We heard too much about Botox injections and their effectiveness in reducing facial wrinkles and combating the signs of aging, but is their effect really noticeable? Is it safe? Does it have other uses? In this article, we learn more about Botox injections and their various uses, and how we can benefit from them without being exposed to any risks or harmful effects

What is Botox?

Botox is a drug capable of weakening or paralyzing muscles. It is extracted from a type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. This type of bacteria produces a toxic substance that causes a type of food poisoning. Although botulinum toxin is one of the most dangerous poisons, the quantities used are The production of Botox is very small, which makes the use of Botox for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes largely safe and has a limited number of side effects. When Botox is injected into the muscles, it causes temporary paralysis, which is a useful effect in treating a large number of diseases, in addition to its effect that leads to Reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles

Although there are different types of drugs extracted from botulinum toxin, they all lead to the same effect and are all known among the public as Botox. In this article, by Botox we mean the entire group of drugs and not a specific type.

How does Botox work?

Botox is a neurotoxin that prevents nerve signals from reaching the muscles, leading to temporary muscle paralysis. In order for the muscles to contract, the nerve endings secrete a substance called acetylcholine, which in turn binds to special receptors on the surface of muscle cells and leads to their contraction. Botox prevents the secretion of acetylcholine. Choline thus prevents muscle contraction

Cosmetic uses of Botox injections

The primary use of Botox injections is to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, and Botox injections are one of the most widely used and widespread cosmetic procedures in the world.

The effect of Botox injections is temporary and lasts for a period ranging between 3 and 12 months depending on the type of drug used.

Botox injections are widely used to treat wrinkles in these areas of the face:

– Wrinkles between the eyebrows, called frown lines.
– Wrinkles around the eyes, called crow’s feet.
– Transverse folds in the forehead
– Lines on both sides of the mouth
– Dry skin
– Chin curves

Research has also shown that Botox injections may improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes

Botox is used in a diluted form to treat hair, but this is one of the less common uses

Therapeutic uses

Botox is also used to treat a large number of diseases that affect the motor nervous system, and the most important of these uses are:

– Treating upper limb spasticity in people older than two years of age
Treatment of cross-eyed eyes in people older than 12 years
– Treating severe increase in sweat secretion under the armpit
– Preventing migraines in severe cases and under special conditions
– Reducing symptoms of overactive bladder in some cases
– Treatment of eyelid spasm
– Treating neck pain resulting from increased muscle tension
Botox is also used to treat other diseases such as alopecia, psoriasis, increased saliva secretion, and others

How is Botox injected to treat facial wrinkles?

Botox must be prepared for injection under the supervision of a doctor to ensure that the correct concentration of Botox units is reached in the solution prepared for injection.
The doctor determines the number of units that must be injected into each site according to a number of factors, including the type of drug used, the area to be injected, muscle strength, patient history, and others.
Botox is injected directly into the muscle, and the injection must be done by a specialized doctor to ensure that the drug reaches the correct location
– You should avoid rubbing the areas that were injected for 24 hours after the injection to avoid leakage of the drug into the area surrounding the injection site.
The effect of Botox injections takes from one to five days to appear completely
The effect of the injection lasts from 3 to 12 months, depending on the type of drug used, and most patients need to repeat the injection after 4 to 6 months.

Are there side effects of Botox injections?

Botox injections, whether for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes, are largely safe procedures. However, some minor side effects may occur, such as:

– The occurrence of a swelling, bruise, or some pain around the injection site. These symptoms usually disappear within the few days following the injection.
– The upper eyelid falls temporarily after injection into the muscles surrounding the eye
– Temporary weakness in the surrounding muscles other than those intended for the injection
– Headache
– Dry eyes after facial injections
– Numbness or numbness
– Other effects associated with the therapeutic uses of Botox

The use of Botox should be avoided in the following cases:

– Allergy to Botox injections
– The presence of infection or other skin diseases at the injection site

Botox injections remain one of the most successful cosmetic procedures in reducing facial wrinkles and treating signs of skin aging. To fully benefit and avoid side effects, Botox injections must be done by a specialized doctor.

Dawi Clinics has a distinguished group of consultants and specialists in dermatology and skin beautification, and they have extensive experience in cosmetic skin procedures, including Botox injections. Contact us today to book an appointment in the branch closest to you.