Botox (botulinum toxin) is a neurotoxin that is synthesized by a specific type of bacteria- Clostridium Botulinum, which is present everywhere in nature, including soil, lakes, forests and the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish. Naturally occurring Clostridium Botulinum bacteria and spores are generally harmless. Problems arise only when the spores transform and the cell population increases. At some point, the bacteria begin to produce botulinum toxin, the deadly neurotoxin responsible for botulism.
However, when Botox is used appropriately in a therapeutic context, it is safe and has few side effects. Manufacturers make Botox injections with very small doses of botulinum toxin. The drug can temporarily paralyze muscles, which can be beneficial for people with various muscle or nerve ailments. For medical purposes, it is mainly used type A and very rarely type B.
Why is Botox inserted?
Neurotoxins are substances that target the nervous system. They disrupt the nerve signaling processes that stimulate muscle contraction. Thus, the drug causes temporary muscle paralysis. In order for any muscle to contract, the nerves release a chemical messenger called acetylcholine at the point where the nerve endings meet the muscle cells. Acetylcholine binds to receptors on the muscle cells and causes the cells to contract or shorten. Botox injections prevent the release of acetylcholine, which stops muscle cells from contracting.
Cosmetic applications of botulinum toxin
The main use of Botox is to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face.
Botox injection is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. The effects are temporary, lasting 3- 12 months, depending on the type of treatment.
People often wish to have Botox injections in the following areas of the face:
- wrinkles between the eyebrows called frown lines or glabellar lines
- wrinkles around the eyes, known as crow's feet
- horizontal creases on the forehead
- lines at the corners of the mouth
Research does not show whether Botox can improve dark circles under the eyes, but trials and studies are being done in this direction.
Some people also try Botox to improve the appearance of their hair. However, there is little evidence that this works.
Medical applications of Botox
Health professionals use botulinum toxin to treat a variety of medical conditions, most of which affect the neuromuscular system. Examples include:
- Muscle contractures: some neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, can cause spasticity of the limbs. This spasticity can be overcome by Botox injections.
- Cervical dystonia: in this painful condition, the neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing the head to twist or turn into an awkward position.
- Lazy Eye: the most common cause of lazy eye is an imbalance in the muscles responsible for positioning the eye.
- Hyperhidrosis: in this condition, excessive sweating occurs even when the temperature is not high and there is no physical exertion.
- Chronic migraine: in people whose migraine headaches last at least 4 hours for 15 or more days a month
- Bladder dysfunction: Botox injections can help reduce urinary incontinence caused by an overactive bladder.
- Blepharospasm: Botox injections can help relieve contracture or muscle twitching around the eye.
- When overweight: botulinum toxin (Botox) application on the stomach is a relatively new method of weight loss based on endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin into specific areas of the stomach. In this method, the gastric emptying time is delayed by limiting the contraction of the stomach muscles, and this leads to loss of appetite. Weight reduction is thus achieved.
Some people put Botox in for other conditions that have not yet been proven to have an effect such as:
- alopecia
- sialorrhea, which involves secreting too much saliva
- psoriasis
- dyshidrotic eczema, which affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
- anismus, anal muscle dysfunction
- postherpetic neuralgia
- vulvodynia, pain and discomfort in the vagina without a clear cause
- Raynaud's disease, which affects blood circulation
- achalasia, a throat problem in which swallowing is difficult
Procedure
During the procedure
Clinicians use botulinum toxin by diluting the powder in saline and injecting it directly into the neuromuscular tissue. Botox injections are usually performed in a doctor's office. The doctor uses a thin needle to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into the skin or muscle. The number of injections needed depends on many factors, including the size of the area being treated. Most people do not experience much discomfort during the procedure.
After the procedure
Do not scrub or massage the treated areas for 24 hours. This may help prevent the toxin from spreading to another area. You can return to your normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Results
It takes up to 7 days for the toxin to take effect and show its full effects. These can last 3- 12 months, depending on the treatment. Regular follow-up injections will be needed to maintain the effect.
Risks of botulinum toxin insertion
Botox injections are relatively safe when performed by an experienced professional. Possible side effects and complications include:
- Pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Droopy eyelids or prominent eyebrows
- Crooked smile or drooling
- Dry eyes or excessive tearing
Although very unlikely, it is possible that the toxin in the injection could spread throughout the body. You should contact your doctor if any of these effects occur hours to weeks after the procedure:
- Muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Speech or swallowing problem
- Problems with breathing
- Loss of bladder control
People should avoid using botulinum toxin during pregnancy or breastfeeding or if they have ever had an allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients.
Botox should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. It is important that the injections are placed precisely to avoid side effects. Botox therapy can be dangerous if administered incorrectly.
A qualified and properly certified physician can advise you on the procedure and help you determine if it best suits your needs and health.
Tell the doctor if you have had any type of Botox injection in the last four months. Also tell if you are taking muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, or allergy medicines. If you take blood thinners, you may need to stop taking them a few days before the injection to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a physician. In case of a health problem, seek help from a specialist.
ZIC Medical Carragee can give you a recommendation for a doctor who specializes in your condition and has experience administering Botox treatments.
Contact us for more information!
