Botulinum toxin is one of the most frequently used substances in aesthetic medicine. The use of Botox is recommended in anti-ageing therapy, but also for prevention – this way, the appearance of skin ageing signs can be delayed. Furthermore, botulinum toxin is used in medicine for various conditions, such as the treatment of hyperhidrosis, bruxism, and migraines.
Toksyna botulinowa jest neurotoksyną produkowaną przez bakterię *Clostridium botulinum*. Jest to ta sama toksyna, która powoduje botulizm, rzadką i potencjalnie śmiertelną chorobę.
Botulinum toxin is a biological toxin produced by the anaerobic bacillus Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum works by blocking the transmission of stimuli from nerves to facial muscles. It prevents muscle contraction and skin wrinkling by relaxing the muscles. Therefore, it is the best remedy for wrinkles without altering facial expressions. Botox in therapeutic doses is safe for the patient's health. It is worth mentioning that botulinum toxin is also used in ophthalmology and neurology, among other fields – it is a substance with wide applications.
BOTULINUM TOXIN – action
We use botulinum toxin to correct expression lines, particularly in the upper parts of the face – horizontal forehead lines, the „glabellar” line (vertical wrinkle between the eyebrows), smoker's lines, bunny lines, and crow's feet. Botox can also be used to smooth the skin on the neck.
Using Botox means there's no need to wait for the first wrinkles to appear. Patients often opt for botulinum toxin treatments to prevent the development of expression lines. To maintain the effects, botulinum toxin can be administered approximately every six months.
BOTULINUM TOXIN – procedure process
A Botox treatment begins with a medical interview with the patient, just like any visit to an aesthetic medicine specialist. If the doctor finds no contraindications, the procedure can commence. It involves injecting Botox into the treatment area after disinfecting the skin. The botulinum toxin is administered using a fine needle. It can be performed after anaesthesia, which limits pain to zero. The botulinum toxin treatment lasts approximately 15 minutes and requires no convalescence, allowing the patient to return to their daily activities immediately.
BOTULINUM TOXIN – post-treatment recommendations
After the procedure, there may be slight redness on the skin, which lasts only 20 minutes. For 3-4 hours after the procedure, the Patient should avoid strenuous physical activity, bending their head, lying flat, or massaging the face — otherwise, the botulinum toxin may migrate.
After the procedure, for 14 days, you should avoid exposing your face to heat, using saunas and sunbeds, sunbathing, and undergoing cosmetic treatments.
The first effects of the procedure will appear after two to three days. The final effect will stabilise approximately two weeks after the procedure.
The advantage of a treatment using botulinum toxin is its minimally invasive nature, making it almost painless. The effect of the treatment is completely reversible – if the effect achieved is unsatisfactory, it will disappear on its own after a few months.
