Botox

Broadly speaking, there are two different applications for botox: the cosmetic (focused on appearance) and the medical (focused on treating conditions). Botox is short for botulinum toxin, a toxin that affects the nervous system. It is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Cosmetic application

Cosmetic doctors use botox to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It is injected into certain muscles in the face to cause muscle paralysis. This leads to smoother, younger-looking skin. The results of cosmetic botox treatments are usually temporary. The effects generally last 3 to 6 months.

Medical application

Rehabilitation physicians, neurologists, and other medical specialists use botox injections for very different purposes. For example, for the treatment of:

• Spasticity. Botox reduces severe muscle spasms and thus (the consequences of) excessive muscle tone, which is useful in conditions such as cerebral palsy (CP) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Severe, recurring headache (migraine). Injections with botox reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks.
• Excessive sweating. Treatment with botox reduces excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of glands in, for example, the armpits, hands, feet, or other body parts.
• Bladder problems. Botox reduces symptoms resulting from an overactive bladder.

Effect of the treatment

The effect of a medical botox treatment depends on the condition. In spasticity, the effect can last for months to even a year. In migraine, a treatment can provide relief for about 3 months. Multiple treatments are often needed to maintain a good result.

Administration

Botox is administered via injections into the muscle(s). This usually takes place on an outpatient basis by a doctor. Possible side effects of botox treatments are mild and temporary, such as temporary muscle weakness or pain at the injection site.

Not everyone can receive a botox injection. This applies, for example, to people who are oversensitive (allergic) to one or more of the ingredients of the drug. Caution is also advised during pregnancy and in certain nerve diseases. The doctor will take this into account.