Wrinkle Relaxation Treatment – Botulinum Toxin type A

What is Botulinum toxin type A?

Botulinium Toxin type A is an exotoxin of Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which in medicine, is extracted, purified and formulated in a series of complex steps under specific manufacturing conditions.

It has been used in medicine since the 1970’s, initially to treat blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking) and strabismus (misaligned eyes). It is now used in medical aesthetics to wrinkles caused by dynamic movement of facial muscles, in addition to a variety of medical conditions, such as migraines, axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), bruxism (teeth clenching), hemifacial spasm, cerebral palsy, and cervical dystonia.

Today, Botulinum Toxin type A injections are a popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure to treat the tell-tale laughter lines and frown lines on the face that give away a persons age. Traditionally used in the upper face to address the afore mentioned dynamic changes, its use is spreading to other areas, often in combination with other treatments.

Mechanism of action of Botulinum Toxin type A

When Botulinum Toxin type A is injected into a muscle, it works by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters from nerves to muscles, thus interfering with nerve impulses, leading to the muscles being temporarily weakened.

The effects do not begin until at least 2 to 4 days after treatment. In some cases, it takes up to 2 weeks before muscle relaxation is complete in the treated areas. In most cases, the effects will last for about 3 to 4 months, after which the muscle function in the treated areas gradually return.

Treatment

Prior to the treatment, a comprehensive patient evaluation is required, including medical and cosmetic history, the goals and desires of the patient and an aesthetic evaluation to determine achievable outcomes.

On the day of treatment:

• review medical history and goals
• answer any further questions
• obtain consent in writing for the treatment
• you will be positioned in a comfortable sitting position
• skin will be cleansed
• the injection points will be marked
• injections administered

Aftercare

• avoid touching the treated area for 4 to 6 hours after treatment
• don’t lie down for 4 to 6 hours after treatment
• avoid alcohol for 4 to 6 hours after treatment
• don’t do vigorous exercise 4 to 6 hours after treatment
• Do not apply make-up for up to 4 hours after treatment
• avoid extreme sun exposure, saunas and facials for 2 weeks
• a follow up appointment in 2 weeks to examine the results of the treatment

Side Effects

Whilst it is a safe and widely tested product, some side effects include:

• headaches
• flu-like symptoms
• ptosis
• dry eye

Common local symptoms:

• injection pain
• bruising at the site of injection

Contraindications

• general disorders of muscle activity e..g. myasthenia gravis or Eaton Lambert Syndrome
• known hypersensitivity to Botulinum Toxin type A or to any of the excipients of the formulation
• women who are either pregnant or breastfeeding
• individuals currently treated with spectinomycin or aminoglycoside antibiotics, or products which interfere with neuromuscular transmission