Chelsea Lee
Medical Research Editor
WhereismyDoctor.com

Botox, Still the #1 Choice for Americans

May 28th, 2012

Despite the fact that Botox is actually a neurotoxin, there seems to be as much demand as ever for the non-surgical procedure.

Botox has become quite popular over the past decade for its ability to smooth out wrinkles in the face. Most commonly, plastic surgeons and dermatologists inject the bacterium botulinum toxin just underneath the skin around the forhead and eyes.

The injection works by essentially paralyzing potential facial movements and thereby decreasing hard lines and wrinkles in the face.

Matthew Avram of Massachusetts General Hospital assures the safety of the product saying "Botox truly stands out as a safe and effective treatment that has revolutionized the way we can achieve facial rejuvenation."

Due to the increasingly high demand for Botox, two additional brands of dermal fillers have come to the party.

Xeomin and Dysport are Botox’s closest competitors, but Botox remains the leader with over five and half million injections just last year.

Both the manufacturer of Botox, Allergan, as well as the doctors who perform the procedure see a great number of return patients as Botox wears off within about six months.

Though some dentists, eye doctors, and even gynecologists are now cashing in on the Botox craze, dermatologists and plastic surgeons hope patients understand they are the ones with the best training for the procedure.

There are no real serious side effects to using Botox, but a bad Botox job may result in a shiny forehead, ripples in the skin, or a frozen face look.

And even though Botox is most commonly known for its use in removing wrinkles, it is also effective in treating incontinence, chronic migraines, muscle stiffness, and a few specific eye muscle problems, as well as eliminating excessive sweating under the arms.

According to Susan Weinkle, president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Botox has "really skyrocketed our practices,” and is “what brings many patients into the office.”

The Botox business continues to produce pretty astounding numbers, and is projected to reach 1.8 billion dollars by 2013.

Contact a plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options for Botox.