What is botulinum toxin, and how is it used to treat wrinkles on the face?
Wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, cheeks, and lips are often the earliest indicators of aging. Wrinkles are a natural part of everyone’s face. However, many people believe that wrinkles make them appear tired or older.
Some people opt for botulinum toxin injections (shots) to decrease the appearance of wrinkles. Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and JeuveauTM are some of the brand names for these injections. Certain facial muscles are relaxed, wrinkles become less evident, and the face looks younger over a period of time as a result of the injections.
Wrinkles and Their Types
Dynamic wrinkles and very fine lines and wrinkles are the two forms of wrinkles. Face muscles that move when you grin, laugh, or squint generate dynamic wrinkles. These can be found around the lips, on the forehead, and in the space between the brows. They are also known as “crows’ feet” around the corners of your eyes.
Dynamic wrinkles are a part of everyone’s DNA. These wrinkles become deeper and more visible as you get older. Botulinum toxin can be utilized to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.
When the skin’s collagen begins to decrease, very fine lines and wrinkles appear. Collagen is a protein found just under and within the deep layers of the skin. Collagen weakening is caused by aging and UV exposure.
It causes fine wrinkles by stretching and sagging the skin on your face. Botulinum toxin does not remove wrinkles or fine lines. There are, however, various options for reducing their appearance.
What Is the Mechanism of Action of Botulinum Toxin (Botox)?
A specific species of bacteria produce botulinum toxin. It can be harmful in large doses. To decrease facial wrinkles, however, only modest, lower doses of botulinum toxin are used.
Botulinum toxin is a toxin that interrupts nerve signals that cause muscles to contract when administered. The muscles relax, which reduces wrinkles. This impact lasts 3–6 months on average. The muscles begin to move again, and wrinkles appear.
Before injecting botulinum toxin, your doctor may apply an anesthetic cream to the area to numb it. The drug will next be injected into certain facial muscles. This takes only a few minutes and can be completed in the doctor’s office. Inquire with your doctor about what activities should be avoided right after the procedure.
You should feel your muscles relaxing and fewer facial creases and wrinkles within the first week of treatment. This impact lasts approximately 3–6 months.
