Botox - How To Turn the Clock Backwards

Wouldn't you love to be young again? Well, it may not be possible to completely turn the clock back, but it is possible to appear as if you had. Botox is growing in popularity every day and can be done in the convenience of your doctor's office with relatively little or no pain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its use as a cosmetic treatment in 2002, but it's been used to treat other medical conditions since 1989.

Lots of things we never think about take their toll on our facial appearance every day - emotions, for example. Too much sunlight on a daily basis or even sleeping on your side can form these wrinkles as well. Sadness caused by chronic depression, laughter - even though it's good for the heart it can form wrinkles called laugh lines. But I'm not suggesting you never laugh again!

I know. I'm painting a fairly sad picture here but there is help.

Botox is a safe and effective treatment and every year there are improvements in how it is administered to people just like you. People who just want to look younger and more refreshed. I know you would agree those are two very good reasons to consider having this procedure done.

Botox is actually botulinum toxin, which is a protein. How it works is by using a very small, diluted amount of botulinum toxin that is injected under the skin. It is also used for other treatments other than cosmetically. It helps alleviate such medical woes as excessive sweating, chronic pain, migraines, enlarged prostates and overactive bladders. It really is a marvelous discovery!

But you might wonder how it really works.

Well, muscles contract or pull together and the toxin helps them relax by blocking nerve impulses. This causes the muscles to soften and flatten out as well. In the case of the cosmetic use, the treatment effects may last up to six months before re-treatment is necessary.

Remember when I told you it's done with injections? It's almost painless because a very fine needle is used and anesthesia isn't even needed. It only takes a couple of minutes to perform the treatment. Men generally need a higher dose of Botox than women do. The powers that know about such things believe this is due to the greater muscle mass in men versus women.

There may be some side effects, but these are usually temporary. Be sure to speak with your doctor if you experience any negative side effects after your treatment. Overall, Botox is a safe and effective way to turn the clock back and regain your youthful appearance.