In the struggle for youth and beauty, women show fearlessness, which sometimes borders on insanity. They easily agree to numerous beauty treatments, completely not thinking about the health effects. Even seemingly harmless injections of hyaluronic acid can lead to tissue necrosis and blindness. Botox may be even more dangerous. For and against injections are various experts. So far they have not managed to come to a consensus.
Botulinum toxin
Poisons from antiquity are of great interest to humans. Often, with their help, a story was made. In the modern world, one of the most dangerous poisons on the planet is used to preserve female beauty. A drug made on its basis is called Botox. For and against the use of this tool are many scientists. And it seems that they will argue for a long time.
Cases of meat poisoning, which ended in death, were often recorded by doctors of the Roman Empire. They began to study this phenomenon in more detail in the 19th century. The German professor von Kerner, who was treating the sick and doing an autopsy, could not find a cure for the mysterious disease. He came to the conclusion that the only reliable way to solve the problem is the prevention and heat treatment of meat food.
By the end of the 19th century, a bacteriologist from Belgium van Ermengem became interested in the issue. After numerous studies, he found that the cause of death is muscle paralysis, which causes respiratory arrest. The scientist realized that he was dealing with the most deadly of all toxins known at that time, which could only form in an oxygen-free environment. For example, in canned meat, which underwent insufficient heat treatment. The microbe that produces it is called Bacillus botulinum, which is translated from Latin as “sausage”.
Only in the 50s of the last century was it possible to "tame" the poison. Animal experiments have shown that the local use of the toxin eliminates strabismus in animals. And despite the fact that the opinions of experts for and against Botox were divided, in 1989 its use for the treatment of blepharospasm and strabismus was approved. Later, with his help, migraine began to be treated.
The cosmetic effect of the poison was discovered by chance. A woman treated with strabismus with his help noticed that her face began to look much younger. Since then, cosmetologists have begun to use the toxin. Although officially the use of Botox injections against facial wrinkles was approved only in 2002.
Types of Cosmetic Botulinum Toxins
Botulinum toxin is the most complex of all proteins that a living organism can synthesize. This substance is odorless, tasteless and colorless. He has no equal. For example, the most toxic of all artificially synthesized substances is 70 thousand times weaker than botulinum toxin. Man failed to produce something more dangerous for a living organism. This was done for him by nature and created the most toxic of all known poisons. That is why the opinions for and against Botox are divided. Many scientists believe that the risk of side effects is too great.
There are several types of toxin. Type D is considered the most dangerous, but it is not used in cosmetology. Type A has a slightly lower toxicity, but it boasts a longer duration, therefore it is used to combat wrinkles.
The most effective drugs used in cosmetology:
- Botox The drug is produced in the United States by the pharmacological giant Allergan. This is one of the most popular products on the cosmetic market.
- Disport Allergan's primary competitor is also trusted by cosmetologists and patients.
- Xeomin. The manufacturers are the well-known German company Merz Aesthetics. It also produces one of the most popular Vitamins for Women, the Merz Special Dragee.
- Lantox. Chinese drug manufacturer has all the necessary licenses and certificates.
Several years ago, a type B toxin began to be used in medicine, and experiments were also conducted with other species. For example, scientists are seriously interested in toxins of type C and F.
The effect of the procedure on the skin
Injections of the drug are performed in the area of hyperactive muscles. The toxin blocks the nerve transmitting impulses. As a result, the muscle relaxes and wrinkles on the skin are smoothed.
Most cosmetologists favor Botox injections. Some doctors and scientists are against. The fact is that an incorrectly selected dose can harm the client. Not all modern cosmetologists are qualified to accurately calculate the number of units that a patient needs. This largely depends on muscle activity. The amount of drug required for the procedure can vary from 100 to 350 units.
It is believed that Botox anti-wrinkle can be used for women aged 18 to 65 years. The beauty industry is trying to convince young girls that early injections will protect them from the formation of creases on the skin in the future. Despite this, the average age of patients starting to use botulinum toxin is 30-35 years.
The procedure does not take much time. During a visual examination, the cosmetologist determines the severity of facial wrinkles of the patient. Then an anamnesis is collected, which allows you to identify possible contraindications.
