Non-surgical wrinkle treatment, part 3: Is Botox® dangerous?

In the next installment of our series on non-surgical wrinkle treatment, we will be taking a closer look at Botox® in Baden-Baden, a very popular treatment option. Botulinum toxin has been well-established in the world of cosmetic medicine for a number of years now, and is the first thing many people think of when they think “effective wrinkle treatment”. But what is botulinum toxin anyway?   Is Botox® dangerous? This article explains what patients need to know when getting Botox® treatment.

What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a protein derived from certain kinds of bacteria. Just like the name “toxin” suggests, it is poisonous—in fact, botulinum toxin is the most toxic substance known to man. Botulinum toxin was first discovered through the condition of botulism, which people can get by eating spoiled food (the name comes from botulus, which is Latin for “sausage”). In the 1980s, doctors discovered that the neurotoxin had medical uses as well, and began using very small doses of it to treat neurological disorders involving overactive muscles.

Botox® for a more youthful face

In the plastic and cosmetic surgery world, Botox® is primarily known as an anti-ageing formula for both men and women. Over time, repetitive movements of the face muscles create expression lines that become visible, for example, when a person laughs or wrinkles their nose. Botox® treatment represents an effective non-surgical solution for anyone bothered by unattractive wrinkles. Specialists use a fine needle to inject the botulinum toxin formula into the treatment area, where it disrupts communication between the nerve to the exact muscle responsible for creating the wrinkle. Since the muscle cannot contract, the wrinkle cannot be activated, so the patient’s facial features smooth out and the Botox® treatment leaves him or her with a younger, fresher-looking face.

Additional uses for botulinum toxin

Low-dose botulinum toxin has been used in the medical world for years. Botox® is currently used to treat more than 200 conditions, such as migraines, tinnitus, muscle spasms, and crossed eyes. Botulinum toxin can also be used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) by controlling the excessive functioning of the sweat glands. Dentists use Botox® to treat bruxism, or involuntary teeth grinding, which can occur during the day or at night. Just as it does in wrinkle treatment, the botulinum toxin treats the bruxism by relaxing the muscles involved.

Are there risks involved in Botox® treatment?

Although risks and complications can never be ruled out completely for any cosmetic procedure, Botox® is a gentle, non-invasive therapy with none of the risks associated with surgery. Some patients experience mild swelling or redness following Botox® treatment, but they generally subside shortly thereafter. More serious complications, such as paralysis or numbness, are usually the result of imprecise application or incorrect dosages. Treatment with an experienced, specially trained expert in plastic and cosmetic surgery keeps such risks to an absolute minimum.

Conclusion: is Botox® dangerous?

In its pure form, botulinum toxin is a highly dangerous poison, but very low doses of it are used in many different branches of medicine. Although Botox® is a safe procedure, it requires an exceptional amount of specialist knowledge and many years of experience. Patients seeking Botox® treatment should choose a properly qualified doctor in order to avoid preventable risks or undesirable side effects. A reputable doctor will not only have specialist qualifications and plenty of experience, but will also offer a thorough consultation where he or she explains the procedure and any associated risks in great detail.

Botox® in Baden-Baden – from the experts at KASG Ästhetik

Are you troubled by expression lines that make you look older than you feel? Botox® in Baden-Baden can make your face look younger without altering your features. The team at KASG Ästhetik would be glad to advise you on the minimally invasive cosmetic options available to you. Just contact us to set up your non-binding consultation session. We look forward to hearing from you!