PRINCIPLES OF BOTULINUM TOXIN IN AESTHETIC MEDICINE

Botulinum Toxin is a neurotoxin made by the bacteria Clostridum Botulinum, anaerobic bacteria found in soil. Botulinum Toxin is purified for clinical and cosmetic use. Botulinum Toxins are divided into 7 types by their differences in potency and duration of action. Botulinum Toxin Type A is the most potent of the types and therefore is used for clinical and cosmetic purposes.

 

Once injected into the muscle, the mechanism of action of botulinum toxin is to cause temporary muscle paralysis through inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from motor nerve terminals. This prevents muscular contraction and hence creates the desired cosmetic effects. With time, synaptic-sprouting and receptor formation leads to the reoccurrence of muscular contractions and hence the ‘wearing off effect’ of botulinum toxin.