Botox, like every other word, has an etymology that can tell you so much about what the word denotes.

Most people overlook the fact that Botox is the brand name that Allergan gave the drug it manufactures for the treatment of wrinkles.  This commercial name is actually a contraction of the words Botulinum Toxin from which the drug is derived.

BOTOX = BOtulinum TOXin

Let us now deal with the 2 main words involved:

1. Bot·u·li·num* (n): a spore-forming bacterium that secretes Botulinum Toxin. [From the German word "Botulismus"; coined from the Latin term "Botulus" which means sausage.  The word 'sausage' is a depiction of the shape of Clostridium Botulinum, the bacteria that produces the toxin]
2. Tox·in* (n): a poisonous substance… usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced into the tissues… [From the Latin term “Toxicum” which means poison]

Bacterium.  Poison.

The two main words associated with Botox involve things that people usually stay far away from.  No wonder most women’s primary concern is the safety of using Botox!

The Insider’s Guide that we are currently creating will include a section that will delve into the safety issues commonly associated with Botox treatments such as:

• Is it safe?  If so, how?
• Important things you need to know to do Botox safely
• How things can go wrong in a Botox treatment and how to avoid them
• Possible side effects and measures you can take to prevent them from occurring
• Botox pitfalls that you should avoid at all costs

We’re hoping that tackling this issue head on will give you the answers to common questions you may have regarding the safety of using Botox.  The ultimate goal is to give you eveything you will need to make smart choices every step of the way.

*definition from merriam-webster online

Related Botox Patient posts:

1. Botox Mistakes You Should Avoid
2. The Truth About How Botox Works
3. Debunking Botox Myths
4. Botox around the world
5. Botox and Medical Malpractice