What is wrinkle reduction with Botulinum Toxin A?
Botoxâ has been widely used by the medical community for years in order to treat facial wrinkles. Essentially, it is the brand name of a toxin which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is called “Botulinum toxin type Α”.
There are also other FDA- approved brand names, such as Dysportâ and Xeominâ, but the popular Botoxâ is the term that you hear most since it was the first injectable botulinum toxin.
Who is a good candidate for Botulinum Toxin A?
The most common reason for which doctors use Botulinum toxin A is in order to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. However, it can also help to the treatment of other conditions, such as:
- hyperhidrosis
- cervical dystonia, a neurological disorder that causes severe muscle spasms in the neck and shoulder
- blepharospasm
- strabismus
- chronic migraine
- overactive bladder
What is Botulinum toxin type Α?
“Botulinum toxin type Α” is the drug that has occupied, perhaps more than any other, online press for its aesthetic results, especially in the facial area.
It is about a bacterial exotoxin which is produced by the Clostridium botulinum and is called Botulinum toxin type Α or else Allantotoxin.
What is Botulinum toxin type Α indicated for?
Botulinum toxin type Α has been used for over 30 years in the treatment of patients suffering from involuntary muscle disorders, neck stiffness, strabismus, blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.
However, the last 20 years, is used for non surgical treatment of facial expression wrinkles and its widespread use lies in the fact that it is about a minimally invasive method, which provides immediate spectacular results. In particular, Botulinum toxin type Α can correct the following:
- wrinkles on the forehead
- glabellar area
- wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet)
- remescar sagging eyelids
- bunny lines
- oval face shape
- wrinkles on the neck
- cleavage
It should be noted that Botulinum toxin type Α is also used with great success in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis, mainly in the armpits, palms and soles of the feet.
Who is a good candidate for Botulinum toxin type Α?
The need for aesthetic use of Botulinum toxin type Α is related more with muscles activity than age. However, the younger the person, the more spectacular and natural the results.
There are expressive faces with strong muscles needing Botulinum toxin type Α from the age of 20 years old and faces without intense muscle activity who may not appear expression wrinkles until the age of 30-35 years old.
However, it is true that early treatment has a preventive effect in the appearance of wrinkles. Nowadays, more and more often are used small doses of Botulinum toxin type Α in younger aged women who either have hereditary predisposition or begin to develop wrinkles caused by hypertonic muscles. This method is also known as “baby” or “mini”.
How long do the results last and how often can I repeat the treatment with Botulinum toxin type Α?
The mean duration of Botulinum toxin type Α effect is about 4-6 months. After the third month, facial mobility in the area begins to improve.
In the first treatments, the duration might be slightly shorter, while if performed on a regular basis, studies have shown that there is longer duration of the results and can reach up to 7 months.
There is no restriction in the number of treatments but usually, repetition of the treatment is necessary about 2-3 times a year.
How is it performed? Do I need any further information?
Treatment includes small injections depending on patient’s needs, following a discussion regarding the desired result. Since botulinum toxin reduces muscles contractions that move the skin, Botulinum toxin type Α should be injected in correct doses in the proper anatomical region, so as to have an optimal result.
The effect of the drug begins to appear at 2-5 days, while the final result is visible within 10-14 days.
Botulinum toxin type Α, may be the best non surgical facial treatment with undeniable results, giving a soft, refreshed and smooth face.
However, if the treatment is performed by non specialist doctors in the anatomy of area or even worse by non-medical professionals may lead to complications such as frozen look, asymmetry and blepharoptosis.
What is the average duration of Botulinum toxin?
The results of the treatment can last from 4 to 6 months. As muscle action returns slowly, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear gradually. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time, as the aforementioned treatment, has also a preventive effect.
Choosing an expert Plastic Surgeon is crucial for an optimal result and in order to avoid complications.
What are the potential complications or side effects of Botulinum toxin therapy?
Temporary side effects may appear following Botoxâ or Dysportâ injection. These may include:
- This is the most common, though not very common, side effect which will be subside soon.
- It usually appears the first 24 to 48 hours.
- mild pain or swelling at the injection site
- dry eyes or lacrimation
- influenza like symptoms or malaise (rare)
- It is very rare if performed by an expert Plastic Surgeon but it’s the most severe complication. Fortunately, it is reversible once the effect of the drug has passed.
In which cases, is botulinum toxin contraindicated?
Women in pregnancy period, breastfeeding or patients with neurological disease should not have Botoxâ or Dysportâ therapy. Since this injectable treatment does not eliminate all types of wrinkles, you should consult first an expert Plastic Surgeon. In addition, it should be mentioned that you should not have Botoxâ or Dysportâ, in case you are allergic to cow’s milk protein.
For more information regarding injectable Botulinum Toxin for wrinkle reduction treatment, its results and its cost, book today your appointment with Dr Nikos Karmiris, Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon.
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