The use of botulinum toxin, better known as Botox, is not entirely new, as the use of this substance for aesthetic purposes has been around for about 20 years and is the most frequently performed procedure in the world. However, application methods and recommendations are constantly being improved.

See the latest on Botox applications – Photo: Leonardo Rosa/Disclosure/ND

Pharmacist and advanced esthetician Louise Keizer explains that the methods of use have been improved and thus give even more satisfying results.

“Before, all people were treated with an equal amount of the substance. Today, this application is fully customizable and individualized. In addition, only dermatologists and plastic surgeons were authorized to perform the procedure. Today, for example, dentists and pharmacists can do this,” explains Keyser.

How did the aesthetic use of Botox come about?

The discoveries of botulinum toxin began due to a collective health problem in Germany in the mid-1800s.
Dozens of people ended up in a young doctor’s office in northern Germany, complaining of mysterious symptoms. Patients felt progressive paralysis throughout the body. The disease disappeared after a few months. But in some cases, the immobility of the muscles was so intense that people stopped breathing and died.

The doctor, having studied the possible causes of the health problem, discovered that all the victims, shortly before they fell ill, ate boiled pork blood sausage. He then named the substance “sausage poison” and warned the residents not to consume the food.

In the early 20th century, scientists discovered the microorganism Clostridium botulinum that thrives in low oxygen environments, such as pickled foods, and the disease it causes was named botulism. Deepening research in the laboratory, the researchers proved that the toxin did have a temporary effect on the human body.

A diluted version of botulinum toxin has been developed to be applied to the eye muscles of patients with strabismus to reduce involuntary eye movement. The treatment worked, and from then on the hype around Botox began, until it began to be used in the way it is today.

Today, there are seven types of botulinum toxin, but the one used for aesthetic procedures is type A. Allergic effects to the toxin are very rare, but Keyser says it can occur, for example, in cases of lactose intolerance. . “The container with the application may contain traces of lactose, which can cause allergies,” the expert says.

Louise also points out that Botox does not cause paralysis of the facial muscles, as many believe, and is also indicated for therapeutic applications, for example, for the treatment of hyperhidrosis in the armpits, arms and legs.

aesthetic procedure

According to Keyser, Botox can be applied to the forehead (between the eyebrows), around the eyes, on the tip of the nose, at some points around the mouth, and mostly on the neck.

Botox can take three to four months to work, but this can vary from person to person and depending on age. More pronounced skin with deep wrinkles may need a different or more intensive application of the substance.

In young people, the action of the toxin lasts longer. “High performance athletes, people using anabolic steroids, and people with faster metabolisms can have marks on their skin due to the use of Botox,” he explains.

The unique post-application care includes avoiding strenuous exercise and looking down. In addition, the face must be cleaned and disinfected until the pores are completely closed within four hours.