Are Botox Injections Safe?
What is Botox made of?
Botox is one brand name for botulinum toxin, which is a neurotoxin produced by clostridium botulinum bacteria. It works by blocking nerve signals to chosen muscles so that they do not contract. Therefore there is less movement in that chosen area and the appearance of lines is reduced.
But is it dangerous to introduce this toxin into my body?
In its purified form, this substance is very safe. Small volumes are injected into specific muscles, so the amount entering the bloodstream is minimal. Once the target has been reached, the substance degrades within the muscle cell. Any free circulating molecules will be cleared away by the lymphatic circulation. The visual results last for approximately three months.
How long has it been used for?
The medication was originally used to treat misalignment of the eye, strabismus, in the early 1980s, then was utilised by cosmetic doctors in the 1990s. Botulinum toxin was licensed by the FDA in America for cosmetic purposes in 2002. Now an estimated 900,000 botulinum toxin injections are carried out in the UK each year.
Are side effects common?
Adverse events are uncommon, usually occur within a few days of treatment and are expected to be temporary, usually resolving spontaneously within weeks. Examples of side effects are bruising, brow ptosis (heavy brows), and headaches.
Book a consultation
If you think this is a treatment you may be interested in, please message Registered Nurse Laura through the “Contact” page to book a no-pressure consultation.
