Botulinum toxin is a synthesized neurotoxin obtained from bacteria and purified for use in humans. It is considered a drug approved for use in various branches of medicine, such as neurology, ophthalmology and so on. It has been used in Spanish dermatology and aesthetic medicine for more than 20 years.
How, when and where does botulinum toxin act?
The pharmacological effect of botulinum toxin takes place at the connection between the peripheral nerve and the muscle. At this level, the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter necessary to produce muscle contraction, occurs. The toxin acts there by producing temporary muscle relaxation, without causing any physical injury to either nerve or muscle structures.
There are several forms of toxin which are named A through G. The serotypes most widely used for medical application are botulinum toxin type A and botulinum toxin type B. In Spain only type A is marketed, being more potent and with a longer action than botulinum toxin type B.
Its main indications are those where there is an exaggerated muscular-nervous activity, such as nervous “tics”, strabismus, spasticity, expression wrinkles and excessive sweating. The toxin is applied through minimal injections in different parts of the muscle, so that, when it no longer receives the nervous stimulus, it stops contracting.
The best results are obtained in the treatment of expression wrinkles such as frown lines, forehead, the famous “crow’s feet”. It is also very effective for the treatment of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), where the toxin blocks the nervous stimulus to the sweat glands, preventing the production and release of sweat.
Botulinum toxin is possibly one of the most effective aesthetic treatments: between 85% and 90% of patients who come to dermatology offices show very satisfactory results. However, these results are reversible and their duration is estimated between 4 and 6 months, at which time it is advisable to repeat the intervention to enhance the good results. The reason is that the toxin acts in the long term “educating” the muscles to contract with less force and smooth wrinkles.
Upon arrival at our center we proceed to remove makeup and clean the skin properly. We should avoid as much as possible taking medications that may affect coagulation such as acetylsalicylic acid or NSAIDs. It is also not advisable to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol during the previous days.
Care after botulinum toxin injections
The re-incorporation can be immediate since it is a simple and safe procedure. In fact, the injection to treat expression wrinkles is one of the so-called “lunch time treatment”, a name given to fast, effective techniques with hardly any side effects.
Immediately after the injection, it is advisable not to do any intense physical exercise and to avoid the sauna or Turkish bath for at least one day. In addition, it is advisable to maintain an upright or semi-upright position for about 3 to 4 hours after the treatment, and to perform muscle contraction exercises in the treated area. With these, the toxin will be well fixed to the muscle to be treated and will not affect other muscles.
Results of botulinum toxin
The results are gradual: they begin to be visible two or three days after the procedure, and reach their peak after a week. Muscles gradually lose strength, facial gestures soften and “expression” wrinkles disappear.