Cosmetic Dentistry Leicester

Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox Cosmetic) is a protein complex produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which contains the same toxin that causes food poisoning. When used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified botulinum toxin, small doses block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction. By selectively interfering with the underlying muscles' ability to contract, existing frown lines are smoothed out and, in most cases, are nearly invisible in a week.

With nearly three million procedures performed,  Botox injections lead all cosmetic procedures in 2003. Americans spent over one million dollars getting the facial filler injected into their lips, folds, and wrinkles. Botox has received several FDA approvals for treating everything from underarm sweating to eye twitches. Of course, its most common use is for cosmetic purposes, for which it received FDA approval in 2002 under the product name Botox Cosmetic.

Botox injection is a very simple process that can be accomplished in about 10-30 minutes, depending upon the amount injected and number of desired treatment areas. A topical anesthetic is used to numb the areas to be injected;  then small amounts of Botox are injected into predetermined areas with a thin needle. There is some pain or discomfort associated with the injections themselves, however, this is usually slight and does not persist after the injection process has taken place.

Botox works by paralyzing the muscles in your face. Skin that cannot move cannot form lines and wrinkles.

Return to work or normal activity is almost always immediate. There is usually little or no bruising, bleeding, pain, or other such discomforts. Touching or massaging treated areas should be avoided as this could disrupt the placement. The effects of injection usually last between 3 and 6 months.