How Does Botox Work

Millions turn to nonsurgical treatments like Botox, peels, laser treatment and ...

A deep exfoliation of the skin, which decreases the appearance of pores and makes the skin more shiny and radiant

Lasts: A few months to a year. A deep peel, which also includes a risk of scarring and lightened pigmentation, can last a lifetime.

Cost: $100 to $300, depending on the strength of the peel

In Michigan: State regulators have never issued a formal statement on peels, but rather follow industry guidelines that licensed cosmetologists or estheticians can administer light chemical peels, including glycolic acid peels (30% or less), lactic acid peels (30% or less) and enzyme peels. Anything stronger should be performed by a licensed physician, according to state guidelines.

Another deep exfoliation of the skin, but less harsh than a peel

Lasts: Three to six months

Cost: $100 to $200

In Michigan: Only physicians licensed to practice medicine in Michigan may purchase microdermabrasion equipment. A physician may delegate the microdermabrasion procedure to another licensed individual -- a physician's assistant, registered nurse, cosmetologist or an esthetician -- if the person is working under the physician's supervision and is properly trained. The physician also must be available at least by radio, telephone or telecommunication during procedures.

These treatments rejuvenate by removing the skin's top layers, taking five to 10 years of wear off the face.

Lasts: Two months to a year for a light laser treatment; deeper laser treatments can last several years or have a permanent effect.

Cost: $1,500 to $3,500

In Michigan: A licensed or unlicensed person -- basically anyone -- can provide laser services as long as they are under the supervision of a physician or dentist. That includes a cosmetologist or esthetician.

Injection of botulinum toxin treats facial lines and wrinkles by temporarily relaxing muscles.

Lasts: Three to six months

Cost: $300 to $850, depending on how many units of Botox are needed

In Michigan: Although Michigan regulations do not address Botox specifically, state regulators follow guidelines similar to those for laser treatments, which require physician supervision.

These treat facial lines and wrinkles by plumping the face with an injectable filler.

What Is Botox? How Does Botox Work? « lgoog

> Botox is one of the many trade names for the neurotoxic protein called botulinum toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum . In large doses, the protein causes botulism, a rare paralytic illness often linked to food poisoning.

However, the protein is used in cosmetic medicine to treat moderate to severe brow furrow (glabellar lines), uncontrolled blinking, lazy eye, wrinkles, and facial creases. These procedures use a small amount of diluted botulinum toxin that enables controlled weakening of muscles. Botox widely used for non-cosmetic medical procedures

In addition to cosmetic use, Botox is used to treat cervical dystonia, writer’s cramp, excessive sweating, achalasia (an esophagus problem), chronic pain, neuropathy, and migraine headaches.

For people with overactive bladders, Botox can improve their quality of life, say researchers from King’s College London School of Medicine, London, England.

Men with enlarged prostates benefit from Botox injections directly into the prostate, a study at University Medical College, Taiwan found. How does Botox work?

Botox works to relax the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses. The result is muscles that can no longer contract, and so the wrinkles relax and soften. It usually takes two to four days to see cosmetic improvement and the effects tend to last from four to six months. Most patients require retreatment to remove wrinkles and lines as they begin to reappear, but after each injection the wrinkles return as less severe as the muscles are trained to relax How is Botox administered?

Botox procedures do not require anesthesia and usually take just a few minutes to perform. The protein is injected into the muscle using a fine needle in order to minimize discomfort and maximize accuracy. It is recommended that patients avoid alcohol for about a week before the procedure. In order to minimize bruising, patients should stop using aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications about two weeks before treatment. For cosmetic procedures, a study published in Dermatologic Therapy found that men need a higher dose of Botox than women. Is Botox better than a face-lift?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, whether Botox gives better results than a facelift (surgery) depends on the age of the patient.

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