Botox

Botulinum Toxin Type A
This toxin is secreted by a bacterium known as Clostridium Botulinum and was isolated in about 1850. The toxin can cause diseases in humans know as Botulism poisoning (usually as a result of inadequate treatment in canning of meat products). The toxin can be lethal in a given dose and much has been written on the subject. See Wikipedia for detailed information.

More recently in the last 2 decades the toxin has been produced and used in mainstream medicine to treat muscular disorders by injection of the toxin in very specific doses by a specialist in their field. It has allowed difficult conditions such as toticiollis (wry neck), strabismus (squints) migraine, and muscle spasm in cerebral palsy, facial asymmetry( as a result of Bell palsy), some forms of bladder dysfunction to relieve symptoms. These conditions should only be treated by a qualified medical specialist in that particular field of medicine.

More recently and more by chance than design, Botulinum toxin A has been found to have an application in the field of Cosmetic medicine after some of its effects were described by Dr Jean Carruthers in the USA. It has been particularly success in treating lines and wrinkles of the upper face; crowns, feet, vertical frown lines and forehead lines. Other cosmetic application includes treating the muscle so the neck known as the platysma to improve the contour of the neck. Only a qualified specialist should treat you. People with certain medical conditions should not receive this treatment ;- Myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, bleeding disorders or those on certain medications.

There are several brands on Botulimum toxin Type a produced to high quality standards such as Allergan (BOTOX), Gladerma (Azzalure) Ibsen (Dysport) to name a few. Botulimum Toxin Type A is available on the internet but it is strongly recommended you never purchase and internet product and never inject yourself as the risk of toxicity is real, these products are often counterfeit and have no forms of quality control imposed. Packaging may be misleading. Only consult a medically qualified practitioner practicing in a reputable clinic .