The third episode of the Smart Aging podcast: Soul

The second episode of the Smart Aging podcast: Body

The first episode of the Smart Aging podcast: Mind

We have examined what science says about it and whether it is worth using fast-food-like solutions associated with significant risks to extend our youthful appearance.&nbsp;
It is worth knowing that botulinum toxin type A, also known as sausage poison, was invented by a Belgian scientist in 1897 and isolated in 1944 at the US biological weapons research center in Fort Detrick. It belongs to neurotoxins and is produced by strictly anaerobic bacteria called Clostridium botulinum and a few other representatives of the Clostridium genus. Depending on the dosage, this substance can be highly toxic to the human body, causing muscle paralysis due to the disruption of acetylcholine secretion. Let's take a closer look.
Botox, the muscle-paralyzing neurotoxin Scientific studies published in journals such as the Journal of Neuroscience have shown that injections of botulinum toxin lead to significant disruptions in the functioning of healthy muscles. Researchers have found that paralyzed muscles contract and atrophy instead of returning to their normal state after the toxin's effects wear off, as previously believed. There is a substantial body of research confirming this hypothesis.
Among the complications identified in a literature review conducted by Omprakash et al., dysphagia, botulism, and breathing problems resulting from the potential spread of the drug in the body were found. Ward et al. indicated that injections of botulinum toxin lead to a decrease in contractile function in the injected muscle, contributing to asthenia and muscle weakness, which have been confirmed by numerous clinical studies.
Authors Varghese-Kroll E, Elovic EP confirmed the thesis that one of the most common severe side effects of botulinum toxin is muscle weakness. This can affect both the injected muscles and adjacent muscles or manifest as general muscle weakness. This broad range of symptoms related to muscle weakness or paralysis, dysarthria, dysphonia, dysphagia, and ultimately respiratory arrest is known as botulism. It depends on the dosage and results from the diffusion of botulinum toxin from the injected muscles to neighboring muscles. Interestingly, botulism poisoning can occur even several years after continued injections. The toxic effects of botulinum toxin usually appear at the 10th or 11th injection after previous uncomplicated injections. Clinical symptoms of botulism occur from 0 to 36 days after injection, mainly between the 2nd and 6th day.
Allergic reactions, visual disturbances, and other side effects Another independent study published by Advances in Dermatology and Allergology in 2020 by Witmanowski H, Błochowiak K, not only identified serious side effects following the use of botulinum toxin, including dysphagia and muscle weakness but also allergic reactions. These symptoms include a wide range from swelling, localized erythema or redness at the injection site, extensive erythema, systemic urticaria, to anaphylactic shock. Authors Roy D and Sadick NS confirmed the link between the absorption of small amounts of botulinum toxin into the bloodstream and its systemic effects. In addition to the general mechanism of diffusion, another source of serious side effects is anaphylactic shock due to the chemical structure of the toxin, causing hypersensitivity. Repeated injections may increase pathological innervation, leading to exacerbation of local symptoms and ultimately muscle fibrosis.
Researchers have also confirmed the likelihood of side effects within or around the eye, such as visual disturbances, accommodation difficulties, retinal detachment, and corneal irritation. The mechanism by which botulinum toxin injections cause adverse effects within the visual system most likely results from the blockade of acetylcholine at the parasympathetic nerve endings due to systemic diffusion.
Finally, researchers Hristova AH, Joseph LN, Sathe SA, and others have shown that botulinum toxin may be capable of crossing vascular walls. Experimental studies have confirmed the existence of botulinum toxin receptors in the central nervous system and the fact that even a small amount of botulinum toxin can cross the blood-brain barrier. The diffusion of botulinum toxin into opposing muscles and the risk of accidental intravenous delivery when injecting into a muscle have also been observed.
Source: Compilation of scientific studies on botulinum toxin available in scientific literature prepared by Smart Aging Clinic.
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Botox Under the Scrutiny of Scientists

"The #UNBOTOXED idea is about embracing imperfect naturalness - something that is unforced, authentic, and unique. It takes courage to be unconventional and free in our choices, regardless of the voices coming from our surroundings.
 Unfortunately, in today's world full of botox and fillers, naturalness has lost its original, pristine meaning. It has become artificial, altered and flawless - in short, fake. We have lost it somewhere along the way to an ideal, retouched world without weaknesses.
 I believe that the essence of our lives lies in following our own path, according to our own unique signposts, with the courage to be different and make autonomous decisions. This is the only way we have a chance to remain ourselves.
The #UNBOTOXED idea is a call to fight for this true naturalness, and I hope that by standing up for it together we can recover it".
Klaudia Witczak, the creator of the #UNBOTOXED idea and founder of Smart Aging Clinic.

