Botox Body Beautiful: Celebrities Get The Needle

A feature article by an Alumbo member, Mar 15, 2008         

Botox is now a relatively well known form of treatment for facial wrinkles, and celebrities have been among the first to champion its use.

At first glance, it may seem a little odd that people are willing to undergo a treatment that involves injecting a neurotoxin (which just happens to be one of the most lethal, naturally occurring toxins in the world!) into their faces. But although botox, which is actually the brand name for botulinim toxin, is highly toxic it is only used in harmless, minute quantities for medical practices.

The main effect of this toxin is to cause flaccid paralysis of the muscles, which prevents a muscle from being able to contract for about 3-4 months. Wrinkles are caused by the contraction of facial muscles, so using botox paralyses the muscle in the relaxed position, thereby reducing the appearance of lines, or creases in the forehead, brow or around the eyes.

One of the most attractive aspects of botox treatment is that it's a fairly simple and non surgical procedure which involves only a series of short injections. Other benefits are that it's relatively inexpensive, quick and easy to have, and the positive results can be observed after just three days following treatment. Unlike invasive surgery, there is no recovery period, and very few side effects. Some patients sometimes report redness and swelling around the treatment site, but this usually last for less an hour.

ADVERTISEMENT: