In recent years botox, also known in medical jargon as botulinum toxin, is yet another of the newer treatments centred primarily on cosmetics. It has become popular with celebrities wanting to achieve that “plastic” look. It is the fastest growing cosmetic treatment, each year, with millions of doses injected into the faces of men and women the world over. Nigeria is no exception to these cosmetic trends as there are spas and stores that provide botox injections for clients in the country.
Botulinum toxin has been known for over a century and used for medical purposes for more than 50 years. Botox is best known as a wrinkle remover but it is also used to treat cervical dystonia, also called spasmodic torticollis – which is a painful knotting of neck muscles. Botox injections have been determined to be safe and effective when administered by skilled and knowledgeable injectors.
In a new botulinum toxin study from the University of Wisconsin in Madison shows that there could be negative health effects associated with the everyday practice. The study provides evidence that injected botulinum toxin, which is in popular drug botox, can actually jump between neurons and hit areas it was not intended to treat adding legitimacy to a fear that began when the product first hit the market.
Botox also restricts our facial expressions which can affect the way we display emotion. Spots in the neck where injection are given are very close to oesophagus and they can cause partial paralysis which can lead to swallowing problems.
Scientists who developed botox claim that they are aware of adverse reactions, stating that botox injections are relatively safe when performed by an experienced doctor. A common misconception is that Botox actually paralyses the muscles in the face. Although, this can happen with extreme amounts of Botox, most physicians strive to inject just the amount that allows the patient to have some limited activity but not so much that they have over-activity of the area
According to Dr. Peter Misra, of the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, side effects of treatment are ‘rare’ but he also cautions that growing use of botox means that more patients are potentially exposed to danger.
“Robust evidence for the action of botulinum toxin on sensory neurones is lacking,” the London based consultant says in the British Medical Journal today. In this atmosphere of “Botox parties where champagne sipping socialites are injected with botulinum toxin, it is easy to forget that botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin, and that its very long-term effects are still unknown,” he said.
Specialists have advised that botox must be used only under a doctor’s care. It is important that injections be placed precisely in order to avoid side effects. Botox therapy can be dangerous if it is administered incorrectly. For those who are fans of botox injections, a skilled and properly certified doctor can advise you on the procedure and help determine if it best suits your needs and health.
Sammy Adaba
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