Botulinum Toxin
What is BTX-A?
BTX A is what many people know as “Botox”, and is by far the most popular aesthetic beauty treatment in the world. It is also the single most effective in erasing lines and wrinkles, and has a wide range of other uses.
BTX-A is in fact one of the greatest advances of medicine. Apart from its use as a softening wrinkle treatment, it can also improve the contouring and shape of various facial features.
What can BTX-A be used to treat?
How does BTX-A work?
The muscles causing the undesired wrinkles are identified; the ingredient is injected through a tiny needle. Within two weeks, the targeted muscle begins to relax, as nerve impulses are intercepted.
Can BTX-A be used in combination with other aesthetic treatments?
Yes, depending on the patient’s age, it can be used with other skin rejuvenation treatments, and there will no side effects.
When BTX is administered one-week before treatment with dermal fillers, it actually prolongs the effects of augmentation.
Is it safe?
BTX is a natural toxin released by a living bacteria cell (Clostridium botulinum). It was first noted in the early 1800s, but it wasn’t until the early 1980’s that Dr Alan Scott used it for medical purposes – as a cure for crossed eyes. However, he made an accidental discovery. A new and revolutionary softening wrinkles treatment.
Since then, BTX has been used for an array of medicinal purposes, including neurology and dental purposes.
Does it hurt?
Although we use a tiny needle, you may experience some discomfort. The discomfort may also come from the patient being nervous about needles. Application of ice packs to the area prior to injection reduces the pain of the procedure and the incidence of bruising.
How long do the effects last?
The average patient reports that the effects of Botulinum last between 3-5 months. However, this is dependent on the patient’s body.
Given that it is a natural byproduct of a bacterial, once the protein stops functioning at the neuromuscular junction, it is broken down into its harmless amino acids and, either, recycled for use in other proteins or excreted by the kidneys.
Are there any side effects?
There are no serious side effects. However, redness or bruising at the site of injection is common, and can be reduced by avoiding blood thinning medications (i.e. aspirin) for 10 days prior treatment.