Monday, October 22, 2012

Botox: Peeling Back the Layers

Because it has become one of the most sensationalized and popular cosmetic enhancements in the country, you probably already think you know everything there is to know about Botox. While that may be true for the basics, there is always some interesting information below the surface. While this information may not help you decide whether or not you want to go in for injections, it could be valuable when others start asking you what you know about this procedure you went and had done "on a whim". Just remember, your friends are only concerned for your health and safety. And those that aren't are simply jealous. Either way, these bits of trivia may disarm them.
It wasn't originally intended for wrinkles.
One of the most interesting facts about Botox is that it was originally meant for a purpose entirely unrelated to the cosmetic enhancement it is best known for today. Back in the 1960s, doctors began looking at the potential for using Botulinum for therapeutic purposes. It was already known that, if ingested in enough quantity, it would lead to botulism. What they discovered, however, was that it helped people with crossed eyes and eyelid twitching. It wasn't until the late 90s that a dermatologist noticed that none of his wife's patients who used the medication had wrinkles. From there, an all new purpose for the injections was born.
It can be used for prevention.
A couple of years ago, the gossip magazines were in a tizzy to learn that certain young actresses were getting Botox injections before big Hollywood premieres. "Why?" asked these magazines and their readers. What wasn't well understood was that, for one thing, the harsh lights of the camera and stage will show every imperfection (now in glorious 1080p HD for the home viewing audience). But two, the medication can be used in a preventative fashion. This is becoming a popular use for the injections among those in their 20s to avoid wrinkles in the future.
Botox brow lifts may be the future.
Brow lifts today are still done the old fashioned way, with a scalpel and the traditional tools of plastic surgery. But that doesn't mean this will always be the case. Some optimistic researchers believe that Botox may be used as the primary agent behind brow lifts in the near future. There are even some doctors performing the procedure today, although it is still very much an off-label use. Still, the future applications of this cosmetic treatment could be as varied as they have been in the past.

1 comment:

  1. Botox proved to be one of the best products ever not just because of its many uses but because its effectiveness in treating so many affections.

    Seeing so many botox clinics in Ottawa made me understand why this is the most popular treatment right now. Not only women but also men started to go for it, especially after its new uses were released.

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