Did you know that one of the most popular treatments for wrinkles and fine lines uses neurotoxins? Some people may find the fact that cosmetic treatments use neurotoxins disturbing. They hear the word “toxin,” and they think that the treatment will definitely be harmful to them.
But what are the actual effects of neurotoxins, especially on the nerves? Keep reading to find out.
What are Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins are artificial or naturally occurring compounds that harm, kill, or impair the central or peripheral nervous systems’ ability to function. Neurotoxins can harm glia, axons, or neurons, leading to demyelination or damage to the protective covering of the nerve fibers in the brain. Additionally, they might result in metabolic abnormalities that indirectly impact the central nervous system (CNS).
Based on the definition of neurotoxins given above, it is understandable why some people fear getting neurotoxins injected into their skin.
Botulism
Most neurotoxin injections used in medical aesthetics use botulinum toxin. On its own, botulinum toxin is a deadly poison.
A toxin that targets the body’s nerves and produces botulism, an uncommon but severe illness, can cause difficulties breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death. The bacteria Clostridium botulinum, as well as Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii, occasionally produce this toxin. These bacteria can create botulinum toxins in food, wounds, and newborns’ intestines.
Neurotoxin Effects on Nerves and Its Medical Uses
Injections of neurotoxins stop some chemical impulses coming from nerves, typically ones that make muscles contract. These injections are most frequently used to momentarily relax the facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead.
Injections of neurotoxins are also used to treat illnesses that impair bodily processes. Examples comprise:
- Dystonia in the neck. Your neck muscles contract uncontrollably in this excruciating disease, turning or twisting your head into an unpleasant posture.
- Lazy Eye. An imbalance in the muscles that position the eye is the most frequent cause of lazy eye.
- Contracting muscles. Your limbs may draw in toward your center if you have some neurological issues, such as cerebral palsy. In some circumstances, neurotoxin injections can calm these tense muscles.
- Hyperhidrosis. Even when it’s cool outside and you’re not working out, this condition causes profuse perspiration.
- Persistent migraine. Neurotoxin injections may help lessen headache frequency if you get migraines more than 15 days a month.
- Bladder impairment. Additionally, neurotoxin injections might lessen urine incontinence from an overactive bladder.
- An eye twitch. The muscles around the eye may stop contracting or twitching with neurotoxin injections.
Neurotoxins in Medical Aesthetics
Advancements in science allow medical professionals to use neurotoxins in a controlled manner to become beneficial. Specifically, neurotoxins in medical aesthetics are useful for treating wrinkles and fine lines.
By momentarily but effectively impeding some muscle movements, injectable neurotoxins, also known as neuromodulators, such as Botox®, Xeomin®, Dysport®, and Jeuveau®, are used to cure and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Without surgery or much recovery time, these products can keep your skin appearing younger and more refreshed.
Skin wrinkles become permanent as a result of repeated facial expressions. The underlying muscles are relaxed as these neurotoxins, which contain botulinum toxin A, are deliberately injected. As a result, lines and wrinkles in the treatment area lessen or even disappear for up to four months.
Neurotoxins come in a variety of brands, such as Botox®, Xeomin®, Dysport®, and Jeuveau®. The way they all relax wrinkles is the same. Achieving results, however, may require fewer or more injections depending on the slight differences the products have.
The Risks of Neurotoxins
Even though neurotoxins in medical aesthetics are generally safe, there are still a few risks. Injections of neurotoxins are usually safe when done by a qualified medical professional. Among the potential negative impacts and difficulties are the following:
- Bruising, pain, or swelling around the injection site
- Flu-like symptoms or a headache
- Eyelid drooping or arched eyebrows
- Drooling or a crooked smile
- Dry eyes or a lot of crying
Although highly improbable, the injection’s toxin can travel throughout your body. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these side effects hours to weeks after taking neurotoxin injections.
- Muscle tremor
- Vision issues
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Breathing difficulties
- Bladder control issues
In general, doctors advise against using neurotoxins when you are pregnant or nursing. Additionally, neurotoxins should not be administered to anyone with a cow’s milk protein allergy.
Rarely will this medication cause a severe allergic reaction? However, if you experience any significant adverse reaction symptoms, such as rash, severe dizziness, or breathing problems, you should get medical attention immediately.
Remember that a professional approves the use of this treatment because they believe it will benefit you more than harm you. Many users of this medication report no significant side effects.
What to Expect in a Neurotoxin Injection
It merely takes a few minutes to receive neurotoxin injections. There is no need for anesthetic. The practitioner gently injects neurotoxin into selected muscles using a tiny needle.
The full effects often take 7 to 14 days to manifest. Refraining from drinking at least one week before the surgery is highly advisable. To reduce the risk of bruising, you should cease taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs two weeks before treatment.
For 24 hours, refrain from rubbing the injection site to prevent the spreading of the neurotoxin to other areas. In addition, your doctor might advise that you take a day off from exercising and remain upright for 4 hours after the shots.
The results of neurotoxin will endure for three to six months. As muscular activity gradually increases, lines and wrinkles start to resurface and require further treatment. Because the muscles are shrinking over time, the lines and wrinkles frequently become less noticeable.
Get the Many Benefits of Neurotoxins with Bella Rose Aesthetics
Bella Rose Aesthetics offers the best neurotoxin treatments in Carmel, Indiana. We use neurotoxins to treat several aesthetic problems and even medical issues. Book a neurotoxin appointment or consult with Bella Rose Aesthetics by calling 317-349-3050 or emailing info@bellaroseaesthetics.com.
