Here is a study which, failing to cheer up Botox lovers, may worry them a little. According to a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the botox injected into the face to fill in the wrinkles would end up in the brain or even in the spinal cord. Injected into facial wrinkles by cosmetic surgeons, the botulinum toxin would in fact migrate through the nerves to the central nervous system.
There is nothing to be alarmed about
To reach this conclusion, the scientists used an advanced electron microscopy technique, which allowed them to follow the path of botox through the body. In a video from the University of Queensland, Frédéric Meunier, co-author of the study, explains that “some of these toxins are transported to the central nervous system of the brain.” And if the team of researchers is so interested in it, “it is because harmful viruses use very similar routes, in particular the West Nile virus or rabies”, explains Frédéric Meunier. “This research could lead to new treatments to fight these diseases.”
So far, scientists don’t seem alarmist about the potential dangers botulinum toxin in the brain and spinal cord, although it is also not known to be safe. It depends in particular on the doses of the product likely to be found in the brain.
“Botox is a safe treatment, which has been used for over 20 years, assures Frédéric Meunier.” It does not cause any side effects, apart from local paralysis, and is a fantastic drug to treat diseases causing hyperactivity muscular.”
Authorized in France since 2003, the injection of botox induces a targeted paralysis of the muscles of the face, which reduces wrinkles. It must be renewed every six months for the effects to persist.
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