Botulinum toxin, the famous Botox®, originates from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. This toxin is used to prevent or soften wrinkles and expression lines in the eye region – such as crow’s feet -, forehead region or in the space between the eyebrows (glabella).
These expression marks can be caused by the contraction of facial muscles over the years, poor diet, facial aging, smoking, inappropriate sun exposure, etc. As much as there are anti-wrinkle creams and other products for this purpose, Botox® brings more visible results faster.
The application must be performed by specialized professionals such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons and physicians trained in the technique. When injected, botulinum toxin acts as if it were a neuromuscular blocker that prevents the transmission of stimuli from neurons to muscles, inhibiting muscle contraction partially or completely. Even with this blockage, over time, the body itself produces new transmission routes, so the effect of Botox® is temporary.
In addition to aesthetic use, botulinum toxin can also be used as a treatment for excessive sweating, hemifacial spasm (when half the face suffers from jerking), migraine, strabismus, dysfunctional spasticity (excessive muscle stiffness), among others.
While botulinum toxin acts as a muscle paralyzer, facial filler is indicated for the treatment of areas where there are deeper wrinkles, in addition to restoring facial volume and treating sagging. Botox® would be indicated for dynamic wrinkles, those that appear with movement. Fillers, on the other hand, would be used in static wrinkles such as expression lines around the lips and the well-known Chinese mustache (line formed between the corner of the mouth and the chin).
Normally, it is advisable to start applications after the age of 25 or when the patient feels uncomfortable with expression lines. It is contraindicated for patients who are allergic to any component of the botulinum toxin formulation, pregnant or breastfeeding women, patients with neuromuscular, immunological and coagulopathies.
The application of Botox® can be considered a safe treatment, if done by a qualified doctor. The frequent use of the substance -always correctly- does not cause loss of expression and prevents premature aging.
The result of Botox® can usually be seen after 48 hours, and its maximum effect, in 15 days. It is not necessary to rest after application, however, it is recommended that in the following hours do not practice physical exercises and do not massage or rub the place.
The duration of application varies between 3 to 4 months, but there are cases where the result can last up to 6 months. There must be a minimum interval of 3 months between each application, and if this time is not followed, there is a risk of the organism developing resistance to the product, causing the botulinum toxin to lose its effect.
After the procedure, small bruises may appear due to the introduction of the needle into the skin, which can puncture blood vessels but will soon be absorbed by the body. The procedure is generally well tolerated by patients, for those who are more sensitive, an anesthetic ointment or local ice can be used to minimize local discomfort.
