Botox Injections: What You Need to Know

Botox (Botulinum toxin) injections have been used in aesthetics around the world since 1992. The technique helps slim the face and restore a youthful look. There are currently 7 types of Botulinum toxin (A, B, C, D, E, F, G), but in aesthetics, 95% of treatments use type A. So what are Botox injections? And what are their benefits, and are the side effects dangerous?

What are Botox injections?

Botox injections are a beauty treatment in the field of aesthetics. They are also used to treat excessive sweating of the hands and underarms and wrinkles on the forehead and brows, and to slim the jaw, shoulders and calves. In aesthetics, doctors mainly use Botulinum toxin type A. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that more than 5 million Botox treatments are performed each year. (1)

Botox is derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum). This bacterium is found in many natural environments, including soil, lakes, forests and the intestinal tracts of fish and mammals.

C. botulinum bacteria and spores that occur naturally are usually harmless. However, if the conditions allow the bacteria to change and multiply, they become very dangerous. Botulinum is an extremely potent neurotoxin. Even a tiny dose can paralyse the muscles and, if not treated in time, can be fatal.

Scientists have estimated that 1 gram of the crystalline toxin could kill 1 million people, and a few kilograms could kill everyone on the planet.

However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, Botox is still safe. When used appropriately in treatment, it is safe and has few side effects. The drug temporarily paralyses muscles and helps treat various muscle and nerve disorders. (2)

Commercial products containing Botulinum include:

• Onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox)
• Abobotulinumtoxin A (Dysport)
• Incobotulinumtoxin A (Xeomin)
• Rimabotulinumtoxin B (Myobloc)
• Prabotulinumtoxin A (Jeuveau)

Benefits of Botox injections

1. In aesthetics

Botox injections block certain chemical signals from the nerves, mainly the signals that make muscles contract. The aesthetic benefits of Botox injections include: (3)

Botox injections prevent and reduce wrinkles by relaxing the muscles in wrinkle-prone areas. Botox is used to treat wrinkles at the corners of the eyes (crow's feet), on the forehead, frown lines, and around the lips and chin. It also tightens pores, making the skin smoother and minimising fine lines caused by ageing.

• Slims the jaw angle to create a V-line face.
• Improves a gummy smile and restores a balanced appearance.
• Lifts the brows in cases of age-related brow drooping.
• Helps treat excessive sweating disorders.
• Botox stimulates the production of elastin and collagen, two proteins that improve the skin's firmness and flexibility.

2. In medical treatment

Botox injections are used to treat conditions that affect how the body functions, including:

• Cervical dystonia: the neck muscles contract involuntarily, causing the head to twist or turn into an uncomfortable position.
• Amblyopia (lazy eye): the most common cause of this condition is an imbalance in the muscles responsible for positioning the eye.
• Muscle spasms: some neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, can cause the limbs to pull in towards the centre of the body. Muscle spasms can be improved with Botox injections.
• Hyperhidrosis: heavy sweating even without exertion and when it isn't hot.
• Chronic migraine: Botox injections can help reduce the frequency of headaches. This treatment is used for people who have migraines more than 15 days a month.
• Bladder dysfunction: helps reduce urinary incontinence caused by an overactive bladder.
• Eye twitching: Botox injections can help reduce spasms or twitching of the muscles around the eyes.

Who should not have Botox injections

• Not everyone can have Botox injections. People in poor general health, with thick skin or with muscle weakness at the injection site should not use Botox.
• People with sensitive skin may have an allergic reaction at the injection site. If you feel your skin is particularly sensitive, consider an allergy test before Botox treatment.
• People who are allergic to any ingredient in Botox, or who are taking Aminoglycoside antibiotics, should not have Botox treatment.
• People with an infection at the proposed Botox injection site should inform their doctor.

Should you choose Botox injections for beauty?

Choosing Botox injections for beauty offers many benefits:

• Botox injections are used as an anti-ageing treatment that reduces the appearance of wrinkles. The treatment can improve everything from deep forehead lines to frown lines.
• Botox injections are an excellent choice for aesthetic procedures because they are non-invasive and quick, with almost immediate results. The whole procedure takes just a few minutes, especially when performed by a Dermatology – Aesthetic Dermatology specialist.
• Botox injections deliver long-lasting results at a lower cost than many other aesthetic treatments.

Are Botox injections dangerous?

• People who are sensitive or allergic to Botox should not use this beauty treatment.
• If there is an infection at the injection site, seek advice and follow your doctor's instructions.
• Some people experience difficulty breathing after Botox injections because the effect of Botox spreads beyond the injection site, or due to genetic factors.
• In addition, some people injected with Botulinum type A produce antibodies against the toxin, making subsequent treatments ineffective.

What are the side effects of Botox injections?

Side effects of Botox injections are uncommon. However, depending on the reason for the injection and each person's reaction, Botulinum toxin can cause some unwanted effects, such as:

• Dry eyes.
• Stomach pain.
• Mild pain, swelling or bruising around the injection site.
• Headache.
• Temporary drooping of the eyelids.
• Temporary paralysis at the injection site or nearby areas.

Important things to know when choosing Botox injections

1. Before the injection

• Most people don't feel much discomfort during Botox injections. However, the doctor should apply anaesthesia before injecting to ensure the treatment goes smoothly.
• To minimise side effects, before using Botox the doctor will carefully review the client's medical history, allergies and the medications they have taken.
• People taking medication for heart disease, Alzheimer's or neurological conditions, or taking antibiotics, aspirin, painkillers, vitamins and so on, should consult a doctor if they want Botox injections.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 2 days before Botox injections. Alcohol can cause more bruising and bleeding at the injection site.
• People with a history of cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions or blood disorders, pregnant women and people allergic to Botox should not have this procedure.

2. During the injection

• A Dermatology – Aesthetic Dermatology specialist uses a thin needle to inject a small amount of Botulinum into the skin or muscle. The number of injections depends on many factors, including the size of the treatment area.

3. After the injection

• After Botox injections, avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for 24 hours. This helps prevent the toxin from spreading to other areas. You can return to your normal activities right after the procedure.
• Botox has many uses in medical treatment and beauty. Having Botox injections as prescribed by a Dermatology – Aesthetic Dermatology specialist helps ensure safety and minimise unwanted side effects.

Botox has many uses in medical treatment and beauty. Having Botox injections as prescribed by a Dermatology – Aesthetic Dermatology specialist helps ensure safety and minimise unwanted side effects.

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References

01. Nichols, H. (2023, April 21). Botox: Cosmetic and medical uses.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158647#what-is-botox

02. Botox injections – Mayo Clinic. (2023, March 10).

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/botox/about/pac-20384658