Botox is the brand name of a purified form of botulinum, a neurotoxin that is used clinically in very small quantities to treat strabismus and facial spasms and other neurological disorders characterized by abnormal muscle contractions. It is also used by cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists to temporarily remove wrinkles and smooth frown lines by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles.

Researchers in the 1950s discovered that injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin type A into hyperactive muscles relaxed them. After scientists and researchers began to experiment with its helpful side effects, botulinum toxin type A became the go-to toxin in all research labs. The FDA approved botulinum toxin type A for use on humans for everything from treating facial spasms to vocal spasms. Thankfully, it also got a name that rolls off the tongue a little easier: Botox. Botox began to be used as a cure for a variety of medical ailments until doctors started to notice that their patients were also losing their frown lines. The popularity of Botox became overwhelming. This spiked the use of Botox by crazy amounts, and there was actually a Botox drought in 1997.

Botox not only has medical benefits, but also is a safe and effective cosmetic treatment. In fact, Botox is the number one non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the country. It is important to remember that Botox is not for everyone and it should only be administered by a trained medical professional in a proper facility.

To learn more about Botox in Phoenix or to find out how Dr. Holy can use Botox to help you smooth away fine lines, contact The Center for Advanced Dermatology at 602-867-7546 or mddermsolutions.com.