Botox (Botulinumtoxin, BTX)

Botulinum toxin is a natural protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although there are seven known types, only one of them, Botulinum Toxin Type A, is used therapeutically for the treatment of wrinkles. Its main effect is the paralysis of muscle tissue by inhibiting the transmissions between neurons. In neurology, urology, and ophthalmology botulinum toxin has been used as a treatment of muscle diseases for decades.
Since the early 1990s aesthetic surgeons have relied very successfully on Botox (used as a generic term for all similar products) to treat wrinkles, though in very low dosages of 1/100 to 1/1000 of the original concentration. Various companies produce botolinum toxin for therapeutical purposes, which explains why it is sold as Botox, Dysport, or Vistabel. Muscles regain their full functionality after about 8-12 weeks.

Skin treatment with Botox (and similar products)

Botulinum toxin is especially well suited to smooth out wrinkles in the upper third of the face, such as glabellar furrows, laughter lines, wrinkles on the forehead, and crow's feet. It can also be used to lift eyebrows, increase the roundness of the eyes, and decrease wrinkles around the nose, on the upper lip and on the chin. Furthermore, Botox helps to correct sagging mouth corners and 'hamster cheeks'. It is also successfully used for wrinkles in the neck and décolleté areas.

The effectiveness of Botox is due to a temporal relaxation of the treated muscles for about four to six months. In the right hands, the treatment can be repeated indefinitely with little or no side effects.

Botox against sweating

We also use Botox to control the hyperfunction of perspiratory glands, especially in the armpits. Through a treatment with Botox increased perspiration can be avoided for six to twelve months.

Botox Contraindications

Under the following circumstances Botox should not be administered: pregnancy/lactation, neurological muscle diseases, local inflammations, troubles with swallowing and breathing, insufficient coagulation, coagulation-inhibiting therapies, taking aminoglycocide antibiotics

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