Botulinum toxin is a drug of bacterial origin with the ability to block muscle movement. This is why it is used for aesthetic benefits as it paralyzes certain muscles of facial expression. By avoiding continuous movement certain expressions, such as raising the eyebrow or frowning, counteracts or diminishes the wrinkles caused by the continuous movement of certain muscles of the face. It is also used in different diseases in which it is necessary to paralyze one or a group of muscles, for example involuntary muscle spasm, torticollis or spasticity in cerebral palsy.
Being a minimally invasive and reversible treatment, it has become one of the treatment of choice to reduce expression lines and wrinkles. Being a temporary treatment, the risk of application and side effects are minimal. Among the most common are allergic reactions to the toxin, or their own during application such as hematoma (bruise), pain at the application site, temporary redness and blockage of unwanted muscle movement.
Today there are a variety of botulinum toxins for sale varying in intensity and brands. Just to mention a few: Botox, Dysport, Nabota, Xeomin among others. The brand or type of toxin to apply depends on the doctor.
What is the purpose of Botulinum Toxin?
The objective of using botulinum toxin is to avoid excessive muscle contraction, minimizing wrinkles on the skin. The treatment is generally individualized to achieve natural results, avoiding the frozen and unsightly appearance.
The best time to apply Botulinum Toxin?
An ideal age for its application has not currently been described. Logically, the best time is to avoid dynamic expression lines, which begin around 30 to 40 years, depending on the quality, care and color of the skin, as well as age, sun exposure, muscular activity and style of lifetime.
The objective of the application of botulinum toxin is not to modify or freeze the facial expression of the patient, but to individualize the dose of toxin for each patient to delay and smooth wrinkles caused by excessive movement of some muscles in the face.
What is the duration of botulinum toxin?
The average duration is 4 to 6 months, although it varies in each patient, and depends on the type of botulinum toxin or brand applied, age, lifestyle, muscle activity, current medication and frequency of application of botulinum toxin.
* This information does not take the place of your doctor's advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for information about a specific medical condition.
