Botox is actually a drug that weakens or paralyzes the muscle. Taking low doses of Botox can reduce skin wrinkles. Use in other doses in other areas such as the circular muscles of the esophagus is another use of Botox in medicine.
Botox is a protein made from botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This botulinum toxin is actually the same toxin that causes botulism (damage that paralyzes the muscles of the body).
So why use it for the face with so much danger? The answer is that doctors use this toxin in low and controlled doses. This use has many cosmetic and medical benefits in low doses, for example, it reduces skin wrinkles, and in case of spasm (severe muscle contraction), excessive esophagus with Botox injection helps to relax it to make swallowing easier.
Other uses of Botox include: treatment of eyelid spasm (severe contraction) of the eyelid, prevention of excessive sweating, treatment of some bladder disorders, migraines, etc.
Here's how Botox works, what it's used for, what the side effects, risks and benefits are.
What is Botox?
Botox is derived from botulinum bacteria, which are found in almost all natural environments such as soil, water, forests and in general around us. The presence of these bacteria is not harmful in itself, but if these bacteria accumulate and produce this toxin in high doses, it can cause damage to peripheral nerves and eventually muscle paralysis.
How does Botox work?
Botox is a toxin that targets the nervous system. It interrupts the signals coming from the sensory nerves for muscle contraction, thus causing temporary muscle paralysis.
Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger that is released from the end of nerve cells and transmits the neuronal message of muscle contraction, which inhibits the secretion of these neurotransmitters in the function of Botox.
What is Botox used in medicine?
In many cases, Botox is prescribed by doctors and specialists. The US Food and Drug Administration has recommended the use of Botox for many cases and allowed them to be referred to as titrations.
Treatment of upper extremity spasm (muscle cramps) in people over two years old
Treatment of strabismus (deviation of the eye) provided that the patient is over 12 years old.
Treatment of hyperhidrosis
Treatment and especially prevention of severe migraines with a high frequency
Alternative or help with anticholinergic drugs to reduce the symptoms of overactive bladder
Use in low doses to reduce eyelid muscle spasm
Treatment of cervical dystonia (a disorder of the neck muscles) that helps reduce neck pain.
Achalasia: Excessive spasm of the end muscles of the esophagus
Some cases of Botox use that are not highly recommended or used off-label. These include:
Treatment of skin eczema that affects the palms of the hands and feet.
Anismus: Dysfunction of the anal muscles (excessive muscle stiffness)
Redness and flushing of the face, especially during menopause
Treatment of colloids and scars caused by wounds
Some blister lesions caused by certain diseases
And...
Of course, in all the above cases, the doctor will use Botox after examining all the cases and safety conditions and underlying problems.
How to use Botox?
Medical specialists perform Botox injections by diluting botulinum toxin and injecting it directly into the muscles.
Of course, depending on what problem Botox was used to treat, the dose and type of injection varies.
After injection, it takes about 24 to 72 hours for the toxin to have an inhibitory effect on acetylcholine neurotransmitters. And depending on the concentration and injection site and the type of use, its effects last from 3 to 12 months.
How much does Botox cost?
Does the cost of Botox depend on several factors? Including:
Be it for medical or cosmetic purposes
Who and at what treatment center.
How much Botox is needed for the injection?
And...
What are the risks and side effects of Botox?
Due to the very small amount and very low concentration of botulinum toxin used, there are usually no side effects to using Botox toxin, but sometimes either due to an allergic reaction or a mistake at the injection site or problems with dose adjustment. There are complications that include the following:
Itching and redness of the skin: In cases where a person is sensitive to botulinum toxin
Headache: which is due to poisoning caused by injection, especially in the forehead area.
Nausea: which is a transient complication of Botox.
Dry eyes: Looking to use Botox in beauty cases
Stomach problems: Following the use of Botox to treat achalasia
Anesthesia: Most of the time it is temporary.
Mild pain, swelling or bruising around the injection site
Temporary drooping eyelids (ptosis): Ptosis is a side effect of Botox injections into the facial nerves, which is usually temporary.
Worsening of neuromuscular disorders: In some cases, Botox exacerbates neuromuscular symptoms.
Worsening of strabismus (deviation of the eye): Sometimes with more injections or in abnormal muscles, it causes worsening of the deviation of the eye.
Injection site infection: Injection site infection is a very rare complication that is usually caused by poor hygiene.
Cardiovascular events: Sometimes botulinum toxin causes heart problems such as arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm) and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles adjacent to the injection site
Urinary problems after treatment of urinary incontinence
