What You Need to Know About Botulinum Toxin Injections

A Brief History Of Botulinum Toxin Injections
Botulinum toxin is a purified substance, which is derived from bacteria and injected into muscles to block nerve signals. The active ingredient of wrinkle-relaxing injections, this molecule is used for softening fine lines and wrinkles, as well as stopping excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), but this has only occurred in recent decades.

In 1987, a Canadian ophthalmologist from Vancouver, called Jean Carruthers, started using botulinum toxin to help her patients control their eye spasms. Coincidentally, these patients then realised that their frown lines had reduced, too! It was then that Jean suspected that she had stumbled upon a new treatment method. To further test this theory, she injected herself with the same botulinum toxin solution, which confirmed her suspicions.

Fun fact! Jean herself complimented my treatment results back in 2001 and it was lovely to be acknowledged by such a well-known figure.

It’s strange to think that such a well-known treatment was originally nothing more than an accident, but botulinum toxin injections have been transforming lives for years and the aesthetics industry would not be what it is today without them.

That being said, you might be left with a burning question – what do these injections do?

How Botulinum Toxin Works
Botulinum toxin injections are administered into muscles, which, as you may already know, work in pairs. When one becomes shorter, the other becomes longer, allowing you to perform movements.

When introduced to muscles, the toxin will bind to nerve endings, release acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) and prevent them from sending signals to these specific muscles, which will stop them from contracting for several months at a time.

This lack of contraction is what enables facial muscles to soften. It takes an experienced and talented injector to ensure only the desired muscle is treated and that others are not affected. Many often worry about botulinum toxin staying in the body but the truth of the matter is that this substance only actually remains in for a few hours, but it can take a few weeks for patients to see the full results of their treatment.

Movement in the treated muscle doesn’t return because the toxin is wearing off per se, it’s because the body produces new nerve endings as part of the many regenerative actions that occur naturally. These new nerve endings haven’t been exposed to botulinum toxin injections and are therefore able to send signals to the muscle again, which gradually restores movement.

What Else Can Botulinum Toxin Be Used For?

When it comes to treating conditions such as excessive sweating, it’s a little bit different as sweat comes from our skin and not our muscles. However, the basic concept remains the same. The nervous system is what causes your sweat glands to start working as soon as your body temperature rises in an attempt to cool you down, but after having botulinum toxin injections in your armpits, these signals become blocked. Sadly, for those with hyperhidrosis, they may sweat excessively at any time, even when they’re not particularly warm. However, it is important to consider other options before seeking treatment.

If you find yourself dealing with excessive sweating, I suggest making the following changes:

Wear loose-fitting clothing
Avoid triggers, such as spicy food
Try to avoid stressful situations
Try some mindfulness exercises to reduce anxiety

If you’re still plagued with excessive sweating or another concern that you feel might be remedied through the use of such injections, it’s of the utmost importance that you find a safe and reputable practitioner who understands your needs and how they can help you.

If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together some Who should you trust to do your botox?, What areas can be treated with botox?, botulinum toxin, fine lines and wrinkles, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) treatment FAQs just for you.

If you have more questions, you can use the botulinum toxin, fine lines and wrinkles, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) treatment questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts.

If you're keen to get started with any of these treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited botulinum toxin, fine lines and wrinkles, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) clinics in your area.

Many thanks to the author of this blog Clare McLoughlin who founded Appearance Based Medicine in 2004, driven by a desire to provide advanced facial rejuvenation solutions and aesthetic treatments to patients in Marlow, Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas.

People choose Appearance Based Medicine because of the top-quality and personable service that they receive, and always leave the clinic with a welcome boost to both their inner confidence and outer radiance.

Call Clare McLoughlin now on 01628 303 020 or visit www.ab-med.co.uk

What You Need to Know About Botulinum Toxin Injections

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