Ask Dr. Peirson – What exactly is Botox?

BOTOX Cosmetic® is derived from the proteins within the naturally occurring bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. These proteins are extracted and manufactured into a medication; much the same way that Penicillin is a natural substance extracted from fungi. 

It is used medically to treat a variety of muscular conditions (including Cerebral Palsy in children in much higher doses), migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), but it is best known for cosmetically softening wrinkles by temporarily relaxing muscles. Botox® is an extraordinarily safe drug manufactured by Allergan and it has been used by millions of people since its inception in the 80s.

The muscles of facial expression typically cause the overlying skin to wrinkle in an accordion-like fashion. These lines are caused when active muscles reduce the collagen in the skin, which contributes to the skin’s wrinkled appearance. BOTOX® is administered via a few tiny injections into the muscles that create these wrinkles. It prevents the muscle from contracting, so the skin crease gradually decreases in depth and severity. So, Botox® effectively inactivates the muscles that produce wrinkles, thereby causing lines to disappear or diminish dramatically.

Botox should only be injected by a physician or a nurse with oversight by a physician in an accredited office.

Call us and find out why BOTOX® is the choice of thousands of men and women of Guelph!