Botox is a registered name of botulinum toxin, a drug popularly used in a non-surgical cosmetic procedure to treat facial wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is a protein complex derived from a type of bacteria called Clostridium difficile. There are seven strains of Botulinum toxin (A, B, C1, D, E, F, and G). True to its name, the toxin is dangerous as it is associated with food poisoning known as botulism that induces paralysis and death. Four of the seven strains are known to cause illness in humans (A, B, E, and F).h From Poison to Beauty Turning the adverse effect of paralysis into positive use, scientists found a way to use the toxin in diluted amounts for various health and cosmetic uses. In the 1960’s, Botox type A was experimented with as a possible treatment for strabismus or crossed eyes. Twenty years later, it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be marketed for strabismus and additionally, for blepharospasm (spasms of the eyelid muscles). It was noted to have a pleasant side effect on patients by creating the disappearance of crow’s feet and wrinkles near the eyes. Clinical trials were subsequently done, confirming the aesthetic application of Botox. In 2002, the US FDA granted the approval of a new indication of Botox type A, as a temporary relief to improve the appearance of frown lines between the eyebrows. Since then, Botox injection has become one of the most sought-after aesthetic procedures in the world. Alongside collagen treatments, Botox treatment is a popular option against wrinkles. How does it Work? The brain tells the facial muscles to contract...
It’s a common notion that while drugs can treat diseases, they also have the potential to cause unpleasant side effects. However, we all know that for every rule, there is always an exception. A study about Botox, a popular agent for eliminating frown lines, proves that sometimes side effects are not always that bad. According to Dr Michael Lewis of Cardiff University, injecting Botulinum Toxin to prevent frowning may promote happiness. Who would mind a positive mood as a side effect? The study involved 25 people. Twelve were given Botulinum Toxin A to the forehead while the rest had other forms of cosmetic treatments. After a couple of weeks, all 25 participants were asked to answer a mood questionnaire. The participants who had received Botox injections were found to be significantly less depressed, irritable and anxious than the other group. According to the study’s author, the result is most likely due to the effects of Botox specifically. He stated that patients who receive Botox injections find negative facial expressions more difficult to make. Botulinum Toxin A prevents frowning when injected to forehead muscles. The result of the study backs up the theory that our facial expressions affect our emotions. By preventing an individual from frowning, Botox inhibits the expression of negative emotions thus promoting a happier mood. Dr. Lewis stated that this research may help the development of new interventions for depressive illnesses. At present, the available treatment modalities for depression have many negative side effects. If a Botox-based treatment would be used, its side effect would be a younger-looking face. However, the aesthetic effect of Botox is temporary,...
Collagen in Cosmetic Surgery Collagen is a fibrous protein that serves as a connective tissue and structural support to other tissues in the body, such as the skin, bone, cartilage, tendon, and muscles. It is rich in amino acids, including lysine, praline, hydroxylysine, and hydroxyproline. There are 27 different types of collagen in the body. Its role as a principal supportive protein in the skin’s dermis has lead to its use in cosmetic procedures. It is also incorporated in skin products such as Collagen Care and supplements like Collagen Pro. As one ages, the amount of collagen diminishes due to its break down predominating over its production. External factors, such as free radicals, smoking, UV rays, inflammation, and other environmental assaults to the body hasten its degradation. Decreased collagen makes fine lines and wrinkles more evident. Collagen‘s injection into the skin makes it possible to replace the damaged dermal layer where collagen resides. The introduced agent serves as a matrix that stimulates the fibroblasts to grow. Fibroblasts are cells which synthesize collagen. In contrast to other wrinkle-reducing treatments, such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels, which lower the skin surface, collagen injection raises the lines to make them look even with the surrounding skin. The results are faster and more visible than the topical or pill forms of collagen. The products utilized as fillers should be stable and relatively resistant to the action of enzymes in the body that degrade it. Types of Collagen Fillers Bovine Collagen In 1982, the FDA approved it as an injectable filling agent. It is derived from the skin of cows which is highly...
