Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances in the world, and it is the most toxic protein
Botulinum toxin blocks neuromuscular transmission. This means that botulinum toxin causes a blockage at the site where the nerve stimulates the muscle. Botulinum toxin decreases muscle activity by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. Botulinum toxin is used to stop muscle spasms because it blocks these nerve-to-muscle messages. Botox® and Dysport® are two examples of botulinum toxin products.
Botulinum toxin type A is used for cosmetic applications as well as the treatment of migraine headaches, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, excessive sweating, achalasia and several unapproved applications.
Cosmetically, Botox is used for wrinkles lines on forehead and the laugh lines around eyes (crows feet), eyebrows, upper lip wrinkles and rejuvenation of neck.
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If ingested in large quantities, the botulinum toxin causes paralysis of muscles by blocking the release of acetylcholine from the neurotransmitters of the nerves. Acetylcholine is the chemical messenger that tells muscles to contract. Without the acetylcholine, the muscle can not contract, leaving them paralyzed.
However, when botulinum toxin is injected in very small amounts into a specific muscle the result is the paralysis of that muscle only. Botulism toxin works by taking advantage of this muscle-specific paralysis. When botulinum toxin is injected into the small groups of muscles which cause frowning and wrinkling, the frown lines and wrinkle lines disappear.
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Botulinum toxin is made by the same bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, that causes botulism. Foodborne botulism, or food poisoning, is the most common form of botulism. Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness. High dose of botulinum toxin can be fatal.
Although botulinum toxin can be deadly, when use therapeutically, it is given in such small doses that experiencing any adverse effects from the toxin is highly unlikely. Botulinum toxin has an excellent safety record when used appropriately for therapeutic reasons.
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Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A. Dysport is Clostridium botulinum type A toxin-haemagglutinin complex.
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The botulinum toxin injections are administered by a doctor via a series of small injections into specific face muscles and at specific places in those muscles. This series of botulinum toxin injections results in a reduction of certain movements in facial muscles and therefore diminishes some of the wrinkles. By carefully choosing the muscles to treat, the doctor weakens only the wrinkle-producing muscles to preserve your natural facial expressions.
The amount of botulinum toxin needed and the number of injections required varies from person to person and depends on many factors, including age, the size of the area to be treated, the severity of the wrinkling, the thickness of the skin, muscle tone, etc.
Botulinum toxin injections usually take about 10 to 15 minutes and most often the procedure is performed in a doctor's office.
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Some people report minor, temporary discomfort from the injections. Most people compare the discomfort of receiving the injections to that of getting a bug bite. There may be some soreness at the injection site(s) after the procedure.
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Yes, there are some minor restrictions. You should not exercise or lay down for two hours after injections. Also it is important to refrain from excessively touching the area that was treated for the first 4 hours after injection.
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The change is subtle. You can see a dramatic reduction in facial lines and wrinkles but your overall facial appearance is not radically changed. The specific muscles of your face which cause wrinkling are simply relaxed, so lines and wrinkles disappear, and smiles (and frowns) remain.
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Most side effects — such as pain, tenderness, or bruising at the injection site — are temporary and occur within a few days after treatment. The most common side effects of injections around the eyes and in the face include temporary bruising, eyelid drooping (ptosis), dry eyes, double vision (diplopia), and facial droop can occur with injections into the cheek. Since botulinum toxin works as a local paralytic, it has the potential risk of "working too well" in an area and thus causing excessive weakness in muscles after injection.
Some patients experience headaches after the treatment. This is rare.
Some patients may experience muscle pain or aching approximately 10-14 days after the injection.
Occasionally patients may experience dry eyes or dry mouth during the treatment period. This is more common when getting facial injections.
There is also the risk of allergic reaction. Allergic reactions are rare.
When used by an experienced and skilled physician the majority of these botulinum toxin side effects can be avoided.
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The effects of botulinum toxin lasts between 4 to 6 months.
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It is suggested that treatments should be performed every 3 to 4 months.
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Botulinum toxin is a naturally-occurring protein. The body in its normal functioning simply absorbs, breaks down the protein and excretes it from the body.
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Any person with the following conditions should not have botulinum toxin injected:
- Myasthenia Gravis
- known allergy to BOTOX
- people on blood thinners or anti-coagulants.
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Yes, Botox Cosmetic (botulinum toxin Type A) was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002.
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