The demand for Botox has grown since the product was first introduced into the cosmetic marketplace. Consumers who are interested in cosmetic surgery find that Botox gives them a less expensive, quicker and less invasive alternative to other cosmetic procedures. Although Botox has been used since the early 1990s, the FDA didn't approve it for cosmetic uses until 2002. Since that time, many people have safely used Botox with great results; however, no product is perfect and Botox is not exempt from problems.
About Botox
Botox goes by the medical name botulinum toxin. The product works by paralyzing certain facial muscles. The paralyzing reduces the wrinkles that are caused by facial movements like frowning or smiling. Some of the most common places people receive Botox injections include the forehead and around the eyes and mouth.
Effects
Botox should be treated like any other prescription drug and individuals must stay educated and aware about potential side effects. Some of the most common side effects of Botox treatments are nausea, redness, swelling and pain. These side effects will normally be experienced within a few hours after receiving the injections. Fortunately, the side effects are short-lived and normally subside after a week.
Warning
A potential concern about Botox was that the product could potentially travel to other areas of the body and affect the central nervous system. When the Italian National Research Council injected rats with Botox, they expected the product to stay in the location in which it was injected. However, the drug traveled to other areas of the rat's body including the spinal cord and brain. If this were to occur in humans, the results could be deadly.
Considerations
Potential Botox problems can also arise if an individual receives the injection from someone who is not certified to administer Botox. An incorrect dosage or improper injection by someone untrained could cause complications; furthermore, if a person is untrained, he will not have the proper education on appropriately handle hypersensitive and allergic reactions. Only a qualified doctor should administer Botox.
Botox Deaths
Death has occurred in Botox users, although this is very rare. The Los Angeles Times reported that more than a dozen people filed a class-action lawsuit against the makers of Botox alleging the drug had killed their loved ones. Although death is not normal for many Botox patients, it is possible because Botox is derived from botulinum toxin type A, which is one of the deadliest poisons known.
Tags: side effects, administer Botox, , Botox Botox, botulinum toxin, most common, other areas