BOTOX | The benefits and harms of using it

Botox is known as a muscle-weakening or paralyzing drug that, in small doses, can reduce skin wrinkling and help treat certain medical conditions.

It is a protein made from botulinum toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, the same toxin that causes food poisoning.

Injections can reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles, and in this article we will explain how these injections work? And what are its uses? And its side effects and other risks.

What is Botox?

It is derived from C.botulinum bacteria found in many natural settings, including soil, lakes, and the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish.

These bacteria are generally harmless, and problems only appear when they divide, and the numbers of cells increase.

At a certain point, the bacteria begin to produce botulinum toxin, which is extremely dangerous.

Scientists have estimated that 1 gram of the crystalline form of the poison can kill a million people, and that a few kilograms can kill many, many more people.

But when used appropriately in a therapeutic context, this toxin is completely safe, and has mild side effects.

The drug can benefit people with various muscle or nerve disorders. Commercial preparations of botulinum toxin include:

• Onabotulinumtoxin A.
• abobotulinumtoxin A (Dysport).
• incobotulinumtoxin A (Xeomin).
• rimabotulinumtoxin A (Myobloc).
• Prabotulinum Toxin A (Chevu).

People use the term Botox casually to describe all of these products, even though it is a registered trademark owned by one company.

How do Botox injections work?

This protein targets the nervous system, disrupting the nerve signals that stimulate muscle contraction, which is how the drug causes temporary muscle paralysis.

Nerves release a chemical messenger for muscle contraction called acetylcholine, which is found at the junction where nerve endings meet muscle cells.

The acetylcholine then binds to receptors in muscle cells, causing the cells to contract or tighten.

prevent Botox injections The release of acetylcholine stops the muscle cells from contracting, and in this way the toxin helps the muscles become less stiff.

A dermatologist uses the toxin by diluting the powder in a saline solution and injecting it directly into the nerve and muscle tissue.

It takes 24 to 72 hours for the poison to take effect. It rarely takes 5 days for full effects to appear, and may last 3 to 12 months depending on treatment.

You can also read : Botox to get rid of a gummy smile.

Botox injection uses

The main goal of using these injections is to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, which is the most common cosmetic procedure nowadays.

The injection sites in the face that are used by the dermatologist at nadara clinic in Hurghada include the following areas:

• Wrinkles between the eyebrows, called frown lines, polar lines, or eleven lines.
• Horizontal wrinkles in the forehead.
• Lines at the corners of the mouth.
• Wrinkles around the eyes, known as crow's feet.
• Loose skin on the chin.

Medicinal uses

These injections may also be used to treat a variety of conditions, especially in people 18 years of age or older and include:

• Upper extremity spasm in anyone over 2 years old.
• Around the eyes in those over 12 years of age.
• Excessive sweating under the armpits or the so-called hyperhidrosis.
• Reducing symptoms of overactive bladder due to a neurological condition if anticholinergics do not help treatment.
• Spasm or sagging eyelids due to dystonia.
• A neurological movement disorder called cervical dystonia that affects the head and causes neck pain.

Some people also use injections for some treatments, such as the following:

• Alopecia areata.
• drooling
• psoriasis;
• Eczema dyshidrosis affecting the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
• Anal muscle defect.
• Pain in the vagina for no apparent reason.
• Postherpetic neuralgia.

You can also read : Eyebrow lift with Botox.

Botox injections side effects

Uncommon side effects are generally tolerated by people, however depending on the cause injection And the person's response

It can cause some unwanted effects, including:

• Dry Eye.
• numbness;
• stomach disorders;
• Mild pain, swelling, or bruising around the injection site.
• headache;
• Unwanted temporary weakness or paralysis of adjacent muscles.
• double vision
• Corneal ulceration after treatment of blepharitis.
• Arrhythmia.

People should not use it if they have:

• Allergy.
• Infection at the injection site.

There are concerns that its effects may extend to the post-injection site, which could lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing.

Some people can develop antibodies that make subsequent treatments ineffective.

Pre-Procedure Instructions

Tell your doctor if you have received any type of botox injection within the past 4 months.

Do not take any medications that may cause muscle relaxants, sedative medications, or allergy medications.

Stop taking blood-thinning medications a few days before the injection to reduce the risk of bleeding or bruising.

If you are breastfeeding, pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should consult a dermatologist at a freshness center first.

Do not take supplements such as fish oil pills, vitamin E, for two weeks before treatment.

You can also read :Botox injections in Hurghada

What to expect?

before the operation

Most people don't feel uncomfortable during the procedure, but you may need to apply local anesthesia beforehand.

during the procedure

The dermatologist at nadara clinic for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser in Hurghada uses a fine needle to inject small amounts of botulinum toxin into the muscles.

This procedure takes only 15 minutes, and is an ideal follow-up to other dental procedures such as teeth whitening.

The number of injections required depends on many factors including how large the area being treated.

Post procedure instructions

• Do not rub or massage the treated area for 24 hours, as this may help prevent the venom from spreading to a different area.
• Take some painkillers such as paracetamol to relieve any pain you may feel.
• Do not expose to the sun's harmful rays so that the results will not be affected.

• Do not engage in strenuous activities after the sessions for at least 24 hours.
• Avoid bending forward, and lie flat for 4 hours after the procedure.
• Do not drink alcohol.

Results 

Effects are temporary, lasting 3 to 12 months, depending on the type of treatment and the problem being treated.

You need regular follow-up sessions to maintain the effect of the results.

You can return to your normal daily activities immediately after the operation and you do not need a recovery period.

Frequently Asked Questions About Botox Injections

Are Botox injections painful?

This procedure can be almost painless using local anaesthesia, even without the numbing agent the pain is minimal.

You may only feel slight discomfort, and results appear quickly.

Many people associate pain with a fear of needles or bad memories when having vaccinations.

But the needles used for injections are very small, about the same size as the needle that people with diabetes use to inject themselves with insulin.

Can botox help in treating acne?for pain?

Yes, migraines are prevented in people who have at least 4 hours of migraine on 15 or more days per month.

This happens by relaxing the tense muscles in the jaw or face that are causing the pain.

This treatment is also particularly helpful for people with TMJ because it keeps the muscles relaxed during sleep.

In conclusion, if you want to get rid of wrinkles and restore your appearance without pain, botox injections help you achieve your dreams, contact the dermatologist at the Freshness Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser in Hurghada.