What is Botox and how exactly does Botox work? With the ever increasing trends in Botox injections as a miracle anti aging cure there are a lot of mixed thought around the procedure. Some people swear by it and the younger looking skin the procedure can provide. Others make fun of the effects it can have on your face and the  possibility that you will no  longer be able to feel or express the same emotions you once did. Piror to making your decision about Botox and if this is the procedure for you, it is important to understand how this “miracle” anit wrinkle procedure works.

Botulinum toxin is where Botox basically comes from. Its original purpose was to treat neurological disorders. It was only in 1989 that the procedure was finally approved by the FDA to treat eye muscle disorders and yes, even wrinkles. In 2000, it was once again approved to treat cervical dystonia. In layman’s terms, the disease causes severe neck and shoulder contractions. It was during one of their research studies that doctors discovered how Botox softened the frown lines between the eyebrows. It was after this discovery that Botox officially came into existence. As of today, it has now become the fastest growing division in the cosmetic industry.

To start with, when Botox is injected into the muscles of the forehead, it blocks nerve impulses. As a result, the muscles that cause frowning weaken. Eventually, if you are given enough of these injections, your frown lines can start to get softer. In many cases, these lines can eventually disappear. Botox is not limited to the wrinkles and lines on the forehead. This can also be used on the other parts of the face that are ridden with crow’s feet and deep lines.

How does it exactly work? Every time you use your facial muscles, wrinkles can happen. The underlying contractions of facial muscles eventually leave a mark on your face. When these creases become permanent, skin cream or moisturizer may not be enough. That’s where Botox comes in. After being injected into the affected area, it temporarily paralyzes these muscles so that you can’t make a variety of facial expressions. That’s why people who have had these injections literally look like mannequins. The results of Botox injections become fully visible after three days. The effects may last as long as four to five months and with time, the muscle activity changes, thus reducing the effects of Botox.

It may come as no surprise that Botox is not cheap at all. The average cost of just one injection in the United States is about $350 or so. This also depends on the area of your face and the degree of aging. The area near the eyes is naturally more expensive, costing between $400 and $900 per injection. For large surface areas such as the forehead, it can cost as much as $1,300.

There could be serious issues as well. Botox has botulism, which is a food poisoning toxin. When it spreads to your system, you can put your health at risk. However, if you not allergic to any of its ingredients, you might not suffer at all. This is the modern fountain of youth and this is the potion that will make you look younger. Make sure to do your research and way up the risks prior to undergoing this sort of anti aging treatment.