Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botox has been used since the 1970s in the field of ophthalmology, and in the last 20 years, its use has expanded to various health scopes, especially dermatology.

Botulinum toxin (Botox) consists of 7 types of neurotoxins; however, only toxins A and B are used clinically. Botox A is used for several disorders in the field of medicine, particularly in dermatology, for cosmetic purposes. 

The first type of Botox introduced to the market was Onabotulinum toxin A. In 2002. Botox type A has become a term used by the society to describe all ingredients used in cosmetic treatments.

How is it used in Cosmetic treatments?

A study in 1994 reported the effectiveness of Botox A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles; since then, it has been used as a cosmetic treatment. Botox injections can be used to treat glabellar frown lines, wrinkles around the lips (smoker’s lines) and marionette lines, platysma bands in the neck, strabismus, blepharospasm, cervical dystonia, hyperhidrosis as well as synkinesis following facial surgery.

It is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and can be used as a treatment to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the upper areas of the face, elevate the eyebrows and treat problems such as hyperhidrosis, etc.

How it Works?

The mechanism of action of Botox includes the following four main steps:

 The first step is binding of the toxin to specific receptors on the surface of the presynaptic cells, mediated by the C-terminal of the heavy chain. This step occurs over approximately 30 mins.

The second step is internalization, which is an energy-dependent receptor-mediated endocytic process. In this step, the plasma membrane of nerve cells invaginates around the toxin-receptor complex, forming a vesicle containing a toxin in nerve terminal.

The third step is translocation. Following internalization, the disulfide bond is cleaved and the 50-kDa light chain of the toxin is released across the endosomal membrane of the endocytic vesicle into the cytoplasm of the nerve terminal.

The last step is blocking. The light chain of serotypes A and E inhibit the release of acetylcholine by cleaving the cytoplasmic protein (SNAP-25) needed for the docking of acetylcholine vesicles on the inner side of the nerve membrane of the nerve terminal.

What cosmetic conditions can be treated with Botox?

Botox cosmetic injections are used to address signs of aging. This treatment can smooth fine lines and wrinkles in several areas of your face, including your:

Eyebrows.

Forehead.

Nose.

Eyes (crow’s feet).

Lips.

Chin.

Jawline.

Neck

How often should you get Botox?

On average, the effects of Botox last about three to four months. Retreatment is recommended at this time. Eventually, however, your muscles may train themselves to contract less. As a result, treatments can be spaced out over longer periods of time. Your healthcare provider can let you know how often you should get Botox based on your unique needs.

How you look can affect how you feel. If you’re worried about lines and wrinkles, your Dermatologist can help you navigate through cosmetic injectables.