How Botulinum Toxin Works
Botulinum toxin works by binding to the ends of nerve cells and interfering with the action of the chemical acetylcholine. This prevents nerve cells from releasing neurotransmitters, which results in a temporary inability for muscles to contract. The effects are localized to the muscle that has been injected. The toxin begins to take effect within 2-3 days, reaches its peak in 1-2 weeks, and lasts for 4-6 months, depending on the injection site, type, and amount of Botulinum toxin used.
Why is it called Botox?
Botox is the trade name of the product developed by Allergan, the company that first introduced Botulinum toxin A for the treatment of wrinkles. It was the first brand to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). Consequently, “Botox” has become a widely recognized and commonly used term.
Applications of Botox Injections
At The Standard Aesthetic Clinic, our medical team uses Botox to reshape the face, and prevent signs of aging in various cases, including:
- Jaw Reduction Botox: Helps to reshape the face, making it smaller.
- Facial Contour Lift with Botox: Tightens the skin, enhances facial contours, and gives a more defined look.
- Wrinkle Reduction Botox: Treats forehead lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, and frown lines between the eyebrows.
- Muscle Reduction Botox: Reduces the size of muscles such as those in the arms and calves.
Botox has long been used to treat various medical conditions, with FDA approval for several therapeutic uses, such as:
- Hyperhidrosis: Treats excessive sweating conditions, such as axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) and palmar hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the palms).
- Spasticity: Manages abnormal muscle stiffness and contractions.
- Blepharospasm: Treats abnormal eyelid muscle contractions.
- Sphincter Muscle Disorders: Manages abnormal sphincter contractions.
- Strabismus: Corrects crossed eyes.
- Migraine: Reduces the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.
Can Botox Address Office Syndrome?
Office Syndrome refers to a group of symptoms associated with Myofascial Pain Syndrome caused by repetitive use of the same muscle groups or maintaining improper working postures for prolonged periods. This can lead to chronic muscle pain in areas such as the neck, shoulders, and arms, significantly impacting daily life.
With Botox’s ability to relax tense muscles, it can be used to alleviate the symptoms of Office Syndrome. By injecting Botox into the affected muscles, it helps reduce muscle spasms and tension, providing relief from chronic pain and improving the patient’s quality of life
Which Brand of Botox is Best?
Currently, there are several brands of Botox approved by the FDA, which can make it difficult for patients to decide which to choose. Some of these brands include Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA; Allergan, Inc.), Dysport (AbobotulinumtoxinA; Ipsen Ltd.), and Xeomin (IncobotulinumtoxinA; Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH). Each brand varies in terms of purification methods, protein types, technology used, or molecule size, among other factors. The Standard Aesthetic Clinic has compiled information on the Botox brands used by our medical team to help patients make informed decisions.
1. Allergan (Botox)
- Country: USA
- Active Ingredient: OnabotulinumtoxinA
Allergan is the first brand to be approved by the FDA in the USA for treating frown lines. It is the world’s first brand used for wrinkle treatment in the aesthetic industry, making it widely popular globally.
Key Features:
- High Purity: 99.5%
- Longevity: 5-6 months
- Low Resistance: Minimal risk of developing resistance
- Precise Action: Narrow dispersion, effective targeting
- Common Uses: Reducing facial wrinkles, lifting the face contour, jaw reduction, and treating specific areas like underarm sweating
2. XEOMIN
- Country: Germany
- Active Ingredient: IncobotulinumtoxinA
Produced by Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KGaA, XEOMIN uses XTRACT Technology in its manufacturing process, reducing protein contamination and achieving high purity. Its molecules are smaller compared to other brands, yet it remains highly effective in inhibiting nerve activity.
Key Features:
- High Purity
- Longevity: 4-6 months
- Special Technology: XTRACT Technology
- Suitable for Resistant Cases: Can be used in cases where other Botox brands fail
- Low Resistance: Minimal risk of developing resistance
- Good Dispersion: Effective across treated areas
- Common Uses: Reducing facial wrinkles, contouring the face, jaw reduction, and treating specific areas like calves and arms
3. Dysport
- Country: UK
- Active Ingredient: AbobotulinumtoxinA
Dysport has a smaller molecular structure than American Botox, allowing it to disperse over a broader area without clustering. It is produced by Ipsen Biopharm Limited.
Key Features:
- High Purity
- Longevity: 4-6 months
- Low Resistance: Minimal risk of developing resistance
- Broad Dispersion: Covers larger areas effectively
- Common Uses: Lifting the face contour, facial contouring, tightening the skin, and treating specific areas like calves, arms, and underarms
Is Botox Injection Dangerous?
Botox has been used in the medical field for a long time, making it a reliable and effective treatment. However, there are concerns that need to be addressed, such as resistance to the toxin, the use of counterfeit Botox, and potential complications after injection. The Standard Aesthetic Clinic recommends that patients choose a reputable clinic that adheres to high standards, can verify the source of Botox, and has experienced doctors performing the injections to ensure the best results and highest satisfaction.
If you are interested in a Botox treatment program, please contact The Standard Aesthetic Clinic to schedule a consultation with our medical team.
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