By Natalie Ledbetter, CRNA
Botox is a neuromodulator protein (a messenger that affects the transmission of signals from nerves to other nerves or muscles) produced in a lab by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It prevents the release of acetylcholine from the nerve endings at the neuromuscular junction blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles to prevent muscle contraction (resulting in muscle relaxation).
This muscle relaxation allows the skin to stop being pulled into lines and wrinkles so the lines can fade and often disappear. In the last 10 years or so many people have started using Botox in their 20s and 30s to prevent the formation of wrinkles before they even occur.
The botulinum toxin is powerful and only micro doses of extremely diluted amounts are used for controlled relaxation of muscles. Because of the extremely powerful and potentially deadly effects of the Botulinum toxin, it is important to know that the solution being injected into your face is from a reputable and FDA approved manufacturer. Believe me, you do not want “Botox” from China, Mexico, or elsewhere injected into your body. With these products, it is difficult to know what is really in them, what the concentration is, and the condition of the lab where they were produced.
Botox cosmetic is used for lines or wrinkles — including wrinkles at the crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead lines, and lip lines. Botox and other neuromodulators can also be used to relax the muscles that cause the corners of the mouth to turn down in a frown. This helps you look happier at rest. It can also be used to relax the bands that can form in the neck called platysmal bands.
Botox is also used for therapeutic reasons such as treating eye lid twitching, chronic migraines, lazy eye, and neck spasms. It is also used to treat sweating to the hands, scalp, and under arms. Botox has been used for years to treat overactive bladder and neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy that can cause severe muscle spasms.
Many men and women are turning to Botox to slow the hands of time. If you decide to use Botox to help you look younger, more refreshed, or less grouchy, make sure to find a reputable clinic to administer it so you know you are getting the real deal. Have an experienced injector inject your Botox to minimize any undesired side effects such as droopy or heavy brows, uneven smile, or eyelid ptosis (droopy eyelid). When we are talking your face and injecting solutions into your body this is not the time to try to get it done “on the cheap”.
If you are in the Austin, Texas area, L Aesthetics and Longevity has 4 local locations to serve you and take care of your injectable needs. Our clinics are owned by 3 partners, one an MD and one an advanced practice nurse. Our MD is involved daily in our clinics, and we have Nurse Practitioners on staff.
We use authentic Botox and Allergan fillers. Together our injectors have over 30 years of experience injecting Botox and filler as well as performing laser and CoolSculpting procedures. Schedule your free consultation today to see how we can help you achieve your beauty goals!