Botulinum toxin is a neuro-toxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Some lesser known facts about botulinum toxin are that it causes Botulism which can cause respiratory failure and prove deadly. And just 1 gram of botulinum toxin could kill over one million people and two kilograms could kill the entire human population on the planet. Despite botulinum toxin being so toxic, Botox the anti-aging elixir is in huge demand. But, because botox can have deadly side effects in not carried out properly, always go to a trained practitioner to get a Botox shot.
How does Botox work?
2 of 5
Botox is injected into the skin in extremely small concentrations and works by preventing signals from the nerve cells reaching muscles. This paralyzes the muscles and stops them from contacting. And this, in turn, stops the formation of new wrinkles on the skin as well as smoothens light skin wrinkles. Botox basically prevents the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, preventing contraction of the muscle cells. Botox treatment should not be done if you are pregnant or lactating, or if you have had a previous allergic reaction to the drug or any of its ingredients.
Botulinum toxin is currently used to treat over 20 different medical conditions, apart from just reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
3 of 5
Botulinum toxin is currently approved for medical applications like spasm of the eyelids, severe neck and shoulder muscle spasms, chronic migraine, excessive sweating, crossed eyes, overactive bladder, and in helping control jerky muscle spasms in people who ve had strokes. This is because botox can control muscle contractions. Around one percent of people receiving Botox injections develop antibodies to the toxin that make subsequent treatments ineffective.
Botox can cause side effects.
4 of 5
Mild pain, fluid buildup and/or reddening of the skin at the injection site, as well as numbness, headaches and a feeling of not being well, nausea or muscle weakness can be the unpleasant side effects of cosmetic Botox treatment. Get medical help right away if you have problems swallowing, speaking or breathing any time after injection of Botox. You are at the highest risk if these problems are pre-existing before a Botox shot.
Anyone can take cosmetic Botox treatment.
5 of 5
If you have muscle or nerve conditions, such as ALS or Lou Gehrig s disease, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, you may be at increased risk of serious side effects including difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing from even normally used doses of Botox for reducing wrinkles. Don t take Botox if you plan to become pregnant as the toxin passes into breast milk.
Shield360 
Ask a Question
Book Appointment
Consult Online