While botox has evolved into one of the trendiest type of cosmetic treatments around, few in the general public know how botox works. Realizing how botox works is critical so as to realize what to expect from the treatment as well as the length of effect.
Botox is a protein derived from Clostridium Botulinum bacteria. Botox works by selectively
paralyzing muscles into which the toxin is injected.
Therefore for cosmetic use, botox functions by selectively relaxing hyperactive muscles that cause frown lines. This causes skin creases linked with these hyperactive facial muscles to become less noticeable or to soften while under the consequences of botox. In some studies, patients spotted a change in appearance 2 weeks after injection of botox. Within 4 weeks of treatment, patients reported looking 3 years younger.
There are several different classes of Botulinum Toxin (A-G), with types An and B being the only types in clinical use.
The normal process of muscle activation
Muscles are turned on by impulses transmitted by nerves. The nerve fixes to a muscle in what is commonly known as a “neuro-muscular junction”. The end of the nerve near to the muscle is stuffed with small vesicles or “bubbles” crammed with a substance called acetylcholine. When the electrical impulse reaches the end of the nerve, these vesicles are released from the nerve ending, and acetylcholine is released into the space between the muscle and the nerve and then travel across the synapse to bind to receptors on the muscle. Once the acetylcholine binds to the receptors on the muscles, this initiates a chemical reaction which triggers the muscles to turn on.
How botox effects the neuromuscular junction
Botox impedes the release of acetylcholine from the nerve endings. Botox proteins bind to the nerve ending and at last bind to the vesicles containing acetylcholine. Eventually Botox interrupts with the process of the release of acetylcholine into the neuromuscular junction. It does this by cleaving proteins needed for binding and release of vesicles (SNAP-25 protein).
It normally takes about 24-48 hours until the effect of the chemical denervation begin.
How Muscles Recover After Botox Injection
Recovery from botulinum toxin occurs routinely inside 3-6 months. The recovery occurs usually by another nerve ending sprouting to replace the nerve ending which is effected by the botox. The original nerve ending finally recovers with time and the new sprouts wither away. It was once thought that this was the sole of recovery from botox treatment. Nonetheless it is now accepted that the initial nerve ending effected by botulinum toxin does eventually recover. After recovery of the initial nerve ending, the new nerve ending sprouts finally die away.
The recovery of botulinum toxin in glandular tissue takes more time. The action of botox on glands normally recedes in 6-9 months.
Botox is a registered trademark of Allergan. Botox injections should be undertaken by correctly qualified medical staff and after obtaining informed consent. BotoxTelAviv offers botox injections in the Tel Aviv area.
