Is Botox Bad?

In spite of Botox having been used for decades to treat all sorts of medical conditions, the myth of bad Botox persists. More information reveals that Botox doesn't deserve its bad reputation.

What Is Botox?

One reason Botox has a bad reputation is its origin. Many people are familiar with the term "botulism" as food poisoning resulting from consuming foods that have been improperly canned or preserved. In fact, the botulinum toxin from which Botox is derived was discovered by German doctor Justinus Kerner in the 1820s, when Dr. Kerner investigated the mysterious deaths of citizens who had consumed sausage tainted with botulinum.

Dr. Kerner discovered that the bacteria that cause Botox's bad side effects, like paralysis, can be separated into seven different strains. Not all of the strains are toxic to human beings.

Medically Necessary Treatments

Botox retained its bad reputation into the mid-twentieth century, in spite of its increasing use for legitimate, medically necessary clinical treatments. Researchers discovered that the paralyzing effects of the bacteria in Botox could be successfully used to treat muscle spasms in patients with cerebral palsy, extreme facial tics and twitches, and crossed eyes. Over time, Botox has also proven to be an effective treatment for neck and back pain. Basically, any condition that is exacerbated by painful muscle spasms can be treated with Botox. All these treatments are considered to be medically necessary because they have therapeutic clinical effects on the body, not merely cosmetic effects.

Cosmetic Treatments

Doctors treating patients for cerebral palsy, neck pain, and facial tics noticed an odd side effect: their patients began looking younger, as the appearance of their facial wrinkles diminished. What's more, Botox seemed to prevent further wrinkles from developing.

With Botox's emergence as a miracle of modern medicine, instead of thinking of Botox as bad, more physicians and consumers have begun to appreciate Botox for its positive therapeutic effects. As a non-invasive cosmetic treatment, Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles in the treated area, preventing wrinkles from forming. By relaxing the muscles, Botox also smoothes the skin and keeps wrinkles from showing.

Botox treatments generally last from four to six months. The cost of treatment varies from one location and one doctor to another, but most treatments run from $350 to $600. At least one doctor has said that he can give the first Botox treatment for free, because patients quickly become addicted to the smooth, younger-looking skin Botox provides, and they are hooked for life.

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