After removing makeup, the skin is treated with an antiseptic. For the introduction of the drug uses the thinnest needle. Due to this, the procedure is often performed without pain relief. Depending on the situation, the drug may be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously.
Immediately after applying Botox against wrinkles, the patient can feel a feeling of heaviness in the muscles. It usually goes away within a few minutes. The first effect of drug administration will be noticeable on the third day after the procedure, and the maximum effect will manifest itself within two weeks. The result must be maintained for at least six months.
Indications
In the dispute for and against Botox, each side has its own arguments. Some experts claim that injections are dangerous - the toxin can accumulate in the body and lead to death. Others say that the procedure uses so little poison that it is unable to significantly harm health.
Until a point has been set in this dispute, injections must be treated with caution. To reduce possible risks, do not abuse the procedures. It is recommended to use the drug only in case of real need.
Indications for the procedure:
- Eyebrow wrinkles.
- Asymmetrical by nature face.
- Goose Feet.
- Wrinkles on the neck.
- Correction of facial expressions.
- Hyperhidrosis.
- Mimic wrinkles on the forehead.
- Ptosis of the upper eyelid.
- Chewing muscle hypertrophy.
Contraindications
Beauty workers do not get tired of praising botulinum toxin injections and convincing them of their safety. Despite this, there are quite a few contraindications for administering the drug. It is necessary to refuse the procedure in the following cases:
- Various lesions of the muscular system. The use of botulinum toxin in such cases is strictly prohibited.
- Poor blood coagulation.
- Hernia on the upper eyelids. The procedure can provoke edema, which will only aggravate the situation.
- Allergy to botulinum toxin. It is extremely rare. Nevertheless, the condition is very dangerous, so allergy sufferers should well weigh the pros and cons of Botox. Experts in such cases recommend taking antihistamines before the procedure.
- Moles, papillomas, or wounds in the injection area.
- Gravity ptosis. Injections can enhance the prolapse of stretched and weakened tissues. This will distort the face even worse.
- Infectious or inflammatory diseases. For example, a cold or flu.
- Very low vision. Your doctor may only allow injections in areas that are far from your eyes.
- Pathology of the lungs.
- Pregnancy and lactation. Microdoses of the toxin should not harm the fetus. But to say exactly how a woman’s skin will react to the introduction of the drug during this period, not a single specialist can. We must not forget that injections are not recommended even during critical days, and hormonal surges during pregnancy and lactation can cause a negative skin reaction to the use of the drug.
- Diseases of the endocrine system.
Myths about the procedure
Preserving beauty and youth for a long time is the dream of every woman, but you should not risk your health for this. In the vast majority of cases, the procedure really goes without complications, but fatal outcomes were recorded.
Listing the arguments for and against Botox for the face, it is necessary to separate the medical facts and myths associated with this drug. The most common fabrications include the following:
- Injections are forbidden to do in the summer. This is not true. It is possible that this myth arose by analogy with peelings, which really should not be performed during the period of activity of the sun's rays. After injections, you can not visit the sauna, bathhouse, apply warming masks and perform any other thermal manipulations with the skin. All this will contribute to the rapid elimination of the drug, but the summer period is not a contraindication for the procedure.
- Incompatibility with alcohol. Perhaps the myth was created by the fact that in a test tube, alcohol decomposed and deactivated the toxin. In the human body this does not happen. And it is unlikely that a self-respecting woman will get drunk to an insane state immediately after the procedure. Refrain from alcohol during the day is necessary after any anti-aging procedure.
- Injections cause terrible pain. Another statement that is not true. Most patients calmly withstand the procedure even without pain relief. In case of emergency, the doctor uses an anesthetic cream. But the pain can significantly increase if you carry out the procedure during menstruation. Therefore, injections are not recommended during critical days. In addition, during this period it is difficult to predict the skin reaction to the drug.
Threat to beauty, health and life
Numerous health problems can threaten Botox fans. The drug can even kill, and, unfortunately, several dozen deaths have already been recorded. But for some reason it’s not customary to talk about this at a cosmetologist’s appointment. Who cares about such problems? The main thing is that the patient will get a face without wrinkles, and the employee of the beauty industry has a good income.
A woman should decide on the procedure only if she has become familiar with all the pros and cons of Botox injections. But in the event that the potential patient is aware of all the possible risks, the number of customers who want to inject poison into the skin will significantly decrease.
