Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a neuromodulating protein derived from a specific toxin of C. botulinum, or “botulinum toxin serotype A”. Botox works by targeting particular facial muscles that cause wrinkles to form, making them contract less with use. This act of relaxing specific muscles is what releases creasing in skin, giving the face that naturally replenished look without altering one’s actual appearance.
Botox is a protein made from Botulinum toxin, which the bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces. It is produced from a culture of the Hall strain of C. botulinum and purified by a series of acid precipitations to a crystalline complex containing the toxin and other proteins. Each vial of Botox contains 100 Units (U) of Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin complex, 0.5 milligrams of Albumin (Human), and 0.9 milligrams of sodium chloride in a sterile, vacuum-dried form without a preservative.
Botox is generally safe and effective for treating wrinkles and fine lines. The safety of Botox is well established, and it is one of the most sought out treatments for fine lines and wrinkles. However, some common side effects of Botox injections include pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach. Injections in the face may also cause temporary drooping eyelids. Botox should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In summary, Botox is a neuromodulating protein derived from a specific toxin of C. botulinum, or “botulinum toxin serotype A”. It is produced from a culture of the Hall strain of C. botulinum and purified by a series of acid precipitations to a crystalline complex containing the toxin and other proteins. Botox works by relaxing specific facial muscles that cause wrinkles to form, giving the face a naturally replenished look without altering one’s actual appearance. While Botox is generally safe and effective for treating wrinkles and fine lines, it can cause some common side effects such as pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache, and upset stomach.
