Botox (Botulinum Toxin A)

1. Botulinum toxin is a very useful drug. The medicine is naturally produced by the bacterium Clostridium protein and is used in the treatment of various diseases. They range from ophthalmology to relieve spasms of the eye muscles and in neurology for the treatment of stroke patients. Migraines can also be treated successfully with botulinum toxin. More recently this drug has been utilised in the treatment of facial wrinkles.

1. Botox works by acting on the end plate of the nerves and blocking the distribution of neurotransmitters responsible for muscle contraction. This helps to relax the facial muscles. With early application the formation of wrinkles is decreased by preventing extreme skin movements, and existing wrinkles are smoothed.

1. Botulinum toxin should be handled by an experienced doctor like Dr Dirk Kremer. A very thin needle is injected into muscles that constantly contract and cause wrinkles as a result. The application is an outpatient procedure carried out under sterile conditions and takes only a few minutes. This application of botulinum toxin (Botox) has been practiced in the U.S. and Europe for many years. Numerous medical publications demonstrate it to be a reliable and successful treatment.

1. A decrease in fold structure in the treated facial area becomes evident after 3 to 7 days. The muscle relaxation lasts about 3 to 6 months due to the lower activity of the treated facial muscles simultaneously preventing the emergence of new ageing features. The long-standing use of Botox can lead to atrophy of the treated muscle occurring. Even without Botox treatment then leads to a reduced strength of muscle contraction and thereby decrease wrinkling.

Botox is gentle, safe and it delivers a natural look. Botox has a long-lasting effect. One can repeatedly apply Botox. It is effective against wrinkles without surgery or anaesthesia.

1. After injection, adjacent nerves and blood vessels are injured. Consequences are small bruises under the skin but these often heal on their own and require no treatment. Paraesthesia or Dysaesthesia (numb or painful skin) are usually only temporary and relieve themselves. However in some individual cases, symptoms may persist. Be aware of the possibility for infections at the injection site, dry skin in the area of injection (which disappears after a short time by itself), temporary weakening of other muscles in the area surrounding the injection site, mild allergic reactions such as swelling, itching or skin rash and headaches, which usually disappear after a short time.

1. Avoid massaging the treated areas and remain in an upright position for 3-4 hours after injection. Contract the muscle groups repeatedly during the 3-4 hours after treatment as the toxin in actively moving muscles has a better effect. These are precautions that many physicians advise their patients worldwide. However, further studies and observations for final clarification of the effectiveness of these precautions are necessary.

1. Possible hypersensitivity to any component.
   Generalised disorders of muscle activity (e.g. myasthenia gravis).
   Local infections of the injection sites.
   No application during and up to 3 days after end of treatment with aminoglycoside antibiotics or spectinomycin.
   You should discuss with your surgeon if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Botox can be used in many different areas of the body with variable benefits.

   1. Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)Hyperhidrosis is the official term for those who sweat constantly from the underarms, hands, feet, groin and face. Botox simply blocks the nerves from reaching the sweat glands – it decreases the chemical reaction between the two.
 
How many treatments will I need?
As with Botox for the face, the results can last a few months.
However, the treatment longevity varies from person to person. This is because there is different metabolic responses in the way we break down Botox that’s an inherent thing between individuals.

   2. Jawline definition – The Nefertiti Lift
Unlike dermal fillers which are used to replace lost volume in the jowls and build back up a supporting structure, Botox is used to relax specific key muscles such that the shape of the jawline is improved through tightening or lifting

It is thought that botulinum toxin gets into the small nerves that carry pain from the head to the brain, known as C-fibres. This reduces the amount of chemicals released from the nerve ending and therefore interrupts the feedback pathway that perpetuates migraine and headache.