Botox is a substance widely known for its use in the area of facial aesthetics, but do you know what exactly botox is? In this article, we will explain everything about this substance, how it works and how it can be used.

What is botox?

Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a protein produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. This substance is capable of temporarily paralyzing muscles, which makes it a powerful ally in the treatment of wrinkles and expression lines.

How does botox work?

When injected in small amounts, botox works by blocking the nerve signals that control muscle contraction. This causes the muscles to relax, smoothing wrinkles and expression lines in the treated area.

It is important to highlight that the effect of botox is not permanent. It lasts an average of three to six months, depending on each individual's body.

What is botox for?

Botox has several applications beyond facial aesthetics. It is used to treat different medical conditions, such as:

• Hyperhidrosis: is the name given to excessive sweating and can be treated by applying botox to certain areas of the body.
• Blepharospasm: condition in which a person experiences involuntary contractions of the muscles around the eyes. Botox can be applied to alleviate these symptoms.
• Strabismus: When there is a misalignment in the eyes, Botox can be used to relax the muscles and improve alignment.

Botox treatment procedure

The Botox application procedure is relatively simple and quick. The specialized professional will carry out a prior assessment, analyzing the area to be treated and defining the appropriate doses.

Botox will then be injected directly into the target muscles using a fine needle. The patient may feel slight discomfort during the application, but the procedure is well tolerated in most cases.

After application, it is recommended to avoid lying down for at least four hours, so that the substance does not migrate to unwanted areas.

Care after treatment

After botox treatment, the patient must follow some recommendations to ensure the effectiveness of the procedure:

• Avoid intense physical exercise in the first 24 hours;
• Wait two hours to wash your face after application;
• Do not lie down for the first four hours after application.

Contraindications and side effects

Although it is a safe treatment, Botox has some contraindications and possible side effects, such as:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using botox;
• People who are allergic to egg protein or botulinum toxin should not use this substance;
• Possible side effects include pain at the application site, bruising, redness and temporary muscle weakness.

It is essential to consult a specialized professional before starting any Botox treatment, so that they can assess your health and recommend the best approach.

Conclusion

Botox is a versatile and effective substance for treating wrinkles, expression lines and various medical conditions. Its use must be carried out with professional supervision and respecting appropriate doses, thus guaranteeing satisfactory results and safety for the patient.