After the injection, those areas of the face that have not received the toxin will work with greater load. This can lead to spasm and asymmetry. Doubts are also caused by the possibility of using the drug in the mouth. Wrinkles are smoothed out, but eating and drinking will become much more difficult.
There are studies that suggest that with frequent use, poison can accumulate in the body, and since botulinum toxin is injected into the muscles of the face, the brain is an increased area of damage. The long-term effect of the use of this poison in cosmetology has not yet been studied.
Botox fans are convinced that injections can prolong youth. At the same time, cosmetologists withhold the fact that injections can cause premature aging. If a muscle does not contract, its blood supply and lymph flow are impaired. Oxygen and nutrients are not able to reach the skin, and toxins and other metabolic products are not removed from the tissues. All this provokes withering of the skin at the injection site.
When deciding for or against Botox, it is necessary to remember that injections have already killed several dozen people. They died due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles immediately after the procedure, and although such cases are very rare, they still happen. Is it worth risking one's life in order to eliminate a wrinkle for only six months, each woman must decide for herself.
Botox for hair
Not so long ago, a new service called “Botox for Hair” appeared in beauty salons. In fact, the procedure has nothing to do with a dangerous toxin. This is just a fashionable name whose sole purpose is to attract customers.
The essence of the procedure is to apply a special vitamin serum to the curls, which makes them smoother, heavier, shiny and elastic. Hair after application of a professional preparation takes on a healthy and well-groomed appearance. The serum is applied to the strands, and not injected into the skin.
Indications for the procedure:
- The cross section of the tips.
- Dry and brittle hair.
- Lack of volume.
- Dropping out.
- Dull and lifeless hair.
- Curls that do not give in to styling.
- Getting rid of yellowness.
The serum contains an organic molecule, intrasilane. It is able to penetrate the hair shaft and maintain its stability. In addition to the molecule, serum contains keratin, aloe vera and green tea extract, Brazil nut oil, baobab, monoi and argan.
Advantages and disadvantages
The effect of using Botox for hair is immediately noticeable. Curls acquire shine, mirror smoothness, a healthy and well-groomed appearance. In addition, styling takes much less time, as the hair becomes more obedient. Fragility and dryness go away. The effect lasts for 10 weeks.
Sometimes hair returns to its original state much faster. It depends on how often a woman washes her hair. The condition of the curls may worsen after two to three weeks. Most often this happens with oily hair, but only if the woman is forced to wash it daily.
Weighing the pros and cons of Botox for hair, you must consider the following disadvantages of the procedure:
- High price. The price of one procedure can be 6 thousand rubles.
- After washing the drug, the hair returns to its original state. That is, this procedure improves the appearance more than heals.
- Contraindicated during breastfeeding and pregnancy.
- Too often, the use of Botox for hair leads to brittleness and thinning, so there should be breaks between procedures.
- Botox for hair should not be done after dyeing or perming.
- The use of the drug can cause the development of a strong allergic reaction.
- The procedure can provoke the appearance of dandruff, itching, rash on the head and face.
Reviews
Despite the danger of using the toxin for cosmetic purposes, most girls believe in its safety and favor Botox for the face. Reviews against the procedure are written much less frequently. This is not surprising. Not every person who has been mutilated or injured in his health is eager to talk about this on the Internet and display his photographs.
In the event that the patient managed to avoid complications and side effects, most likely, she will be quite the result of the injection. Wrinkles are really smoothed and the face becomes five or even ten years younger.
To find reviews of those women who regularly put Botox for 10 or 15 years is almost impossible. This means that it is impossible to evaluate the long-term effect of the procedure. It is possible that for some time a woman will really look much younger than her peers who prefer masks with cucumber, but a prolonged disturbance of blood circulation in the muscles and a deterioration in the nutrition of the dermis will in any case lead to its early withering. And in this case, Botox will not be able to save the situation.
Reading numerous reviews of the pros and cons of Botox, you can gather a lot of useful information, but you must remember that a person expresses only his subjective opinion. In addition, many positive reviews are custom-made and very well paid. The beauty industry brings a lot of money to its owners, so botulinum toxin manufacturers prefer to praise their product and carefully hide all the risks associated with it.