Here are some key points about Botox and other similar neurotoxic agents like Dysport, Xeomin and Myoblock. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.
- Botox is the most popular cosmetic surgery treatment, with more than 6 million Botox treatments administered each year.
- Botox is a neurotoxin derived from Clostridium botulinum, an organism found in the natural environment where it is largely inactive and non-toxic.
- Botulinum toxin is used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by paralyzing the underlying muscles which cause these wrinkles.
- People also use Botox to treat excessive sweating, migraines, muscular disorders, and some bladder and bowel disorders.
- Botulism is something different, it is an infection with the bacteria which can cause respiratory failure and prove deadly.
- Botulinum toxin’s popularity in the younger population, Millennials in particular, goes beyond cosmetic facial concerns, according to New York City plastic surgeon Leonard Grossman, M.D. In the much younger patients, neurotoxins are used mostly for treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), he says.
Dr. Grossman’s was published in the Cosmetic Surgery Times below is his response to Botox and the Millennial.
“Next are the patients with familial or genetic and habitual frowning. Most of them are over 18 years of age and they simply don’t like looking ‘perplexed’ all the time,” Dr. Grossman says. “Then you have patients with very developed masseter muscles (very powerful and large chewing muscle), which can create a wide and disproportioned face in some. Lastly, I treat many young models who wish to have thinner lower legs (calves in particular). Treating them with Botox or other neurotoxins makes the legs appear longer and leaner.”
