What is botulinum toxin?
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a substance produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and acts on the neuron, leading to a decrease in the action of the neuron on the muscle, and also, decreasing the nerve conduction of the pain stimulus by the neuron. Thus, botulinum toxin has muscle relaxant and also anti-pain action.
What side effects can botulinum toxin cause?
Some side effects may occur in the first few days, such as a mild headache, a feeling of numbness or tingling in the applied area, these sensations are mild and do not always occur after the procedure.
After about 72 hours, we begin to observe the effects of the application that will reach their maximum peak after 14 days, this effect lasts for about three to six months, disappearing gradually, while the muscular action returns, the duration time is variable in each person according to several factors, click here to learn more.
With applications at regular time intervals (at least 3 months), the muscle may weaken and, therefore, the applications will last longer.
Botulinum toxin is a substance that comes from a bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum.Despite from the peculiar origin, no need to be scared! The substancea is very safe, and is used in very small amounts at strategic points, leading to a decrease in muscle contraction. Thus, this decrease in muscle strength allows several uses in the field of medicine, such as reducing muscle tension in spasticity, cerebral palsy or post-stroke, in movement disorders, such as dystonia and facial spasms. In addition, it can be used in aesthetics, aiming to reduce wrinkles and expression marks.
Factors influencing the action of botulinum toxin
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application technique
A very important factor (perhaps the most important!) is related to the application technique, so it is important to look for a good qualified professional who knows how to handle the product and apply it correctly for each case in a personalized way.
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Use of anti-inflammatories and antibiotics
In general, inflammatory and infectious states, as well as the use of medications, tend to reduce the duration of action of the toxin. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out an evaluation prior to the application to know the health condition of each patient, and to be aware that during the period of action of the toxin, in case of any infection/inflammation and use of medication, its duration may be affected.
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Botulinum toxin resistance
There may be resistance to the substance over time yes, making the effect last less. It is the so-called vaccine effect, where the organism fights the toxin like a foreign organism producing antibodies that neutralize it faster than expected. The vaccine effect can happen when there are high doses applied without respecting the minimum time of 3 months between applications.
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Tetanus vaccine
The tetanus vaccine works against botulinum toxin. So, in cases of accidents that require the use of the vaccine, or if your vaccine is about to be boosted, your doctor should be careful not to apply it in close periods to avoid a decrease in durability.