Injections of botulinic toxinor Botoxare one of the most widely used aesthetic treatments for reducing wrinkles. Although they are widely used, the question that many people ask themselves remains: how does botulinum toxin really work? Not everyone is familiar with its mechanism of action at cellular and muscular level, which means that the results are visible and long-lasting.
In this article, we will explain in detailow botulinum toxin works on muscles and neurons and how this translates into a reduction in wrinkles and muscle contractions.
La botulinic toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are different types of this toxin, but the form most commonly used for medical and cosmetic 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 an inhibitor of communication between nerves and muscles, causing temporary paralysis of the muscles in the targeted areas.
To understand the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin, it is essential to understand how muscles normally contract.
Type A botulinum toxin 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 skin's underlying muscles. These wrinkles are particularly visible on :
By temporarily relaxing the muscles, botulinum toxin prevents the repetitive contractions that create and accentuate wrinkles over time. The skin above the relaxed muscles becomes smoother.
The muscle relaxation caused by botulinum toxin is not immediate.
Here's how the process works:
Injection: botulinum toxin is injected directly into the targeted muscle. The product begins to block nerve signals shortly after the injection.
Action time: although some people feel an improvement after 2 or 3 days, the definitive results are obtained 7 days later.
Duration of effect: the muscles will remain relaxed for approximately 3 to 6 months, before the nerve endings regenerate.
It is important to differentiate Botox from other injectables such ashyaluronic acid.
These two treatments are often complementary, but they do not work in the same way. Hyaluronic acid is a dermal filler, while botulinum toxin acts on the underlying muscles through a muscle blocking mechanism.
Repeated injections of botulinum toxin have long-term benefits. When the muscles are continually relaxed, wrinkles do not form as easily, which can slow down the ageing process of the face in the treated areas. However, it is essential to respect reasonable intervals (4 to 6 months) between injections to avoid the development of tolerance to the toxin.
Botulinum toxin injections are considered safe when carried out 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.
The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.
Contact details
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
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