BOTULINUM TOXIN
Procedures based on the use of botulinum toxin are enumerated as procedures most commonly performed by doctors specializing in aesthetic medicine. The main indication to do such procedures is to reduce wrinkles (horizontal forehead wrinkles, vertical wrinkles between eyebrows the so-called “lion” wrinkles, wrinkles at the outer corner of one’s eye, the so-called “crow’s feet”, wrinkles on the lower eyelid, wrinkles around nasal folds, the so-called “bunny lines”, wrinkles around lips, the so-called “smoker’s wrinkles”, lower jaw and lip folds, the so-called “marionette lines”, chin folds and chin “cellulite”, as well as neck wrinkles). Botulinum toxin is also used when doing nose shape correction, treating gummy smile, treating bruxism (pathological grinding of teeth), correcting facial asymmetry, as well as treating hyperhydrosis and scars.
These procedures are not only very efficient, but also spectacular, and adverse events stand as a considerable rarity. Using botulinum toxin is related only with a slight pain and it does not exclude the patient from everyday activities. The complete result of the procedure can be observed after 7 to 14 days, and it can last up to 3-6 months. After this time it is completely safe to repeat the whole procedure.
“Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been” Mark Twain.
WHAT IS BOTULINUM TOXIN?
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by Gram-positive bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. Using this toxin leads to neuromuscular blockade and reversible muscle paralysis. It has been used in medicine since 1950s to treat diseases associated with excessive or improper muscle contraction (ophthalmology, neurology). First reports on using the toxin in treating wrinkles between eyebrows date back to the 1980s. Since then procedures based on botulinum toxin became the most common procedures performed by physicians specializing in aesthetic medicine. This substance is still considered to be extremely potent and safe.
INDICATIONS FOR THE PROCEDURE
1. Correcting wrinkles:
2. Nose shape correction – lifting the tip of the nose, narrowing a widened nose.
3. Treating gummy smile.
4. Treating bruxism (pathological grinding of teeth).
5. Correcting facial asymmetry.
6. Treating hyperhydrosis.
7. Treating scars.
It is worth mentioning that botulinum toxin provides best results in reducing mimic wrinkles. Properly performed procedure causes considerable rejuvenation and gives a result of tranquil and relaxed face. The doctor does not change facial features and does not entirely eliminate patient’s mimic, and due to the above, the type of performed procedure is not visible for strangers. Performing procedures with the use of botulinum toxin gives most effective results in combination with other aesthetic medicine procedures, such as mesotherapy, peelings or administering fillers.
PREPARATION FOR THE PROCEDURE
All procedures based on botulinum toxin are preceded with medical consultation. During the interview physician evaluates indications and possible contraindications for the procedure. The skin in the area undergoing the procedure is disinfected and injection sites are marked with a special marker. Physician selects proper doses of the preparation individually for each patient. Usually no local anaesthetic agents are administered and the skin can be cooled with a cold compress.
HOW DOES THE PROCEDURE LOOK LIKE?
The procedure is performed when the patient is sitting or in semirecumbent position. Preparation of botulinum toxin is available in the form of fluid and is administered with a small syringe with a needle, usually intramuscularly, but sometimes also subcutaneously or intracutaneously. Injections are only slightly painful. The patient should not rub the places of injection and should avoid supine position and avoid intensive physical effort for several hours after the procedure. The procedure does not require excluding the patient from patient’s daily routine.
WHEN CAN THE COMPLETE EFFECT OF THE PROCEDURE BE OBSERVED?
The full result of the procedure can be observed within 7-14 days after the procedure, however, first results can be seen even within several hours after the procedure. After 14 days it is recommended to do a control visit during which possible correction of the procedure can be executed.
HOW LONG CAN EFFECTS OF THE PROCEDURE BE MAINTAINED?
Results of the procedure last for about 3-6 months, depending on the site of administration (for longer period of time in the forehead area, shorter period of time near eyes). After this time it is entirely safe to perform subsequent injections.
CONTRAINDICATIONS CONCERNING THE PROCEDURE
WHAT ADVERSE EVENTS CAN BE OBSERVED AFTER USING BOTULINUM TOXIN?
Procedures based on botulinum toxin are safe, and complications occur extremely rarely. They can usually be corrected, and due to temporary activity of the medication – they are transient. These include:
