Botox is a procedure for injecting botulinum toxin (botulinum toxin) type A. Injections of this toxin relax the muscles, thus smoothing out wrinkles. No new wrinkles appear in the area of drug administration during the period of its action.
Botox what is it
Botox is a protein derived from botulinum toxin. However, the amount used in this process is very small and cannot spread beyond the area where it is introduced. For this reason, Botox is non-toxic. On the other hand, the surgeon must conduct preliminary research to ensure that the person is not allergic or sensitive to the components of Botox.
What is in Botox
Botox toxin is a protein that disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses from the nerve ending to the muscle. Normally, when an impulse is transmitted, acetylcholine is released at the place where the nerve ending connects to the muscle.
This is the “messenger” that causes muscle contractions. Acetylcholine bubbles approach the outer sheath of the nerve ending. To release acetylcholine, the vesicles must combine with the membrane. For this to happen, a complex of proteins – SNARE – is needed.
Botulinum toxin penetrates the membrane of the nerve ending and “cuts off” certain proteins. Which ones are determined by the type of botulinum toxin.
In our case, it is a type A toxin that attacks the SNAP-25 protein. That is, the SNARE complex immediately becomes incomplete, and without it, vesicles with acetylcholine are not able to combine with the cell membrane.
Therefore, they remain inside the nerve ending. As a result, although the nerves send signals, the muscles do not contract. The muscle into which the injection is made relaxes, the skin straightens without the effect of tightening, and wrinkles disappear.
What exactly does Botox do?
The use of Botox is one of the most commonly used methods for eliminating wrinkles. The substance used is, in particular, botulinum toxin. It is injected directly into the folds and wrinkles that you want to remove, and the results are incredible.
The function of Botox is to relax muscles and stop or reduce excessive muscle movement. It is injected into the face in tiny quantities and results appear almost instantly, hence its great popularity.
Side effects of Botox
The drug promises that the effect will be visible within 30 minutes. However, on average it is noticeable after 2-3 days. It reaches its peak in 10-14 days. The achieved effect lasts from 3 to 12 months, depending on the treatment area, dose and drug. In mobile areas of the face, muscle mobility is restored within 4 months.
Lasting anti-aging results can be achieved by completing a course of 2-3 procedures over 12 months.
Possible side effects and complications of botulinum therapy
Any harm from botulinum therapy is a consequence of the unprofessionalism of the specialist or an individual reaction to the drug. Therefore, you need to carefully choose a clinic and do an allergy test. There are also those injuries that cannot be avoided – small red-blue dots from injections or subcutaneous hematomas. No matter how thin the needles are, this is always possible.
Let’s take a closer look at possible complications.
Edema
This is a reaction to mechanical injury. The swelling goes away on its own within a few days. However, sometimes extensive swelling occurs as a reaction to a large-scale change in muscle tone, causing impaired blood circulation and lymph flow. The complication is noticeable 7-10 days after injections. The likelihood of its development increases with kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases, hormonal imbalance, alcohol abuse and the habit of sleeping face down.
Facial asymmetry
It is formed if botulinum toxin is unevenly distributed throughout the muscles. This usually happens if the procedure is performed by an unqualified doctor. But the drug itself may not work correctly. This applies to drugs that are prone to diffusion, that is, going beyond the treated muscles. The situation cannot be corrected; you need to wait until the toxin is removed from the body. Only very small asymmetries can be removed by making more injections, but few people decide to repeat an unsuccessful procedure.
Headache
This is a common side effect. It may appear immediately after injections. The headache lasts from several hours to 2 weeks. There are several reasons:
- violation of rehabilitation rules, in particular alcohol consumption;
- individual reaction to injections (specifically to the mechanical effect, and not to the drug);
- when some muscles “turn off”, others can take over their function, overstraining because of this.
Creases under the eyes and on the forehead
This is also a consequence of redistributing the load on the muscles. As a result, the tension lines of the skin change, which leads to new folds. Usually cosmetologists prescribe a second examination 2 weeks after the procedure. By this time, the folds may disappear as the muscles get used to the new range of motion. Or this will not happen, and then the following may be prescribed: repeated injection of botulinum toxin for correction or fillers. Sometimes this doesn’t help either, so you can only wait until the drug is withdrawn.
Insufficient or too strong correction
This could be a doctor’s mistake or an individual reaction to the drug. Many cosmetologists recommend first getting by with the minimum dose, and after two weeks giving more injections if the result is not satisfactory. Insufficient correction is possible if there is insensitivity to botulinum toxin (the result is generally unpredictable). And excess often occurs with an overdose, when the facial muscles are paralyzed and the face becomes a “mask”. The second problem cannot be solved, all that remains is to wait.
Lumps and seals
Occur if the drug is distributed unevenly. That is, within one muscle, some of the muscle fibers relaxed, while others remained tense. This happens if the doctor administered the composition incorrectly, selected an insufficient dose, or the body reacted to the drug. After 2-3 weeks, an additional dose of botulinum toxin is administered for correction.
Drooping of the eyebrows and upper eyelids until it is impossible to open the eyes
This happens when the drug enters the corresponding muscles. The reasons are uncontrolled distribution of the drug (diffusion) or a very large dose. The eyelid returns “to its place” after 1-2 months. This is a rare side effect and occurs in 1% of people.
Lowering the eyebrows is an “easier” option. The eyelid opens as usual. The reason is a doctor’s mistake. With low eyebrows, people have a habit of raising them, which causes wrinkles to appear on the forehead. To eliminate them, the doctor administers the drug, which cannot be done in this case.
Double vision
The cause of the side effect is non-compliance with the strict recommendation to be in an upright position for the first time after the procedure. Mechanism: the drug spreads through the orbicularis oculi muscle and penetrates the lateral rectus muscle, which abducts the eyeball. The lateral rectus muscle becomes paralyzed, resulting in strabismus and double vision. It is impossible to remove this effect; you need to wait 3-5 months.
Poor lip mobility
Impaired mobility is possible when the drug is injected into the muscles that lower the corners of the mouth, as well as in the area around the lips, to remove vertical “smoker’s wrinkles.” Therefore, cosmetologists usually use minimal doses for this area, followed by correction as necessary.
Other common but relatively safe side effects:
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- flu symptoms;
- general fatigue and muscle weakness;
- difficulty swallowing due to weakened neck muscles.
They do not affect the result of the correction and disappear within a few days.
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