If you are looking forward to a day of self- pampering and while at the same time seek medically aided beautification processes like treating wrinkles, skin laxity, dull and lifeless skin and other signs of ageing a medical spa is where you have to go. Other procedures like laser hair removal treatment, lightening of stretch marks and rectifying veins are also done at Beverly Hills Plaza Medical Spa. The most requested treatment is Botox.

Botox

The first use of Botox to treat a cognitive condition of lazy eye was in 1980’s.Since then it has been used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), fine lines and wrinkles. Medically identified as botulinum type A, Botox is a highly purified protein. The protein is derived from a bacterial species and is categorized as a toxin. Scientists claim that it is the most poisonous toxin known to man and as little as a gram can effectively kill one million and a few human beings. In spite of being a toxin why is Botox still in high demand? The answer lies in the cure of several medical conditions when administered in the right amount. Dr Neal Handel in Beverly Hills says that the factor that demarcates Botox from a poison to treatment is the dosage. When injected in very small quantities, the toxin paralyzes muscles by not allowing them to contract. The effect is induced when the nerve signals directed at the muscles are blocked. Muscle contraction is directed by acetylcholine that is released at the nerve endings. These chemical messengers then go interact with receptors on the muscle leading to muscle contraction. Botox blocks these muscle receptors reducing inappropriate muscle contraction and stiffness.

What can Botox treat?

Predominantly, Botox is the magic eraser that makes signs of ageing like wrinkles, dark spots and fine lines disappear. Apart from its use in cosmetic surgery procedure, Botox is also used for the treatment of over 20 medical conditions with other applications under research. Botox is used for:

• Shoulder and neck spasm
• Eyelid spasm
• Migraine
• Muscle spasticity post stroke
• Overactive bladder
• Crow’s feet
• Excessive sweating
• Crossed eye
• Fine lines between eyebrows
• Hemifacial spasm

How is Botox done?

The complete effect is visible only after 72 hours. Botox is injected by diluting it with saline powder and then directly injecting it into the neuromuscular tissue. The toxin then attacks the muscle receptors and the process takes about 72 hours. In some cases the toxin may take up to 5 days for the visible effects to appear. Botox must be strictly avoided on pregnant and lactating mothers.

What are the associated risks?

The procedure is safe, the drug itself is FDA approved and been in use for decades. As with any treatment, a small population may be allergic to or immune to botilunum toxin A. higher population amounting to 44% shows immunity to type B toxin. Some side effects that could occur include scarring or slight nausea. One procedure of Botox is roughly done every 7 seconds across the world.