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Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a substance that can be used in the treatment of several diseases, such as microcephaly, paraplegia and muscle spasms, because it is able to prevent muscle contraction and acts by promoting temporary muscle paralysis, which helps to reduce the symptoms related to these situations.
In addition, as it works by inhibiting neuronal stimuli related to muscle contraction, botox is also widely used as an aesthetic procedure, mainly to reduce wrinkles and expression marks. After the application of botox, the region is 'paralyzed' for approximately 6 months, but it is possible that its effect begins to diminish a little before or after, depending on the location, requiring a new application of botox to maintain the results.
Botulinum toxin is a substance produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and, therefore, its use should be made only under medical advice, as it is possible to carry out a complete health assessment and to assess the risks related to the use of this toxin.
What is it for
Botox can be used for several situations, however it is important that it is done under the guidance of the doctor, because large amounts of this toxin can have the opposite effect of the desired and promote permanent muscle paralysis, characterizing the disease botulism. Understand what it is and what the symptoms of botulism are.
Thus, some situations that the use of botulinum toxin in small amounts may be recommended by the doctor are:
- Control of blepharospasm, which consists of closing your eyes in a vigorous and uncontrolled way;
- Reduction of sweating in case of hyperhidrosis or bromhidrosis;
- Correction of ocular strabismus;
- Control bruxism;
- Facial spasms, known as nervous tic;
- Reduction of excessive salivation;
- Spasticity control in neurological diseases such as microcephaly.
- Decrease in neuropathic pain;
- Relax excessive muscle contraction due to stroke;
- Decreased tremors in the case of Parkinson's;
- Fight stuttering;
- Changes in the temporomandibular joint region;
- Combat chronic low back pain and in case of myofascial pain;
- Urinary incontinence caused by the nervous bladder.
In addition, the application of botox is quite popular in aesthetics, being indicated to promote a more harmonious smile, reducing the appearance of gums, and to treat wrinkles and expression lines. It is important that the use of botox in aesthetics is done under the guidance of a dermatologist or other trained professional to apply the toxin, as this way it is possible to obtain a more satisfactory result.
Learn more about the use of botox in facial harmonization by watching the following video:
How it works
Botulinum toxin is a substance produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which, when in large amounts in the body, can lead to the development of botulism, which can result in serious health complications.
On the other hand, when this substance is injected intramuscularly in low concentrations and at the recommended dose, the toxin can block nerve signals related to the origin of the pain and promote muscle relaxation. Depending on the dose used, the muscles affected by the toxin become flabby or paralyzed and in addition to the local effect, as the toxin can spread through tissues, other areas can also be affected, becoming flabby or even paralyzed.
Although there may be local paralysis, as small amounts of botulinum toxin are administered, the effect of botox is temporary, so that in order to have the effect again, a new application is necessary.
Possible risks
Botox should only be applied by the doctor due to the fact that it is important to make a complete assessment of the state of health and to verify the ideal amount to be used in the treatment so that there are no adverse effects.
This is because when the toxin is ingested, it can lead to breathing failure and the person can die from asphyxiation, which can also happen when large amounts of this toxin are injected, with paralysis of other organs.
In addition, botox should not be performed in case of allergy to botulinum toxin, in case of allergic reaction after previous use, pregnancy or infection in the place that should be applied, as well as it should not be used by people who have autoimmune disease, as it is not known how the organism will react to the substance.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF DERMATOLOGY. Botulinum toxin type A. Available in: . Accessed on 20 Oct 2020
- SILVA, Joana Filipa N. The application of Botulinum Toxin and its complications. Literature review. Master's thesis, Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto.
- FUJITA, Rita Lilian R .; HURTADO, Carola C. N. Relevant aspects of the use of botulinum toxin in aesthetic treatment and its various mechanisms of action. Scientific Knowledge. Vol 8. 1 ed; 120-133, 2019
- VASCONCELOS, Amanda F. M; FILHO, Gilberto C. S .; CAVALCANTE, Alexsandre B .; VASCONCELOS, Belmiro C. E. Botulinum toxin in the masseter and temporalis muscles: pharmacological, anatomical and clinical considerations. Rev. Cir. Traumatol. Buco-Maxilo-Fac. Vol 16. 2 ed; 50-54, 2017