Botulinum neurotoxin, formed by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, is the first microbial protein used for therapeutic purposes in humans.
Since the 1970s, Botox has found its use in many medical fields, from the treatment of various medical conditions to aesthetic applications.
What is Botox? How is Botox Applied?
Botox is a drug derived from a toxin produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. There are 7 alphabetically named neurotoxins (nerve cell poisons) produced by this bacterium, but only types A and B of these toxins have been used clinically in humans.
After Botox injection, the toxin binds to the nerve cell within approximately half an hour. In the ongoing process, Botox causes changes in the chemical properties of the nerve cell to which it binds and stops the nerve from functioning.
The release of the neurotransmitter substance called acetylcholine, which stimulates muscles through nerve cells, is blocked by botulinum toxin and causes temporary relaxation in muscles that cannot be stimulated by the nerve cell in that area.
1
Cervical Dystonia
In cervical dystonia, a painful condition, an abnormal posture position occurs due to involuntary contraction of the neck muscles. Botox applications can be beneficial in relaxing these muscles.
2
Lazy Eye
The eye muscles need to work in a coordinated manner for vision to function fully. In lazy eye, the harmony between these muscles is lost. Botox applications can regulate the harmony of the eye muscles.
3
Muscle Contracture
After changes in muscle cells or nerve cells that stimulate them, the muscles give an abnormal position to the joint in the area where the muscles are located is called contracture.
How is Botox Applied?
The standard dose of toxin used for Botox applications for cosmetic purposes is 20 units. There are different botox brands.
Botulinum toxin is injected directly into the relevant muscle area through the botox needle. In men, higher doses can be used in areas with high regional muscle density. In areas where muscle weakness is already present, lower doses of botox are preferred.
Botox is injected into 3-5 areas by the practitioner. No intervention should be made in that area within the first 2-3 hours after the injection, and the person who receives Botox should stand in an upright position for 3-4 hours during this period. The person who has undergone the application should not strain the muscles in the application area within the first 1-2 days and should rest. Care should be taken, especially in facial applications, as any application that will affect the muscles such as massage in the days following the application may cause the toxin to be released and affect other muscles.
Botox starts to show its effect within the first 4 days following the injection and reaches maximum effectiveness at the end of the 1st month. At the end of 3-4 months after the application, it starts to lose its effect.
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