Botox is a specific brand of wrinkle relaxers that both prevents and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles. It is derived from a specific toxin of C. botulinum, or “botulinum toxin serotype A.” Botox is a neuromodulating protein that has been approved by the FDA for treating wrinkles at three select areas along the face: Frontalis muscle – “worry lines” across the forehead. Orbicularis oculi muscle – “crow’s feet” along the outer eye portions. Procerus and corrugator muscles – “elevens” between eyebrows.
Botox has only three ingredients: OnabotulinumtoxinA, human albumin, and sodium chloride. OnabotulinumtoxinA is the neuromuscular blocker for limiting muscle contractions, human albumin is a common transport protein naturally found in the body, and sodium chloride is the same salt found in a kitchen. While OnabotulinumtoxinA is botox’s single active ingredient, each of these has a specific function in relaxing existing lines and preventing future ones.
Botox is produced from a culture of the Hall strain of C. botulinum. The culture is then refined through a series of acid precipitations. What remains is a crystalline complex containing the purified toxin and other proteins. It arrives in powder form and is reconstituted with saline into a clear liquid. Botox is considered safe and effective, and the FDA has approved it for treating wrinkles in specific areas of the face.
Positive aspects of Botox include its effectiveness in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and its FDA approval for treating wrinkles in specific areas of the face. Negative aspects of Botox include the potential for side effects such as pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site, as well as the possibility of more serious side effects such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.
