Botox is the brand name for the drug Botulinum toxin. Other registered brand names in the European market for Botulinum toxin are Dysport and Azalure. Another brand is likely to enter the market soon, namely Xenomin. All of these drugs can be used safely and fall under very strict laws applicable to medications.
Many taboos still rest on the drug Botox. Using some common questions in my own practice, I want to give you more insight into this resource.
Isn’t Botox harmful to me, it’s a poison, right?
This is true, but does not apply to concentrations used to treat wrinkles or excessive sweating.
The first basic principle of toxicology (knowledge of poisons) is that virtually any substance, present in excess, can be harmful. Dose sola facit venenum (only quantity makes the poison) said Paracelsus back in the 16th century. As a result, every toxic substance has a threshold value at which no adverse effect on the organism is yet demonstrable. For example, paracetamol, which almost every Dutch person has used at one time or another for fever, headache or other pain, can also have a toxic effect on the liver in high concentrations.
Isn’t Botox harmful in the long run?
In 1968, Alan B. Scott conducted animal experiments to test the potential of botulinum A as a medicine. In 1989, Botulin A was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use in the US for strabismus (squinting) and various local muscle spasms. Use of botulinum A for cosmetic purposes was authorized in 2002. Thus, there has been a long experience with the drug and to date, no harmful long-term effects have been reported when using Botox for cosmetic or medical purposes. The drug can even be safely used in children suffering from the conditions described above.
Isn’t there a danger that if I stop Botox my wrinkles will come back worse than before?
On the contrary. Botox is the ideal remedy for preventing wrinkles. Because the area treated with Botox has been inactive for a few months, the skin has been able to recover nicely. Moreover, you also did not make the wrinkles deeper by not using those muscles for a while. Also, by now you may have somewhat forgotten how to use that muscle. The frown is a good example. After your frown has been inactive for a period of time, you will naturally frown a lot less.
Doesn’t Botox give me an expressionless face like certain Dutch celebrities?
Without going into the individuals in question: it usually involves Botox in the wrong areas, for example, around the mouth. These are the muscles, which one uses when speaking; if you shut them down with Botox, one gets the infamous “poker face effect.” The artificial, bloated face is wrongly associated with Botox. This is usually due to the use of too many wrinkle fillers.
So are there no drawbacks to the drug Botox at all?
Botox wears off the first time after 3-4 months. If you use the remedy longer, you will have results for 4-9 months. So it does mean that you need to be treated with the drug more often. Carefully consider beforehand whether it is financially feasible, because coming in once for a shot of Botox makes no sense. You then get used to the beautiful result and it is annoying if you cannot continue the treatment.
Bart Biermans (physician at The Body Clinic)
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