Botulinum toxin is a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which can only exist in an anaerobic environment. There are several different types of Botulinum toxins (A, B, C, etc.). Botulinum Toxin used for cosmetic purposes is the Type A Botulinum. Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that prevents nerves from communicating with muscle cells and thus prevents muscles from receiving nerve stimulation. As a result the muscle remains relaxed, i.e. it does not contract and cannot cause wrinkles on the skin above the muscle.
The onset of effect of botulinum toxin is typically seen 24 to 72 hours after the initial injection and achieves optimal effect 1 or 2 weeks after the injection. The effect lasts for about 3 to 8 months before the effect of the toxin gradually fades and muscle action is restored to a level similar to the initial one. The main advantage of Botox is that it relaxes the mimic muscles and thus prevents the existing lines and wrinkles to develop into much deeper ones as well as prevents the appearance of new lines.
Botulinum toxin has been used for medical purposes since 1987 and has been approved for aesthetic treatment since 1992. Millions of procedures are carried around the world every year and the interest in the procedure is ever increasing among men as well. Due to its high effectiveness, quick administration, relative safety and quick results the treatment with botulinum toxin is called a “lunch time procedure”.
The main applications of botulinum toxin are:
– mimic wrinkles
– wrinkles around the eyеs (crow’s feet).
– frown lines between the eyes
– horizontal lines on the forehead
– brow lift
– lifting up the corners of the mouth
– Bruxism (teeth grinding)
– Nefertiti lift
– neck
– décolletage area
– MesoBotox
– Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
– palms, soles, axillae