Botulinum toxin, or botox, is a natural purified protein natural used for over twenty years in medicine for the treatment of many pathologies, including in ophthalmology and in neurology. Since 2004, the Ministry of Health has authorized its use in the field of beauty, limited only to plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons and dermatologists for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles or expression lines, caused by the muscular contraction of the face every time you make an expression such as smiling or frowning.
How does botox work?
The botulinum toxin works by blocking the release of the enzyme at the base of the transmission mechanism of the nervous contraction of the muscles, when they are activated to generate facial expressions. The desired effect appears after about two days and a continuous improvement can be seen in the first week.
How is the infiltration of botulinum toxin?
The drug is injected in very small doses below the skin of the muscles to be treated. The injection is not painful, in some cases it generates only a burning sensation of a few seconds; topical anesthetic can be applied with a cream which will eliminate any discomfort created by the needle. Normal daily activity can be resumed immediately.
What are the possible side effects and who shouldn’t undertake this treatment?
Anyone who has allergy to albumin and myasthenia should not undertake the treatment. Treatment should also be avoided as a precaution in pregnant and lactating women.
To avoid the possibility of side effects, the patient should not rub or massage the treated area within 24 hours and should apply any type of make-up for a few hours after treatment. In a small number of cases a loss of tone of the color of the eyelids has been reported, though this is temporary and may last about a week.
