Botox can get into your brain.  Literally.  Analysts from Pisa, Italy have been injecting rodents with botox and watching what happens.These findings were extemely surprising. 

 Botox blocks the release of neurotransmitters from specific nerves.  When it is released into the skin, it is taken up by the nerves, and over time blocks the release of neurotransmitters, shutting down those nerves. 

 In dermatology, we use botox to shut off the nerves that workmuscles in your face, like your forehead and brow.  With those nerves off, you cannot contract the muscles, so they stay flat.Very much like your having wrinkles jeans.  While you are upright, the pants hang loosely and are smooth.  When you sit, your thighs and hips crinkle the material, forming creases or wrinkles.  In the same way, when your facial muscles contract, they crunch up, creasing the skin and forming wrinkles. 

So what about the botox? 

Results from this Italian study refute the belief that botox stays locally in the skin.  They revealed that the botox injected into the rodenst followed the nerves back to the rat’s brain, shutting downnerves there. 

 What does this mean? 

 This is a important question.  The study was focused in rats, not actual users.  We don’t know if it would do the same thing in humans even if some botox did get into the brain, there is no proof at all that it has any meaningful effect, good or bad.  For example, we know that smoking kills brain cells and stops other cells from developing.  Does that suggest that smokers or ex-smokers have any pointed brain effects from their habit? 

 Botoxis a fabulous and powerful drug.  In treating wrinkles and fine lines, there are not many if any treatments short of invasive surgery that may compare to the results that botox offers.  It is a drug and has complications and has the potential to be misused and even abused.  Botox has been used safely in millions of people, but there are risks.  It is also costly and its effects are temporary, so botox isn’t for everyone. 

 If you are not comfortable with presuming risks of botox, or your budget doesn’t allow for it, then consider this viable alternative : employ a night cream that contains prescription Renova or ROC.  No facial cream is more effective at reducing fine lines than tretinoin. 

 Use an cold pack to help forestall swelling and bruising at the injection sites.  Topping your face before and after the procedure can be helpful in this regard.  Your doctor should have cold packs available for you to use. 

 Plan to return on regularly.  Most Botox treatments last at least three months and some last as long as a year.  There will be a point however , at which the poison wears off and you’ll have to have the process repeated to maintain results.

 If you recently had botox and look in the mirror one morning and think that you’re a decade younger, don’t worry, it’s not brain damage, it’s just your face on botox.

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