Botulinum toxin, commonly referred to as Botox (from the name of the first preparation registered for use in aesthetic medicine), is an absolute must-have in every aesthetic medicine practice. It is the best and fastest method of reducing facial wrinkles, but not only. Why is it worth getting acquainted with it? Why do so many patients – both women and men – like these treatments so much?
Aesthetic medicine practitioners today cannot imagine working without the use of toksyny botulinowejor the popular Botox. It is a substance that has been used for years in various medical fields, such as ophthalmology and neurology. Somewhat by accident, it was noted that its therapeutic application to the eye area also had the side effect of... smoothing out crow’s feet! This is how its career in aesthetic medicine began and has continued uninterrupted for more than 20 years. It is essentially an irreplaceable method for reducing facial wrinkles.
How does botulinum toxin work?
It is said that it “freezes” facial expressions, and, in a sense, it does. Botulinum toxin is botulin – properly purified and administered at a very low concentration, it inhibits the transmission of impulses in the neuromuscular connections. Specifically, the botulinum toxin permanently binds to the neuromuscular junction and prevents the secretion of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) from the nerve endings. Thereby, it blocks the passage of the pulses that cause contractions of the muscles responsible for the “crimping” of facial wrinkles in the administration area.
It is very important to avoid bending the head and physical effort during the first days after the procedure – thanks to this, Botox will bind well to the junction and work exactly as we want (and in the area where we want it). This so-called muscle paralysis is not permanent – over time, new neuromuscular endings are formed, and the muscles regain their efficiency. Therefore, the procedure must be repeated on average every 4-6 months (but not more often to avoid the formation of antibodies). People who regularly use Botox notice that the intervals between successive applications increase over time – this is mainly because, thanks to the partial "paralysis" of muscles, they stop making any unfavourable facial expressions.
Treatment for menacing facial expressions and more
Botulinum toxin is the fastest method to get rid of the menacing appearance of glabella lines and the always “surprised” forehead with horizontal lines, or crow’s feet in the corners of the eyes, which, indeed, may have a bit of charm (are often found in people who like to laugh), but also, unfortunately, age the appearance of the whole face. It is also a great way to reduce the smoker’s wrinkles, marionette wrinkles and bunny lines on the nose.
Importantly, the procedure is super-fast and painless, does not require anaesthesia, and does not leave visible traces except for slight, temporary redness of the skin. In young people, it is worth performing it as a preventive measure before the wrinkles become permanent and deeper. In the case of very deep glabella lines, we often need to combine Botox with the administration of a filler. Just remember that in the area of the forehead, it is easy to have complications – it should really only be dealt with by an experienced doctor, and Dr Barbara Jerschina specialises in this type of procedures.
Botox – yes? “Frozen” face – no!
If you associate Botox with a smooth forehead, making your face look like a mask, you’ve seen the visible effects of poorly performed treatments. Well-administered botulinum toxin allows to maintain the natural mobility of the face while reducing facial wrinkles that make it look unattractive. Another complication may be the so-called Mephisto sign (diabolically raised eyebrows) or, on the contrary, an unnaturally drooping eyelid. Therefore, keep in mind that this procedure, although it looks quick and easy, should be performed by an experienced doctor only using preparations registered for use in aesthetic medicine (unfortunately, there are a lot of fakes on the market) if you want to avoid these, luckily mostly temporary, adverse effects and complications.
Other indications for Botox
It is primarily a treatment for hyperhidrosis – it is the fastest and safest way to get rid of this embarrassing problem, which most often affects men. In this case, the botulinum toxin, by inhibiting the secretion of acetylcholine from the nerve endings, leads to the blocked secretion of sweat, and the effect lasts for 9-12 months. People suffering from ever-wet hands, armpits or feet quickly appreciate the advantages of Botox in the treatment of hyperhidrosis and are really eager to regularly repeat the treatments. They often say that they literally save their lives and allow them to function socially and professionally without insecurities. Sometimes, people who do not have a problem with excessive sweating also decide to inject their arms or feet with Botox – especially in the summer, just for convenience.
Botulinum toxin treatment of bruxism must also be mentioned. Unfortunately, a life of stress and tension promotes the clenching (so-called grinding) of teeth, especially at night, which not only affects the condition of the teeth (due to abrasion), but also the appearance of the entire face. Persistent symptoms of bruxism lead to excessive expansion of the mandible, which in the case of women, very negatively changes the facial features towards a more masculine appearance. And the treatment of the so-called gummy smile – our patients are delighted with the effects of this quick procedure and can finally show broad and beautiful smiles without any complexes!
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