When we talk about neurotoxins, we’re referring to any substance that has the potential to cause harm to, destabilize, or have some other adverse effect on the nervous system. And when your nervous system is severely affected, it can cause a whole host of issues such as paralysis and death. Knowing the dangers neurotoxins impose, why do medical clinics offer neurotoxins as an aesthetic treatment?
As it turns out, neurotoxins are the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market—millions of people each experience neurotoxin injections to address signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, they don’t use any old neurotoxin when administering a neurotoxin treatment. Botulinum toxin, one of the most potent neurotoxins, is injected into the skin at medical clinics to delay the aging process and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
So, what exactly is the deal with neurotoxins applications in medical aesthetics? To get the whole picture, continue reading the article. First things first, what is botulinum neurotoxin?
What is Botulinum Neurotoxin?
All of the neurotoxins used in injections come from the C. botulinum bacteria, which can be found in your environment, especially the soil.
The majority of C. botulinum bacteria and spores that are found in nature are safe. Problems don’t start to appear until the spores alter and the cell population proliferates. Finally, the botulinum toxin becomes deadly.
Botulinum toxin is hazardous. However, when used as prescribed in a therapeutic setting, Botox is safe and rarely has side effects. Botulinum toxin has undergone hundreds of clinical trials, and millions have received neurotoxin injections. So safe to say, it’s very safe.
Manufacturers create neurotoxin injections using very tiny amounts of botulinum toxin. People with various muscular or nervous disorders may temporarily benefit from the drug’s ability to paralyze muscles. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued the medication approved to treat conditions like strabismus, blepharospasm (spasms of the eyelids), and excessive underarm sweat (crossed eyes)
How Does It Work?
The botulinum toxin that is produced is considered to be a neurotoxin. These substances interfere with the standard transmission of nerve signals, which prevents muscles from contracting as they should. As a consequence of the drug’s action, the muscle tissue is rendered immobile for a short time.
Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger secreted by nerves at the junction where nerve endings and muscle cells meet. This chemical messenger is necessary for any muscle to contract. Acetylcholine causes muscle cells to shorten and contract by binding to receptors on the surface of muscle cells.
When the acetylcholine group is attached to receptors on the surface of muscle cells, the length of the muscle cell is reduced, hence a contraction. Neurotoxin injections prevent the muscles from contracting by inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In this manner, the toxin can facilitate the relaxation of the muscle.
Medical Aesthetic Applications
Small doses of the toxin paralyze your muscles. So when you use neurotoxin injections on your facial muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, they’ll start disappearing since these muscles are paralyzed. Consequently, they’ll freeze in that position semi-permanently, lasting for a few months.
People frequently ask to have neurotoxin injections administered in the following areas of their faces:
- reduce glabellar lines
- reduce the impression of horizontal lines in the forehead
- reduce the lines around the mouth
- reduce the wrinkles around the eyes, also known as crow’s feet
Medical Applications
Medical experts also use Botox therapeutically to treat many medical conditions, especially those that impact muscle function. The following applications for Botox have received FDA approval:
- hyperhidrosis
- reduces the symptoms of overactive bladder
- reduce the frequency of eyelid spasms
- address crossed eyes
- prevent chronic migraines
- addresses upper limb spasticity
Neurotoxin Injection Procedure
There are no surgical procedures involved in neurotoxin injections. To begin your treatment, you’ll have an opportunity to discuss your neurotoxin goals with your provider.
If you’ve recently received any neurotoxin injections, let your provider know. Also, let your provider know if you use any prescription medications. To lessen your risk of complications or bruises, you might need to quit taking blood thinners a few days before your injection.
During the Procedure
Neurotoxins should be performed in a clinical environment. Your provider will use a very fine needle to inject tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into the muscles or skin of your body. One of the many factors determining the number of injections that will be necessary is the scope of the area that must be treated. Also, as a rule of thumb, you will be placed under local anesthesia during this procedure to minimize pain and discomfort.
After Procedure
Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated sites for the next twenty-four hours. Doing so will stop the toxic substance from spreading to a new location. You will be able to restart your regular activities immediately following the procedure.
Neurotoxin injections typically begin to exert their effects one to three days after treatment. Depending on the condition being treated, the product may last up to three months or longer. Make sure you get regular injections if you want the results to last.
Select Your Provider Carefully
Neurotoxin injections should only be given by a trained professional. Injections need to be provided in a precise location to prevent unwanted side effects.
Talk to a qualified medical professional who has undergone the appropriate training and testing if you have any questions about the procedure or want to know if it is right for you. You can find the fitting provider for your needs by looking at their online profiles and reading reviews left by previous customers.
Takeaway
While neurotoxins can undoubtedly affect your health negatively, they have tremendous practical applications when used in a certain way. Neurotoxin injections are used for aesthetic purposes, and medical professionals also use them to address medical conditions. So it’s safe to say they are very safe, and millions of people can attest to that statement each year.
So if you are interested in neurotoxin injections, contact and visit our clinic, A Better Solution Wellness Clinic. We offer various services that help our client achieve their ideal wellness and aesthetics.
