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The Effects of Botox

When you think of the word "Botox," what probably comes to mind is a cosmetic procedure that temporarily smooths out facial lines and wrinkles. The effects of Botox, however, are quite promising for medical conditions that are entirely unrelated to cosmetic appearance. When used in its correct dosage and for approved medical reasons, undesirable effects of Botox are rare. But Botox can still cause severe complications in a small number of patients.

  1. About Botox

    • Botox is derived from the Botulinum toxin type A bacteria that causes botulism, or food poisoning, although the type of toxin given to patients is both purified and given in extremely low dosages. Botox works by temporarily blocking or paralyzing the nerves in certain muscles, which results in less muscle activity. Botox is administered to patients through injections, which must be given by a doctor during an in-office procedure.

    Cosmetic Effects of Botox

    • When used to enhance cosmetic appearance, Botox injections relax the muscles in the face that cause wrinkles and worry lines, usually between the eyebrows, the wrinkles that extend from the eyes (crow's feet) and wrinkles in the forehead. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Botox for use on people between the ages of 18 and 65 for cosmetic purposes. According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers have determined that Botox can also be used to treat scars on the face as well; however, this method is still in its experimental stages and hasn't received approval from the FDA.

    Medical Effects

    • Botox injections are also used out of necessity to treat certain medical conditions, such as cervical dystonia (spasms in the neck), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating, usually on the palms, underarms and feet), and problems with the eye muscles that result in conditions such as strabismus and blepharospasm (abnormal eyelid spasms). Use of Botox to address excessive sweating is particularly promising; the toxin temporarily paralyzes the nerves that signal the sweat glands to produce perspiration. It should be noted, however, that the effects of Botox are only temporary. According to the Mayo Clinic, the effects of Botox can last between three to six months. Patients then require additional treatments after the effects of the initial injection wear off.

    Side Effects of Botox

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, Botox treatments are very safe when performed by an experienced doctor. Some side effects patients may note include pain, redness and bruising at and around the injection site, headache, flu-like symptoms, nausea, and when used for cosmetic purposes, temporary facial weakness.

    More Serious Effects of Botox

    • In rare cases, Botox can spread from the injection site to other parts of the body that are not being treated. In April 2009, the FDA announced that it would place "black box" (bold type) warnings on Botox and similar drugs alerting physicians and patients of this possibility. When the toxin spreads, serious complications, such as difficulty breathing and swallowing, can be experienced. However, the FDA notes that these serious side effects are noted in patients who receive Botox for unapproved medical conditions, such as patients with cerebral palsy.

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