(36) Botulinum Toxin: The Most Powerful Neurotoxin
The cosmetic use of botulinum toxin type A, of which trade name is Botox, is widespread. Due to its paralyzing effect on facial muscles, it is mainly used to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles on women's upper faces (especially foreheads), so the wrinkles disappear. The wrinkle-preventing effect of Botox lasts about three to four months. Serious side effects of Botox include trouble breathing, talking, or swallowing; hoarse voice, drooping eyelids; unusual or severe muscle weakness (especially in a body area that was not injected with the medication); loss of bladder control; problems with vision; crusting or drainage from your eyes; severe skin rash or itching; fast, slow, or uneven heartbeats; or chest pain or heavy feeling; pain spreading to the arm or shoulder; and general ill feeling. While 2.4 million facial rejuvenation procedures were performed in the United States in 2010, 6.3 million facial rejuvenation procedures were performed in 2013 according to the American Societ...