Less waiting, more action for wrinkle reduction

Botulinum Toxin Type A, widely known as Botox, actually comes in many variations. There are many brands available on the market today and each is different. Some work well, while some offer only minimal and temporary results. Therefore, before deciding to get a botulinum injection, it is best to ask your dermatologist about the brand as well. 

The substance matters as much as the dermatologist’s skills – you can’t get satisfactory results without both these factors. Substandard botulinum toxin, no matter how carefully injected, won’t do you much good.

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and was first used in humans to treat crossed eyes before becoming popular for treating lines and wrinkles. It works by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, thereby reducing wrinkles. Usually, results are seen after two weeks.

Botulinum toxin is a purified protein. The more purified it is, the better it works. A South Korean company recently claimed it had been able to produce 98-per-cent purified botulinum toxin, and the high technology of purification allows results to be visible in only a few days. In short, it works faster and yields better results. It can be used for lifting, tightening, and facial reshaping just like regular botulinum toxin, but with a shorter wait time to see the changes.

While this is definitely exciting news for beauty lovers, it is better wait for more information whether it really lives up to the claims. The high-purity botulinum toxin formulation, which is the culmination of a 5-year research effort, is currently available in 15 Latin American countries, as well as the U.S. and European markets. It received approval from the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand only a few months ago.

Purity of the substance is certainly important. If impure botulinum toxin is injected into your body, it can develop an antibody reaction to fight the foreign substance, which the body perceives as an invader. This might cause future botulinum injections, whether pure or impure, to not have the desired effect. Choosing purified botulinum toxin reduces the chance of the body resisting the substance. 

Always be cautious of extremely cheap offers – nothing good comes cheap. Some very cheap brands might not be dangerous, but the results are very temporary and not worth the money and the time spent. Spending a little more on high-quality products and services is a wiser choice.

Taking proper care of yourself after the injection can also help prolong the results. Avoid drinking alcohol and rubbing your skin in the first 24 hours. If you have any concerns, such as results are not showing after several weeks, or if you suffer complications, call your doctor.

 

Thanisorn Thamlikitkul MD is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and certifiied in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions for her to [email protected]