How is botox made?

Botox is probably the most popular non-surgical procedure out there. Everyone wants to look younger, but no one wants to go under the knife. Lucky for us, science has come up with a solution! But have you ever wondered how exactly botox is made? Well, wonder no more my friends! In this article we’ll give you a detailed inside scoop on how it’s done.

What even is Botox?

Before we proceed any further let’s make sure everyone knows what botox actually is. Botox or Botulinum toxin, as it’s scientifically known (not that anyone cares about that), is a protein produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s basically poison (we kid-keep reading) which affects our nervous system and causes muscle paralysis.

In small doses though it helps treat conditions like migraine headaches and excessive sweating, but its magic lies in cosmetology where it can be utilized as an anti-wrinkle treatment.

Now that we’ve got basics figured out let’s dive into understanding how exactly this BoToXiN (can’t help but say it funny!) gets manufactured

From Microbes To Molecules

First things first – before any of those creepy crawlies are turned into blemish-busting substances they need to be harvested from the microbes themselves. The process goes something like this:

  1. Step one involves cultivating desired strain bacteria
  2. Once large quantities of bacteria are grown over several days then comes purification; bacteria cells must get removed
    3.T he remaining filtrate or liquid undergoes various treatments such as heat or acid denaturation so that important proteins comprising of various forms of toxins remain intact.
  3. Lastly raw purified extract gets turned into safe clinical grade medicine through use solvents & other added chemicals!

Some might think developing drugs just involves mixing potions in lab to get ideal results, hocus pocus perhaps? Actually this procedure requires precision and knowledge of exact molecular structure; something that only dedicated scientists possess.

Taking a Closer Look at Injection

We understand it’s hard to dive into the science talk without associating it with what we see being implemented on people’s face – injection.

It all started back in 1978 when Dr. Alan Scott discovered its cosmetic utilization for eye spasms (we’re not sure if he knew about its potential popularity among celebrities). Fast forward four decades later and smile lines have become public enemy number one! Practically everybody wants their wrinkle-free skin & cosmetic procedures can achieve just that.

Let’s take a look at how physicians use this substance now:

  • Generally speaking small amounts topically applied locally around specific areas
  • Result? Inhibition of muscles’ ability to contract giving you your young-looking appearance!

Again, let’s stress on utilizing very minute quantities since tipping over with numbers could cause botulinum poisoning (And nobody wants that!)

With more widespread application forms developing each year, it’s amazing how far Botox treatments have progressed beyond simple aesthetics purposes,

A Little More Technical Talk: OnabotulinumtoxinA

If BoToX (yup again!) remains active toxin form then how exactly is it used safely as medicine? The answer lies…Dilution!!! Dilution is key my friends – no longer produced as potent molecules but instead highly diluted injectables are made with varying strengths depending upon patients requirements. For example while aimed treatment increased wrinkling common strength would be greater than safe regulation the amount required by person suffering peripheral muscle contractions disorders like Cerebral Palsy.

The most commonly utilized variation of Botulinum toxin type A goes under name OnabotulinumtoxinA (say that thrice as fast!) utilized by physicians around the world in different forms including:

  • Botox
  • Dysport
  • Xeomin
  • Jeauveau

While they do differ depending on manufacturing technique and molecular content one thing remains constant – weakening effect of neuromuscular junction, what we just mentioned. With only a small portion being enough to achieve optimal results (who doesn’t love saving?)!

Winding Up: Ain’t That Cool?

Botox has gone through an incredible transformation since its first clinical implementation more than four decades back. From laboratory processes so intricate it can make your head spin to convenient injectables every passing year brings improvements and new discoveries (meanwhile here we are still stuck drying mascara with fan eye roll)

Hope our article reduces some confusion surrounding what seems like common knowledge now-a-days, onto finding out about something more complex!

Random Posts