What You Need to Know About It and How It Works
Botulinum toxin type A (BTX) is a weakened form of botulinum neurotoxin. The history of this medication, which is essentially a toxin, is fascinating.
Its first mention dates back to 1822, when German physician Kerner described botulism for the first time – the condition known as foodborne botulism.
Since then, numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of the responsible bacterium, Clostridium botulinum, and its toxin A.
During World War II, research was done to explore its use as a biological weapon. In the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, research revealed its mechanism of action, which involves inhibiting acetylcholine, leading to muscle paralysis.
In 1978, American ophthalmologist Alan Scott used the toxin to treat strabismus. By 1982, a pair of doctors in Toronto discovered its side effect—wrinkle elimination in the injection areas!
A well-known pharmaceutical company seized the opportunity, purchased the drug, and rebranded it as BTX. Its use has since become aesthetic and cosmetic, distributed globally as an injectable anti-wrinkle product.
How BTX Works
BTX is an injectable treatment primarily used for facial aesthetic enhancement. Specifically, it softens or eliminates frown lines (glabellar lines), forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet around the eyes.
Other areas of application include smoker’s lines around the lips and marionette lines on the chin. Of course, it can also be used on other parts of the face depending on the individual needs of each patient.
The active substance is diluted with saline and applied using very fine needles to the targeted areas.
Nowadays, BTX has almost replaced surgical forehead lifts due to its impressive results, lower cost, and avoidance of surgery.
Who Is It Suitable For? Are There Side Effects?
The treatment is usually applied to women and men over the age of 30.
It can also be performed on younger individuals either for preventive reasons—to delay the appearance of wrinkles for several years—or because they have thin skin, strong facial muscles, and are highly expressive.
In such cases, wrinkles may appear as early as 18–20 years old. The treatment approach may differ slightly between genders, as male facial structure and muscle density differ from those of females.
The anti-wrinkle effects of BTX typically last between 3 to 6 months.
Post-Treatment Care
After Botox injections, avoid exposure to high temperatures (e.g., hammam, ironing, blow-drying) for the first 6–7 hours.
Strenuous activity should be avoided for the first 24 hours.
Do not lie down for four hours following the treatment. Avoid bending over, rubbing the injection sites, taking aspirin for a day, or consuming more than one glass of alcohol.
Impressive Results – Botulinum Toxin Type A
The results of BTX treatment are impressive and become visible within 2–3 up to 15 days post-injection.
The visible effects include a smooth forehead without wrinkles, lifted eyebrows, diminished eye wrinkles, and an overall refreshed facial expression.
On the 15th day, during your follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon, a minor touch-up may be needed in areas where the expected result was not achieved.
Potential Side Effects and Complications
- Bruising at the injection sites, which gradually fades over the following days
- Headache or a feeling of heaviness
- Mild redness and swelling at injection points
- Eyelid drooping – very rare when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon; it’s reversible as the toxin’s effects diminish over time
Consultation With Your Doctor
Before undergoing BTX treatment, it’s best to have a consultation with your doctor. They will inform you about what to expect based on your health, age, and skin condition.
BTX injections should only be performed by experienced, properly trained doctors to ensure optimal aesthetic results.
Today, the plastic surgeon is the ideal beauty consultant for both women and men looking to maintain or enhance a beautiful appearance.
References
- Park MY. (2021). Scientific review of the aesthetic uses of botulinum toxin. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7968983/ - Satriyasa BK. (2019). Botulinum toxin A for reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles: a literature review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6489637/ - Brin MF. (2023). Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA): history and mechanism of action. Medicine.
https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2023/07011/botox__onabotulinumtoxina__mechanism_of_action.3.aspx
