Sure, maybe paralyzing your muscles voluntarily doesn't sound that appealing, but it's hard to deny the influence Botox has had on the public and cosmetic surgery community. While many advocates will try and assuage naysayers' fears about the product, it's impossible to deny that Botox is a bit, well, strange. Here are some odd facts and tidbits about this popular wrinkle eraser that you may not have heard before.

1. Botox is a marketing name for the much more difficult to pronounce botulinum. It is considered toxic, and is in fact one of the strongest currently known. It's actually a protein that is created from a bacterium.

2. You probably have heard of botulism before, an illness that most commonly can be contracted from handling contaminated food. However, it can also be acquired by other means. Botox is commonly confused or thought to create this illness. While made of the same protein, the means through which Botox is injected and the amount used is not nearly significant enough to cause the illness. The toxin is purified so while it creates similar effects to that of botulism (muscle paralysis) it is not dangerous.

3. Cosmetic corrections are only a fraction of the scope of what Botox can do for patients. People suffering from muscles spasms, including such debilitating problems as a weak bladder, can benefit from injections. It can help ease movement and relieve pain for those with muscle problems.

4. It is a permanent way to solve your sweating problems. Many people suffer from overactive sweat glands, causing them to perspire constantly and heavily even if they don't feel particularly hot, stressed, or anxious. By injecting Botox into the sweat glands, they are effectively blocked and excessive perspiration is temporarily relieved.

5. There are more deaths attributed to the use of the "fake" treatment than there are to the true substance. In the past twenty years, less than fifty deaths have been recorded and none of these have been related to cosmetic use. Using other substances as a substitute for Botox that has not been medically approved, however, can cause serious injury, complications, and even death.

6. It is is fairly safe for most people. However, those who are pregnant or who have egg allergies should not undergo treatment as potential risks are greater.

7. Less than five percent of patients who receive injections have any serious side effects. The ones that do might experience bruising, swelling, nausea, cold or flu-like symptoms, and some minor bleeding at the injection site. Even these side effects, however, are temporary and subside within a few days time.

8. Not ready to commit to a facelift? It can be used in combination with dermal fillers to help lift and tighten sagging facial features and eliminate wrinkles. Sometimes this is referred to as a "liquid facelift." It is significantly cheaper and less painful than the traditional surgical procedure.

9. Practically anyone with a medical license is allowed to buy and administer the injection. However, you'll want to find someone with experience and skill. Dermatologist, plastic surgeons, and other specialists who deal with the face and skin are probably the safest bets. Beware Botox "parties" and other events that may not be the most reputable.




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