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Our skin is
the largest organ in the body and has many functions, including body
temperature regulation, sensation, protection, immunization, and more. Body skin
consists of three main layers:
The first
layer is the epidermis (upper skin) which does not contain blood vessels. The
second layer is the dermis (skin) which is rich in blood vessels and nerves
that allow us to feel sensations such as heat, pain, etc.The third layer,
called the hypodermis (below the skin) is made up of connective and fat tissue
which bind the skin to the tissues lying
beneath it. This is the thickest skin layer and comes into direct contact with the
muscles and other tissues.
Wrinkles on
the skin are one of the sings of skin aging and are the result of several
factors: cumulative negative effect on collagen fibers (found in the connective tissue of the dermis) and elastic
fibers in the dermis following exposure to the sun; the cumulative effects of the
force of gravity pulling the skin towards the earth; repeated movement of the
facial muscles; genetics. When our skin ages and forms wrinkles, the collagen
and elastin fibers which keep our skin tight, become weak. There are two types
of wrinkles: expression lines (around the mouth, eyes and forehead and fine
lines that appear on sun-exposed areas.
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There are many substances known to be effective in eliminating
or blurring facial wrinkles.
The most familiar and widely used substance Botox the medical
name botulinum toxin). Botox has been used since the Seventies as a medical
treatment for abnormal involuntary movements such as a lazy eye, strabismus (cross-eyed)
and is currently being used to treat migraines and hyperhidrosis (excessive
sweating). In addition, due to its properties and effect, botox is used to
eliminate and blur facial wrinkles, especially expression lines in the upper
part of the face.
How does Botox work?
The toxin
Botox, secreted into the body in special cases or injected by a doctor, blocks
the connection between the muscle and the nerve which allows the muscle to work.
As such, the toxin numbs muscle movement. making it inactive, so that the wrinkles are no longer visible.
Botox comes as a powder, dissolved by the doctor before treatment and injected
into the area of the wrinkle. The effect of Botox will be felt 7-10 days after
treatment and lasts between three to four months, after which treatment should
be repeated.
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