Botulinum toxin
The development of wrinkles is a part of the aging process. Aesthetic medicine uses every possible means to eliminate wrinkles or at least reduce their impact.
Is it really a poison?
Botulinum toxin is a poisonous substance produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It is commonly known as “sausage poison” because this bacterium often caused food poisoning – botulism – in improperly handled or prepared meat products, (often canned sausages) in times when food conservation was not well developed.
Botulinum toxin’s positive effects on the neuromuscular system have long been used to treat various diseases and it is now used in aesthetic medicine.
How does the Botulinum toxin work?
Muscles move only after receiving signals from nerves. In the nerve terminal, there is a substance called acetylcholine, which after its release, affects the muscle and induces its contraction. The Botulinum toxin blocks the release of this substance and therefore disrupts the functional connection between nerve and muscle. The muscle is unable to contract. The Botilinum toxin is used to cure various neurological defects such as muscular over activity leading to paroxysmal spasms of the extremities or unnatural movements of facial muscles.
In aesthetic medicine, the Botulinum toxin is used to reduce wrinkles and to treat excessive sweating. The dosage used for these procedures is approximately 3 times lower than those used in neurology.
Mimic wrinkles
When a mimic muscle contracts, it becomes shorter and the skin above it folds. If the skin is elastic enough, it will return to its original shape when the muscle relaxes. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and does not return to precisely the same shape. Thus dynamic wrinkles, which once were only temporary, become more distinguishable. These wrinkles form in regions with high mimic activity; external eye corners, the area between the eyebrows and forehead, and the nasolabial fold
What happens during the procedure?
The treatment is simple and virtually painless. Botulinum toxin is injected with a very fine needle into the mimic muscles. The client feels small needle pricks and sometimes a burning sensation. After the application, it is necessary to actively use the muscle where Botilinum toxin was applied for two hours and stay in an upright position for four hours. Movement helps Botulinum toxin bonds to the muscle and enhances the final effect.
What results can you expect from this procedure?
Injecting the Botulinum toxin into facial subcutaneous muscles will reduce their activity and smooth or reduce wrinkles which are related to mimic muscle activity. Results can be seen in two to ten days, and last usually three to four months. This effect however, is only temporary. The extent and duration of the results are closely related to the dosage. After a second procedure, results can last up to nine months.
The elimination or reduction of wrinkles results from the cooperation between muscle relaxation which lessens the depth of the wrinkle during muscle contraction, reduction of muscle tone, and the natural regeneration of the skin which fills the wrinkles. It is possible to combine the Botulinum toxin procedure with other plastic surgeries or with laser rejuvenation of the skin.
How to prepare for the procedure?
Your physician will inform you about prescription drugs or health conditions which may influence the efficiency of the Botulinum toxin. We recommend that you avoid exercise, strenuous physical activity or using a sauna/solarium on the day of the procedure. You may apply make up to the treated area six hours after the procedure and have professional cosmetic treatments after 72 hours.
Excessive Sweating – Hyperhidrosis
Malfunction of the sweat gland and increased perspiration is called Hyperhidrosis. Generalized Hyperhidrosis is usually a sign of some system disease, such as Endocrine Glands Disorder. Localized or focal Hyperhidrosis can also be caused by some diseases. Therefore it is essential to perform a through medical examination to rule out the possibility of a more serious cause to the sweating.
Where does Hyperhidrosis appear?
Hyperhidrosis usually appears in the most active regions of perspiration; palms, feet, armpits and groin area. It may also occur on the forehead or in hair.
How is the treatment performed?
The physician identifies the area of the skin with increased sweat gland activity. An anaesthetic cream is applied to the area to prevent pain during the procedure. The Botulinum toxin is injected into the skin with a thin needle. The treatment lasts about 20 minutes
What are the results of the procedure?
Botulinum toxin injections prevent excessive stimulation of sweat glands. The reduction of perspiration differs however from patient to patient. Results are seen four to five days after the treatment and last usually seven to twelve months.
How to prepare for the procedure?
We recommend that you avoid exercise, strenuous physical activity or using a sauna/solarium the day of the procedure. Also avoid using the treated area six hours after the procedure. Hair removal in the armpit is possible after three days.
The Botulinum toxin injections are very efficient, simple and safe. These treatments have increased in popularity and now replace many other more expensive Hyperhidrosis therapies.