Botox is an abbreviation for botulinum toxin, a substance capable of paralyzing the muscles of a certain region, and therefore has several health applications, being useful for the treatment of diseases such as microcephaly, paraplegia, muscle spasms and even to attenuate facial wrinkles.
After the application of botox, the region is 'paralyzed' for approximately 6 months, but it is possible that its effect begins to diminish a little before or after, depending on the location, requiring a new application of botox to maintain the results.
What is Botox for?
Some situations in which botulinum toxin can be used include:
- Attenuate deep wrinkles in the skin; Control of blepharospasm, which consist of closing the eyes vigorously and uncontrollably; Reduction of sweating in case of hyperhidrosis or bromhidrosis; Correction of ocular strabismus; Control bruxism; Facial spasms, known as nervous tic; Decrease tension headache, Reduction of excessive salivation; Promote a more harmonious smile, reducing the appearance of gums; Control of spasticity in neurological diseases such as microcephaly.Decrease in neuropathic pain; Relax excessive muscle contraction due to stroke; Decrease in tremors in case of Parkinson; Combat stuttering; Alterations in the region of the temporomandibular joint; Combat chronic low back pain and in case of myofascial pain; Urinary incontinence caused by the nervous bladder.
Who can decide if the person can be treated with botox is the doctor, who must indicate the number of injections necessary to promote relaxation of the muscles necessary for the person to feel comfortable.
In São Paulo it is possible to carry out the treatment with botulinum toxin by SUS, free of charge, but it is also possible to use this substance in private clinics and hospitals.
Botox risks
Botox should only be applied by the doctor because when injected in other regions of the body it can have serious health complications. When ingested it can lead to shortness of breath and the person may die from suffocation. However, when properly applied, there are no related risks, and it is well tolerated by the body. However, its effect is not definitive and the body gradually eliminates botox and the problem in question reappears, requiring a new application.
Click here and understand how Botox works in the body
Botulinum toxin type A is classified as a neuromuscular paralyzing agent, which when injected intramuscularly at the dose recommended by the doctor promotes partial muscle relaxation by localized chemical denervation and blocks the release of neurotransmitters associated with the origin of the pain.
Depending on the dose used, the muscles affected by the toxin become flabby or paralyzed and in addition to the local effect, as the toxin can spread through the tissues, other areas can also be affected, becoming flabby or even paralyzed.
Botox contraindications
Botox should not be used in case of allergy to botulinum toxin, in case of allergic reaction after previous use, pregnancy or infection in the place to be applied.
