What Is Botox?

Botulinum toxin is one of the most poisonous substances known to man. Scientists have estimated that a single gram could kill as many as 1 million people and a couple of kilograms could kill every human on earth. In high concentrations, botulinum toxin can result in botulism, a severe, life-threatening illness. Botulism, left untreated, may result in respiratory failure and death. Despite botulinum toxin being so toxic, Botox is in huge demand.

Botulinum toxin can be injected into humans in extremely small concentrations and works by preventing signals from the nerve cells reaching muscles, therefore paralyzing them.

In order for muscles to contract, nerves release a chemical messenger, acetylcholine, at the junction where the nerve endings meet muscle cells. Acetylcholine attaches to receptors on the muscle cells and causes the muscle cells to contract or shorten.

Injected botulinum toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine, preventing contraction of the muscle cells. Botulinum toxin causes a reduction in abnormal muscle contraction, allowing the muscles to become less stiff.

What Do We Use It For?

Botulinum toxin is predominantly used as a treatment to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines.

Beyond aesthetic applications, Botox is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including eye squints, migraines, excess sweating, and leaky bladders.

Botulinum toxin is currently used to treat over 20 different medical conditions, with more applications under investigation.

Botulinum toxin is currently approved for the following therapeutic applications:

• Blepharospasm (spasm of the eyelids)
• Idiopathic rotational cervical dystonia (severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms)
• Chronic migraine
• Severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Post-stroke upper limb spasticity
• Detrusor (bladder wall muscle) overactivity – causing urinary incontinence
• Overactive bladder
• Hemifacial spasm
• Glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows)
• Canthal lines (crow’s feet)

What Are The Side Effects?

Along with its intended effects, botulinum toxin may cause some unwanted effects. These can include:

• Mild pain, local edema (fluid buildup) and/or erythema (reddening of the skin) at the injection site
• Numbness
• Headache
• Malaise – feeling generally unwell
• Mild nausea
• Temporary unwanted weakness/paralysis of nearby muscles
• Temporary upper lid or brow ptosis (drooping)
• Weakness of the lower eyelid or lateral rectus (a muscle controlling eye movement).
• Dysphagia – trouble swallowing
• Neck weakness
• Flu-like illness
• Brachial plexopathy – a condition affecting the nerves either side of the neck and chest
• Gallbladder dysfunction.
• Diplopia (double vision).
• Bleeding.
• Blurred vision.
• Decreased eyesight.
• Dry mouth.
• Fatigue.
• Hives.
• Rashes.
• Wheezing.
• Swelling.