Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that, despite being released by botulism (a disease that arises from a bacterium that causes muscle paralysis), is also a drug that is used for medical purposes to treat some neurological diseases and also in Aesthetic Medicine.
It is used for medical purposes to treat some neurological diseases and also in Aesthetic Medicine.
It also has other medical applications such as the correction of excessive sweating or the treatment of tics and muscle spasms.
Its most common use is injection in tiny amounts at strategic points on the face to treat and minimize expression lines and wrinkles. Its use is also indicated to treat excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis.
Botulinum toxin works by temporarily decreasing the contraction of facial muscles, leaving the skin smooth and toned, correcting wrinkles and preventing their progression. Botulinum toxin injections weaken and paralyze certain muscles, blocking some nerves.
The effects of the injection are not immediate, they begin to reveal themselves after three or four days, depending on each patient. The results are highly satisfactory. In addition, depending on the patient, the effect of botulinum toxin can last between four and eight months; therefore, to maintain it, recall treatments must be carried out.
Pregnant or lactating patients cannot undergo botulinum toxin treatment.
In order for the botulinum toxin to penetrate the tissues correctly, it is important to carry out certain precautions during the days prior to treatment. The patient cannot take any medication or nutritional supplement that affects coagulation, such as vitamin E or garlic. The use of antiaggregants or the intake of alcohol is not recommended either.
This treatment may have certain side effects, including:
- Pain at the injection site
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms
- Stomach ache
In addition, injections in the face can cause a temporary drooping of the eyelids on the face.
Some care to take into account both before and after treatment are:
- Avoid sun exposure, physical exercise 24 hours before or after treatment, avoid pressure on the treated area.
- Apply specific creams according to the recommendation of the specialist aesthetic doctor (pre anesthesia and/or vitamin K pre and post).
- Carry out post-recovery treatment in the cabin to settle the product and prevent the appearance of bruises.
