Botulinum toxin is commercially available as Botox® or Dysport®. However, these injections are commonly referred to as 'Botox' whichever product is actually used. This leaflet will therefore refer only to 'Botox'.

What is Botox?

Botox® and Dysport® are the trade names for Botulinum toxin, produced by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Several types of toxins have been identified, but type A, which is used commercially, is the most potent.

Botox was first used in 1978 to weaken overactive muscles in the eye, followed by other neurological conditions such as dystonia and hemifacial spasm with good effects and few little side effects. Botox was first used cosmetically in 1990, to reduce facial wrinkles arising from muscle contraction.

Wrinkles are part of the ageing process. They can be attributed to sun damage, effects of gravity and muscle contraction resulting from facial expressions such as frowning and laughing.

Wrinkles due to the effects of gravity represent natural sagging of tissue with age and are generally only improved by surgical tightening procedures. Wrinkles caused by muscle contraction such as frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines and crow's feet, can be improved by Botox treatment.

The various wrinkles caused by facial muscle contraction are illustrated on diagram 1. Botox can also be used to treat excessive sweating of the armpits and palms of the hands.

Botox injections

Botox acts by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical that is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses that cause muscle contractions. This results in muscle paralysis which is temporary, because new growth of nerves will re-innervate the muscles.

How long does botox take to work?

Botox usually takes effect 24-72 hours after injection, with maximum effect at about 1 to 2 weeks. Its effects generally last for approximately 3-4 months. When injected into the muscles that are responsible for expression wrinkles, it gives the face a more relaxed and smoother appearance.

Sometimes longer lasting effects (9-12 months) are seen after treatment of excessive sweating. When a gradual fading of treatment effect is noticed you may return to have another treatment.

Botox is injected directly into the muscles that cause the wrinkles, using a very small needle. Several injections are usually needed at specific injection sites, depending on the area treated (see diagram 1). When used to treat excessive sweating in the armpits, Botox is injected directed into the axillary skin. Localised discomfort and bruises can occur, but no sedation or local anaesthesia is generally required. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.

Whilst Botox can be very safe and effective way to reduce wrinkles due to muscle contractions, it has no effect in reducing the fine lines on the face caused by sun damage, and lines due to sagging of facial skin. In those patients with very heavy lines, repeated treatments may be needed for maximum effect.

Too frequent or excessive dosing of Botox may lead to a patient's resistance to treatment due to antibody formation. Botox treatment may also exaggerate any facial asymmetry and make the face look more lop-sided.

The use of Botox is not recommended for:

• People with neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis.

• Those who are taking certain medications; muscle relaxants, antibiotics such as aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin).

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• Those with infection or inflammation at the proposed site of injections.

• People who have bleeding disorders.

No severe complications after cosmetic use of Botox have been reported in the literature. Very rarely excessive weakening of the target muscles and paresis of adjacent muscles can occur, resulting in facial weakness. This is self-limiting. When injecting above the eyebrows, upper eyelid ptosis or slight drooping may occur but only 1:100. This can be corrected with eyedrops but will also improve as the effects of the Botox wear off.

Content used with permission from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons website: Iniezioni di tossina botulinica. Il copyright di questo opuscolo è di BAAPS.

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Questo opuscolo è progettato per fornire informazioni utili ma non deve essere considerato come un consiglio specifico per alcun caso particolare. Non sostituisce la necessità di una consultazione approfondita e tutti i pazienti potenziali dovrebbero cercare il consiglio di un medico adeguatamente qualificato. La BAAPS non accetta alcuna responsabilità per qualsiasi decisione presa dal lettore riguardo al trattamento che decidono di intraprendere.

Leaflet originally written by British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.