Why did I create #UNBOTOXED? 

In an interview for Vogue magazine, the founder of Smart Aging Clinic, Klaudia Witczak, says: "The #UNBOTOXED idea comes from the fact that I don't like to impose on others how they should look. Our facial features are our story, and only we should decide whether we want to change them&rdquo;.
 The slogan Stay #UNBOTOXED is meant to encourage replacing quick, invasive, and often complication-prone solutions with safer alternatives, and to encourage people to maintain their own individuality. Instead of botox and fillers, the clinic offers signature solutions that help maintain a beautiful and healthy skin appearance for years to come.
Skin workout instead of botox and fillers
Smart Aging Clinic encourages regular skin workout, which involves systematic training of the skin using non-invasive laser boosters. The aim is to teach the skin the process of autoregeneration and to remember this habit so that it ages slower and more gracefully. Klaudia Witczak compares this process to muscle training at the gym and emphasizes that regularity is key, just like in muscle training.
Smart Aging Clinic focuses on using professional tools and bio-compatible products in the right hands to stimulate the skin's repair processes without interfering with the facial features. &bdquo;We have abandoned quick and dangerous solutions in favor of smart and systematic skin care in line with the Smart Aging philosophy, as modern medicine now fully enables us to do so", says Klaudia Witczak.
<img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/smart-aging-unbotoxed.appspot.com/o/images%2F1677845583587.jpeg?alt=media" alt="" width="1500" height="1000">
 You are OK!
Smart Aging Clinic isn't afraid to break the norms and spreads the idea that wrinkles are OK, taking a clear stance in the discussion on current beauty standards and the fight against aging. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating kindness towards oneself and calls for the protection of our individuality, which makes us unique.
"Stay #UNBOTOXED is an encouragement to engage in social discussion about the role of self-acceptance in a world dominated by pressure to look perfect, and is also a strong voice of support for all self-development methods that strengthen this self-acceptance, contributing to a healthier and more autonomous life, regardless of external opinions", says Klaudia Witczak.
 Your skin &ndash; your decision
The Stay #UNBOTOXED campaign calls on doctors to educate their aesthetic medicine clients about the products they use, and encourages clinic customers to boldly set boundaries when making decisions about their appearance.
 "We can only explain what modern regenerative medicine is and that quick and short-term methods of improving ourselves or others are often a dangerous and addictive path to nowhere. However, we do not have the right to impose such a decision on anyone - ultimately, we ourselves decide which path we want to take", adds Klaudia Witczak.
No matter what we decide, it's worth making this decision independently, without the pressure of social media, the environment, or finally - the doctor, carefully verifying the products or devices used, because our skin belongs to us.

Stay #UNBOTOXED. Your face, your right to say STOP

Dr Pamela Sahawneh
"I work in accordance with the #UNBOTOXED&nbsp; idea because it is important for me to maintain facial expressions and express emotions freely. I am against correcting the appearance &nbsp;using synthetic substances. If you want to avoid the use of synthetic substances, ask your doctor for the exact composition of the product. Your skin belongs to you - you have the right to decide".
Dr Ada Nowatorska &ndash; Bourget&nbsp;
"I am a supporter of the #UNBOTOXED idea created by Smart Aging Clinic because I value naturalness. As a doctor, I know that botulinum toxin and fillers are associated with complications and are only temporary solutions. I believe in regular skin workout".
Dr Edyta Lech &ndash; Kasprowicz&nbsp;
"Aging is a natural process of the body that cannot be avoided. As a doctor, I am convinced that to look good, one does not need to interfere with facial features using botulinum toxin or fillers. Let's age with dignity. Let's take preventive care of our skin before it gets damaged, while also thoroughly verifying the products or devices our doctors use. Our appearance is our decision. Let others not make it for us".
Dr Ewelina Gulas
"I support the #UNBOTOXED idea initiated by Smart Aging Clinic because in my daily work, I do not use botulinum toxin, synthetic filling substances such as L-polylactic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, or cross-linked hyaluronic acid. I am a supporter of natural stimulation of the skin's self-renewal, as I know that modern regenerative medicine fully enables us to do so".
Dr Mirella Ziomek
&nbsp;" I chose the Smart Aging Clinic because it is the only aesthetic medicine clinic in Poland that does not offer its clients botulinum toxin and synthetic fillers. Our motto is unenhanced naturalness, and the entire team of doctors is faithful to this idea. By creating treatment plans based on skin autoregeneration, we have become an alternative for those who want to take care of themselves but do not want to undergo enhancements".<img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/smart-aging-unbotoxed.appspot.com/o/images%2F1678009795291.jpeg?alt=media" alt="" width="1500" height="1023">

#Unbotoxed