Botulinum toxin injections, commonly known as Botox, are among the most widely used aesthetic treatments to reduce wrinkles. Although highly popular, many people still wonder : how does botulinum toxin actually work ? In fact, not everyone is familiar with its cellular and muscular mechanism of action, which is what allows for visible and lasting results.
In this article, we will explain in detail how botulinum toxin acts on muscles and neurons, and how this results in reduced wrinkles and muscle contractions.
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are different types of this toxin, but the most commonly used for medical and aesthetic purposes is type A (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin).
Botulinum toxin is one of the most powerful substances known to block the transmission of nerve signals. In other words, it acts as a communication inhibitor between nerves and muscles, causing temporary paralysis of the muscles in the targeted areas.
To understand how botulinum toxin works, it is essential to understand how muscles normally contract.
Botulinum toxin type A acts directly on this nerve transmission process, blocking the release of acetylcholine and inhibiting muscle contraction.
Expression lines appear as a result of repeated contractions of the underlying facial muscles. These wrinkles are especially visible on :
By temporarily relaxing the muscles, botulinum toxin prevents the repetitive contractions that create and deepen wrinkles over time. The skin above the relaxed muscles becomes smoother.
The muscle relaxation caused by botulinum toxin is not immediate.
Here is how the process unfolds :
• Injection : botulinum toxin is injected directly into the targeted muscle. The product begins to block nerve signals shortly after injection.
• Onset time : although some people notice improvement within 2 to 3 days, final results are seen after 7 days.
• Duration of effect : muscles remain relaxed for approximately 3 to 6 months, until the nerve endings regenerate.
It is important to distinguish Botox from other injectables such asHyaluronic acid.
These two treatments are often complementary but work differently. Hyaluronic acid is a dermal filler, whereas botulinum toxin acts on the underlying muscles through a muscle-blocking mechanism.
Repeated botulinum toxin injections have long-term benefits. When muscles are continuously relaxed, wrinkles do not form as easily, which can slow down the facial aging process in the treated areas. However, it is essential to observe reasonable intervals (4 to 6 months) between injections to avoid developing a tolerance to the toxin.
Botulinum toxin injections are considered safe when performed by an experienced doctor. The most common side effects are minor, such as redness or bruising at the injection site, and generally disappear after a few days.
Article written by Dr Romano Valeria
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