BOTULINUM TOXIN A
What is Botulinum Toxin A?
Botulinum toxin is synthesized in the cytoplasm of Clostridium botulinum.
There are seven different serotypes of the toxin: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Type A is the most potent and active in humans.
How does Botulinum Toxin A work?
Botulinum toxin is one of the most potent local neuromuscular transmission inhibitors, highly specific in action. It produces a chemical “denervation” effect by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thus affecting only some fibers of a specific muscle, resulting in relaxation of the overlying skin.
The process is completely reversible: after a few months, new axons are regenerated, reinnervating the neuromuscular junction.
HOW SOON IS THE EFFECT NOTICEABLE?
The effect of the drug injection is transient, appearing within 3-7 days and lasting for a variable period (from three to six months).
COULD THE DRUG HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?
Side effects are generally minimal. Occasionally, swelling and small hematomas may appear at the injection site, which typically resolve within the first 48 hours after treatment.
More serious side effects are avoided with a thorough preliminary examination and patient history to check for hypersensitivity to the components of the formulation or interactions with other medications, ensuring there are no contraindications during or after treatment. For example, the drug is not administered to patients on specific therapies or to pregnant and breastfeeding women.
ARE THERE CONTRAINDICATIONS TO THE TREATMENT?
There are both relative and absolute contraindications to botulinum toxin treatment.
Absolute contraindications
Proven hypersensitivity to each component of the formulation (botulinum toxin, human albumin, sodium chloride); Generalized disorders of muscular activity (e.g., myasthenia gravis); Patients undergoing pharmacological therapy with aminoglycosides or spectinomycin; Infections at the site of injection; Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Relative contraindications:
Coagulopathies and anticoagulant therapy; Poor patient compliance.
AFTER TREATMENT, DO I NEED TO TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS?
For a few hours after the injection, it’s important to take some precautions: do not massage the treated areas, avoid physical activity, exposure to heat (sauna, steam bath, hot tubs, sunlamps, etc.), and cosmetic treatments (esthetician, hairstylist, etc.), and refrain from applying makeup.
After botulinum toxin treatment, a follow-up visit is scheduled to evaluate the results and make any necessary corrections. It’s advisable not to repeat additional injections before 4 months.
Call 051/471964 or request further information online.
IN WHICH PARTS OF THE BODY ARE BOTULINUM TOXIN INJECTIONS PERFORMED?
Botulinum toxin injections are administered directly into target muscles through a series of very fine punctures This allows the doctor to precisely target specific areas for treatment, ensuring natural and effective results.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HYALURONIC ACID AND BOTULINUM TOXIN?
It’s important to highlight that botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid are different treatments with distinct objectives. While botulinum toxin relaxes muscles to reduce expression wrinkles, hyaluronic acid is used to fill wrinkles and skin depressions, such as nasolabial folds or thin lips. Hyaluronic acid is also employed to enhance facial volume and moisturize the skin.
The choice between botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid depends on your goals and the individual characteristics of your skin. A qualified aesthetic doctor will carefully assess your situation and recommend the most suitable treatment for your needs.
Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is one of the most potent local neuromuscular transmission inhibitors used in the field of aesthetic medicine. It produces a chemical “denervation” effect by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thus affecting only some fibers of a specific muscle, resulting in relaxation of the overlying skin.
You can use moisturizing creams, and it’s best to abstain from makeup.
Furthermore, after botulinum toxin treatment, a follow-up visit is scheduled to evaluate the results and make any necessary corrections. It’s advisable not to repeat additional injections before 4 months.
Call 051/471964 to book an appointment at our Bologna studio, or request further information online.