment, seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner.