Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When given orally in large amounts, it blocks nerve signals from the brain to the muscle, causing generalized paralysis called botulism. However, by injection, in very small amounts, into a specific facial muscle, only the impulse that guides this muscle will be blocked, causing local relaxation. In this way, botulinum toxin acts as a blockade of the underlying musculature of unwanted lines.

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Treatment involves injecting very small amounts into underlying muscles to immobilize them. Current therapy is well tolerated, rapid, and recovery is minimal. Some side effects remain for about three to seven days after the procedure. The toxin starts to take effect seven to 14 days later and this effect lasts for about three to six months until it gradually disappears, while muscle action returns. With applications at regular intervals, the muscle may weaken and, therefore, applications will last longer.

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Side effects are minimal and are related to the local injection. Pain or swelling may develop around the injection site. Makeup can be used after the treatment, but care must be taken not to press or massage the area within a few hours of the procedure. In rare cases, patients may develop temporary weakness of neighboring muscles, or headache, or a drooping eyebrow and/or eyelid, also temporarily.

Recommendation

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Botulinum toxin is indicated to soften expression lines and deep wrinkles. For example, the vertical lines between the eyebrows; crow's feet in the corners of the eyes; horizontal lines on the forehead and in the bands of the platysma muscle, known as the turkey neck.

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It is also used for the repositioning of the eyebrows: the muscle is weakened and relaxed, so as not to contract. This treatment prevents new wrinkles from forming. Some muscles cannot be treated as they perform important functions in a person's natural expression. This is the case of the muscle that raises the eyebrows and the muscles of the smile line, since they are necessary for the expressions of this region and even for eating.

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Excessive sweating can be relieved with highly diluted injections of botulinum toxin, directly into the skin of the armpits or into the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. There is paralysis of the sweat glands of the skin that are responsible for excessive sweating. A single treatment session can provide months of relief, and experts believe the injections can be repeated indefinitely, once or twice a year.