Botulinum toxin

Botulinum toxin is an exotoxin synthesized by bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum. Botulinum toxin causes botulism by having a neuroparalytic effect. The word "botulinum" is derived from the Latin word "botulus" which means sausage.

Botulinum toxin type A injections are the most commonly used anti-aging procedure in recent years, especially in the fight against wrinkles on the face. For this purpose, the botulinum toxin injected into the facial muscles breaks down a protein necessary for the synthesis of acetylcholine, which is important for muscle growth. As a result, temporary muscle paralysis occurs within 3-5 months. After 3-5 months, new synapses are formed and muscle function is restored.

There are 7 serotypes of botulinum toxin (A, B, C1, D, E, F, G). The strongest of them is serotype A.

Botulotoxin A is Botox (Irwin Pharmaceuticals) in the USA, Dysport (Ipsen Products) in the UK, Xeomin (Merz Pharmaceuticals) in Germany, Refinex (KC Pharmaceuticals) in Japan, Botulax and BTX in China, Neuronox (Medy-Tox Incorporated) in South Korea, etc. produced under the names.

Botulinum toxin is used in medicine in 3 areas:

• In Neurology
• In Ophthalmology
• In cosmetology

In cosmetology, botulinum toxin is used in the following indications;

• Forehead wrinkles;
• Wrinkles on the forehead;
• Wrinkles around the eyes (eye wrinkles);
• Wrinkles on the nose;
• Pocket-shaped wrinkles on the lips;
• In order to treat asymmetry in facial muscles;
• Wrinkles in the neck area (platysma);
• Treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating);

Contraindications:

Absolute contraindications:

• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin;

Relative contraindications:

• Muscle weakness in the injection area;
• Presence of chronic diseases;
• The presence of infection at the injection points;
• Acute and chronic infections;

Additional effects

• Ptosis (dropping) of eyebrows;
• Blepharospasm (spasm of the eyelids);
• Subcutaneous hemorrhage;
• Headaches;
• Edema at the injection site, etc.;

All complications can occur even when the procedure is performed correctly, it is not a doctor's mistake, and it is fully treated

Implementation of the procedure

1. First, the patient is examined, the area to be treated is determined;
2. Then control images are taken and the patient signs a written consent form;
3. The procedure area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and marked with a marker;
4. The dose of the drug is calculated and the procedure area is cooled with ice (to prevent bleeding);
5. Botulinum toxin is injected into the relevant areas, cooled with ice and the procedure is considered finished;
6. After 2 weeks, the patient returns to the doctor's appointment, repeated pictures are taken and, if necessary, corrections are made.

Repeat procedure can be performed only after 5-6 months