Botox is one of the most well-researched and most effective products in the world, but it has its fair share of begrudgers and nay-sayers.
Botox is an excellent tool in the arsenal against the appearance of ageing; yet there are still those who like to wag a finger and mutter darkly about it being dangerous and ill-advised. It is a toxin, and as such must be treated with respect and caution, and only administered by a doctor with experience and expertise in correct use of the product. Having said that, one you understand how botox works for cosmetic use, it will help allay any fears about the controlled professional use of this anti-wrinkle injectable.

The Science of Botox-understanding how a toxin can give you smooth skin The following is a medical description of exactly how botox works to help erase dynamic wrinkles on the face. Botox inhibits the release of a specific neuro transmitter called acetylcholine, which is responsible for muscular contractions. It is constant contractions of the muscles underlying the skin that eventually form a wrinkle on the overlying skin. In a normal muscle, the place where a nerve ends is called the ‘muscle- end- plate’. There is a little gap between the nerve ending and the surface of the muscle itself. When you want to make a facial expression, like a frown, the nerve is stimulated and releases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which bridges this gap and causes the muscle to contract.

The role of botulinum toxins in preventing muscle contraction The most significant symptom of botulism is paralysis, which on a large or uncontrolled scale can be fatal. Cosmetic use of botox harnesses this ability to paralyse the muscle in order to inhibit its contractions to stop the formation of wrinkles. The toxins released by Botulinium attach themselves to the nerve endings and inhibit the release of the neurotransmitter- thus reducing or preventing the muscle contraction.

Certain proteins such as VAMP, Syntaxin and Snap-25 are required to bring about the release of acetylcholine. Botox acts by attacking Snap-25, thereby preventing the release of the neurotransmitter. Remember that the effect is only temporary, and wears off after 4-6 months in the case of cosmetic botox. It is the cessation of the formation of wrinkles as a result of muscle paralysis that allows skin to relax; wrinkles to be released and a softer, smoother, rejuvenated appearance to your skin.

Now that you understand the science, if you would like to see how botox can help improve the appearance of ageing on your skin, book a consultation with Dr. Lisa Fay of Cosmetic Doctor on 01 685 3100