Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) is indeed a brand name of a purified neurotoxin complex produced by bacterium.  There are many uses for this toxin including relieving symptoms of dystonia (uncontrollable tightening of the neck muscles), strabismus (an eye muscle problem), blepharospasm (uncontrollable tightening of the eyelid muscles), upper limb spasticity (increased muscle stiffness in joints), and many other conditions. However, the cosmetic use for Botox nowadays is to kill wrinkles.

When Botox in injected, it blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles, making it unable to contract, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. It is most often used on the forehead area, lines around the eye known as crow’s feet,

The procedure only takes a few minutes and does not require anesthesia. Botox is injected with a fine needle and has very little discomfort. It takes about 3-5 days to take full effect and generally lasts 4-6 months.

Side effects of Botox include temporary bruising. Rarely, headaches can occur as well as eyelid drooping. There are no known allergies associated with Botox so far.

The cost? It depends on how much you’d want. Typically, a treatment can cost around $600 to cover a good area of your face or body. There are difference price ranges for different places such as malls, skin care centers, and of course, plastic surgeons or physicians. If you are looking for Botox treatment, the best way to start your research is by visiting the American Academy of Dermatology or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons sites.

If you have insurance, there is a possibility that they can cover some of the cost. It highly depends on the medical necessity of your condition. If you are inquiring about Botox to get rid of wrinkles, it’s not likely that your insurance company will cover the cost.

Before getting a Botox treatment, you should visit your doctor to go over your current health conditions to make sure that Botox will be safe for you.

• Smoking
• Lack of sleep
• Squinting
• Sun exposure
• Over-washing face
• Growth factors
• Lack of sunscreen
• Certain sleeping positions
• Skin type
• Hair styles
• Occupational and recreational habits

Of course, some of these factors are beyond your control; however, the best preventive measures are to not smoke and always use sunscreen. Skin ages all over the body, but much more so where there has been sun exposure. The sun is responsible for roughness, dryness, sagginess, and growths in addition to wrinkles.

Wrinkles come in two categories: fine surface lines and deep furrows. Treatments available for wrinkles include medical treatments such as vitamin A acid, alpha hydroxy acid peels, antioxidants, and moisturizer. The other alternative is cosmetic procedures such as glycolic acid peels, deep peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and Botox.

So worry not. Wrinkles aren’t the worst thing in the world. They can be reduced and somewhat prevented for those who care, but the bigger truth is, afew surface lines won’t hurt you at all.