Botox is a protein made from Botulinum toxin, which the bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces. This is the same toxin that causes botulism.
Botox is a toxin, but when doctors use it correctly and in small doses, it can have benefits. It has both cosmetic and medical uses. As a cosmetic treatment, Botox injections can reduce the appearance of skin wrinkles.
In this article, we explain how Botox works and explore its uses, side effects, and other risks.
Botox is a neurotoxin. These substances target the nervous system, disrupting the nerve signaling processes that stimulate muscle contraction. This is how the drug causes temporary muscle paralysis.
For any muscle to contract, the nerves release a chemical messenger called acetylcholine at the junction where nerve endings meet muscle cells. Acetylcholine attaches to receptors on the muscle cells and causes the cells to contract, or shorten.
Botox injections prevent the release of acetylcholine, which stops the muscle cells from contracting. In this way, the toxin helps the muscles to become less stiff.
Risks and side effects
People generally tolerate Botox injections well, and side effects are uncommon.
However, depending on the reason for the injections and the person’s response, Botulinum toxin can cause some unwanted effects, including:
- dry eye, following cosmetic uses
- an upset stomach
- numbness
- mild pain, swelling or bruising around the injection site
- a headache
- temporary eyelid drooping
People should not use Botox if they have:
- a sensitivity or allergy to it
- an infection at the injection site
Also, Botox may extend beyond the injection site, possibly leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing.
Should you want to get one and need more information, we are happy to discuss any questions you may have about it and how you can go through this procedure. Contact Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte, Charlotte’s top Ballantyne and Blakeney Dermatologist, for your dermatology care. Call us today to get started!