Botulinum Toxin A
Overview
Botulinum toxin A (BTA) is a substance found in the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The main function of BTA is blockade of signal transmission at the nerve endings. In clinical practices, BTA can be used to weaken a particular muscle or muscle group, reduce autonomic nervous activity in a particular glands and also block a specific group of afferent nervous system that transmit pain sensation. In cosmetic practice, BTAs are injected into discrete facial muscles where they act locally to reduce muscle contractions that produce skin creases. The main result is disappearance of facial wrinkles. BTA can also be used to elevate saggy brow and provide lifting to saggy facial skin (Nefertiti Lift).
Molecular structure of BTA
BTA mechanism of action
Brand
The brand of botulinum toxin A we used is BOTOX ®
Duration of Action
The results usually start to appear within 3-5 days after injection
The duration of action usually lasts 3-6 months
Duration of Procedure
5 - 10 minutes
Uses
1. Clinical uses for cosmetic purposes:
Reduce wrinkles and lines on the face including the frown lines, forehead wrinkles, wrinkles at the corner of the eyes (crow feet), wrinkles around the eye, wrinkles around the mouth, wrinkles on the nose (bunny kines), wrinkles and bands on the neck.
Lifting of the eyebrows
Reduction of the bulk of masseter muscle at the angle of the jaw (enlarged masseter muscle gives rise to a square face. Smaller masseter muscle makes the face appears oval and slimmer)
Lifting and tightening of jawline (Nefertiti Lift)
Reduce chin dimpling
Treat the lines at the angle of the mouth
Treatment for mild to moderate cases of gummy smile
Treatment of facial asymmetry
Treatment of hypertrophic scars
2. Clinical uses for therapeutic purposes:
Focal hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating): armpit, palm, soles, face
Migraine headache
Dystonia (abnormal involuntary muscle contraction)
Hemifacial spasm
Procedure
Botulinum toxin A is administered by injection
Botulinum toxin A is administered by injection
Special Preparation: Before injection, avoid medicine such as aspirin, NSAIDS, warfarin and supplements contain vitamin E, ginko, ginseng, garlic and fish oil to minimize the risk of bruising.
Anaesthesia: Usually not necessary. Numbing cream or cold compression for patients very sensitive to pain or for injections involving multiple sites
Downtime: Can go back to work immediately
Onset of Results: 3 days to one week (1).
How Long Results Last: 3-6 months
Recovery
Rarely minor bruises occur at injection sites which usually resolve in two to three days
Avoid deep massage on the treated areas to prevent dispersion of botulinum toxin A into adjacent areas.