BOTOX + DYSPORT

A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE TOXIN

Clostridium botulinum is a pathogenic microorganism that naturally produces 8 exotoxins. Type A toxin has an official license for commercial use in the treatment of wrinkles of the upper third of the face (forehead, mid-brow and eye) while it can be used to lift the eyebrows causing a temporary brow lift. The use of the toxin in cosmetic medicine is more than 20 years old. During this time, specialists have gained excellent experience in achieving the desired changes in the faces of their patients, as well as the use of the toxin has been extended to other areas of the head (nasal and perioral muscles and the width of the neck). Botox is also used to treat hyperhidrosis (armpits, soles and palms) while recently it has been considered the treatment of choice in persistent migraines that do not respond to medication.

MODE OF ACTION OF THE TOXIN

The toxin is a neurotransmitter inhibitor, meaning it blocks the release of acetylcholine within the neuromuscular synapse, resulting in the muscle not being activated and contracting. For this reason, the drug is not injected superficially into the skin, but deeper into the muscles of the face and neck. The paralysis induced in selected muscles is transient and fully reversible. However, there is also the possibility of intradermal administration of the toxin, as proposed in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, with the mechanism of action being the non-activation of sweat production by the sweat glands. Finally, it is administered intradermally as a component of mesotherapy (mesobotox), causing smoothing of fine wrinkles. The time of onset of its action ranges from 24 to 72 hours and the duration of treatment from 1 to 6 months depending on the patient and the dose administered.