Effects of using botulinum toxin and fillers on the face

Understand better some side effects that may occur and how to prevent them

Have you ever stopped to think about how these procedures, so common in aesthetic medicine, affect the body over time? Botulinum toxin, fillers, and biostimulants are widely used, and because they are advertised as minimally invasive, the possibility of adverse reactions is rarely considered, nor are there guidelines for addressing these potential reactions.

It was precisely this topic that doctors Érico Pampado Di Santis, Sérgio Henrique Hirata, Giulia Martins Di Santis and Samira Yarak researched for the scientific article that you can read in full at this link .

But, here we will develop some main points raised by the researchers.

How botulinum toxin works and possible side effects

Botulinum toxin (BT) comes from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. It has a high affinity for nerve cells and can bind to them, blocking the release of a substance called acetylcholine at muscle junctions. This causes the muscle to become paralyzed in a very specific way.

Overall, the side effects of TB are usually less severe than those of other materials used in cosmetic procedures. Some issues that can increase the risk of unwanted effects include:

• Product quality

• The type of solution used to dilute it

• The experience and knowledge of the professional who applies it

• The differences in the anatomy of each person's face.

  
  

The most common side effects are bruising, which is lighter than a hematoma, and the hematoma itself. Patients should be warned that, regardless of how fine the needle is, this can happen. Headaches and migraines are also possible, with pain particularly in the forehead.

The use and effects of fillers

It is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that defines biomaterials used for aesthetic purposes as dermal fillers or injectable implants for filling soft tissues, such as the nasolabial fold, cheekbones, lips and back of the hands.

Most post-procedure reactions with implants or injections are mild, resolve quickly, can be reversed, and are not serious. These reactions usually occur due to the body's response to the presence of the material, which causes short-term inflammation.

Bruising and hematoma are common after application, while edema and nodules are rarer. However, they generally disappear within seven days, and cold compresses are recommended to speed up the healing process.

However, these reactions don't just happen due to technical errors; they can also occur due to the body's immune system, which reacts in different ways, such as swelling, lumps, hard plaques, or even granulomatous reactions, which are a type of chronic inflammation.

The immune system can react for a number of reasons, such as the material itself being able to stimulate an immune response, or because it contains contaminated DNA that activates certain receptors in the body, leading to greater inflammation or even a hypersensitivity reaction.

Sometimes the material can act as a "stimulant" that increases the immune system's response, activating cells that cause more inflammation and, in some cases, leading to autoimmune or inflammatory diseases.

Furthermore, microorganisms such as bacteria can settle in the implant area, forming a type of "biofilm" that can persist for years after the procedure and be difficult to eliminate, and may even resist antibiotics.

In short, just because a procedure has become popular doesn't mean you're free from the possibility of side effects, so it's essential to look for qualified and trustworthy professionals. It's also important that these professionals maintain good hygiene, use reputable products, and thoroughly assess your health before starting any procedure.