Botulinum Toxin Type A Information

 

WHAT IS BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A?

Botulinum Toxin Type A is a protein which is produced by the bacterium clostridium boltulinum. It is removed from a bacterium and then processed, refined and diluted. There is no remaining bacterial component in the product.

Well known types of Botulinum Toxin Type A include Azzalure, Botox, Bocouture and Vistabel.

HOW DOES BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A WORK?

The protein blocks the release of acetylcholine from the end of the nerves which cause muscle contraction. It is therefore used in medicine as a muscle relaxant.

In facial cosmetics botulinum toxin temporarily restricts the movements of facial muscles whose movement over time lead to creases and wrinkles in the skin. Botulinum only works on the specific muscle it is injected into allowing surrounding muscles to move normally. Regular treatment prevents the muscles from acting and the skin from creasing, therefore smoothing lines already present and preventing new wrinkles forming.

Some deep lines and wrinkles will not be completely removed but will be improved and reduced by botulinum toxin therapy.

What is Botulinum Toxin Type A used for?

Botulinum Toxin Type A is widely used in medicine for over 30 years, in doses much higher than used in facial aesthetics e.g. in cerebral palsy, facial and eye spasms, endoscopy, hyperhidrosis

Botulinum Toxin Type A is commonly used in cosmetics to reduce the movement of facial muscles which in turn smooths the appearance of lines on the face, giving a more youthful and fresh appearance.

Is Botulinum Toxin Type A safe?

Botulinum Toxin Type A is very safe and has been widely tested in medicine.

How long does treatment last?

Initial treatment will last 2 – 4 months depending on the activity of the muscle and the individual. The effects will fade gradually, and treatment can be repeated 2-4 times per year.

Treatment can be repeated every 12 weeks as required. Clinical trials have shown that repeated treatments lead to an increased duration of results, resulting in less frequent being required.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Any injections can cause pain, bruising at the injection site, and slight bleeding at the time of injection. Rare reports of flu-like symptoms, slight nausea, skin rashes, itching, dry mouth, muscle atrophy and headaches have been reported with Botulinum Toxin Type A

POSSIBLE RISKS

  • Temporary drooping of an eyebrow or upper eyelid (ptosis), dry eyes and brief visual disturbances such as double vision have been reported and may occur if the after-care instructions are not followed

  • Asymmetry can occur depending how the muscles uptake the toxin

  • Allergic reactions are very rare but can occur including anaphylaxis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS TO TREATMENT

You should not have treatment if:

  • You are pregnant or breast feeding

  • There is infection at the injection site

  • You suffer from a muscular disorder e.g. Bells palsy, ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, MS, Lambert-Eaton syndrome

  • You suffer from a bleeding disorder or take medication to reduce clotting e.g. warfarin, heparin, aspirin, glucosamine, Vit E, ginko biloba, St Johns Wart

  • You are taking minoglycoside antibiotics, streptomycin, quinine sulphate, antimalarial quinine based drugs

  • You are allergic to any of the ingredients in the product to be used

ASSESSMENT

It is important to discuss individual cases with each client and decide a treatment plan together as we need to ensure the aims of treatment and expectations are agreed together. We will also take photographs of each client before and after treatment to document the success of each case. These are confidential images.

A full medical history will be taken and assessed to ensure the treatments are suitable for you