TORONTO – Botox has been a favourite of North American women for years, as Hollywood stars and soccer moms alike embrace the cosmetic injection to temporarily treat the appearance of wrinkles. But more and more, men are taking to the skin-smoothing treatment.
We take a look at 10 things you should know about Botox:
(1) Botulinum Toxin Type A, more commonly known as Botox, is a protein complex produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In large doses, this toxin can cause the paralytic illness botulism.
(2) Botox® Cosmetic injections are commonly used for treating wrinkles on the face, but Botox injections can also be used to treat various neurological disorders, such as dystonia.
(3) Botox is the only botulinum toxin product marketed in Canada.
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(4) Adverse reactions to Botox include: bruising at the injection site, headaches, allergic reactions, paralysis of the face, irregular heartbeat, and chest pains.
(5) Botox injections generally last for 3 to 4 months.
(6) Botox injections should not be given more frequently than every two months.
(7) In 2009, Health Canada made changes to the labelling information of Botox and Botox Cosmetic, warning of “distant toxin spread.”
(8) Possible symptoms of “distant toxin spread” include, droopy eyelids, muscle weakness, swallowing difficulties, pneumonia, speech disorders, breathing problems and death.
(9) Botox was recently approved by Health Canada as a treatment for chronic migraines.
(10) Uses of Botox also include treating muscle spasms in the neck, eyes and feet, muscle pain, and excessive sweating.
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With files from Health Canada
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