Tag: frown lines

Questions and answers about Botulinum ” Solely the dose determines that a thing is not a poison” (Paracelsus, 1538) The term Botox has become so established in aesthetic language that everyone knows what it means. In actual fact, Botox is the name for one product alone – that of the US manufacturer Allergan: “The physician distinguishes between products for aesthetic treatment, such as Vistabel (Allergan), Bocouture (Merz), Azzalure (Galderma), and those for medical treatment such as Botox (Allergan), Xeomin (Merz), Dysport (Galderma),” explains Dr. Irina Izmaylova, Bellari team Dermatologist in Hamburg. Although everyone has heard or read quite a lot about this substance, which can do much more than just smooth wrinkles, it is still approached with uncertainty and reserve. Dr. Izmaylova answers the most important questions: Is botulinum really a poison? The substance, which is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is toxic in its untreated form and dosage. Under no circumstances does it come from snakes, as is often claimed. As a medicinal product, botulinum is used exclusively in its refined and strongly diluted form, rendering it a safe but effective medicine. It would probably take more than 3,000 vials to poison someone. What long-term experiences are there? Botulinum’s success story began in the fields of Ophthalmology and Neurology. It has been approved as a drug since 1989 and since then, has established itself in the treatment of severe neurological movement disorders. In January 2006, after lengthy clinical testing and reliable studies regarding safety and efficacy, the active ingredient was approved in Germany for the treatment of wrinkles. How does botulinum work exactly? Botulinum causes muscle relaxation and not paralysis, as is often claimed. It works more like a kind of brake to the muscles. For around about four to six months it inhibits the release of so-called messenger substances with which the nerves instruct the muscles to contract. It is precisely this muscle contraction that causes frown or worry lines for example. Once the active ingredient has broken down, the treated muscle strand regains its mobility to the same extent as before. Can organs be damaged in the process? Botulinum only works where it is injected. During wrinkle treatment, it does not enter the bloodstream so organs such as the liver cannot be damaged. The complex protein is completely broken down in a specific way. Histological research has not shown any tissue changes in the body, even after prolonged use.… weiterlesen