How Does Botulinum Toxin Work? Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. This occurs as follows: a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine is released from the neurons, which is received by the muscle receptors. However, botulinum toxin occupies these receptors, and the signal does not reach the muscle, leading to its relaxation. This process is reversible, and over time, the ability to contract the muscle is restored. The restoration of nerve impulse transmission occurs gradually as new "daughter" nerve endings form new connections with the muscles. What Can Interfere with the Action of Botox or Shorten Its Duration? There are external and internal reasons. External: External Reasons: - Short (less than 4 months) intervals between botulinum therapy procedures — the body may start to produce antibodies. - Sports activities — on one hand, athletes have stronger muscles (even on the forehead!), requiring larger doses. On the other hand, workouts enhance blood circulation and metabolism, leading to a quicker restoration of neural connections. - Visiting saunas and baths — heating also increases blood supply and metabolism. - Small doses of the drug last for a shorter time. For example, if a patient wants their forehead to be "frozen" not at 100% but at 80%, allowing some movement, they should be prepared for it to "thaw" faster. - Improper storage of the drug — "Botox" and "Dysport" should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2–8 °C. "Xeomin" can be stored at room temperature, but not above 25 °C. Additionally, all drugs, except for "Myotox," are diluted with saline, and the resulting solution must be used quickly: "Botox" within a day, "Dysport" — within 8 hours. Sometimes, doctors do not adhere to these requirements. - Technical errors by the doctor — incorrect dosage selection, wrong injection point (the wrong muscle was relaxed). Internal Reasons: - Fast metabolism — a high metabolic rate leads to quicker recovery of nerve endings. - Genetic resistance — occurs in about 1% of people worldwide, most often in men. To determine if the cause is genetic, one can take a genetic test. - Botulism — a severe (possibly fatal) food poisoning that can occur from consuming fish, mushroom and vegetable preserves, and sausages. During the illness, the patient is administered an anti-botulinum serum, and the body produces antibodies to botulinum toxin. Additionally, botulism vaccinations were previously given in the army in the USSR (and are now given to those traveling to certain exotic countries). What Procedures Can Shorten the Action of the Toxin? Any procedures that improve blood circulation and metabolism: plasma lifting, vascular mesotherapy, microcurrents, ozone therapy, laser resurfacing, and medium peels, electromyostimulation. If you are going to a cosmetologist, the general rule for procedures is as follows: anything that leads to skin heating should be done before the injection of Botox. Otherwise, there is a risk that it will not work.
