Botox
Botox, manufactured by Allergan, is the most popular choice for Botulinun Toxin Type A (BTX-A) treatment. Used extensively for wrinkle reduction, facial contouring and various muscle disorders, the safety and acceptance of Botox has been recognised Internationally.
Botox works by blocking the neuromuscular transmission, resulting a a localised reduction in muscle activity. The muscles can reduce in size (atrophy), but reinnervation occurs after a period of months, slowly reversing the muscle denervation.
Botox is commonly used in the upper face for wrinkle reduction. It is also used for facial slimming & contouring by reducing the size of the masseter muscles (square jaw reduction).
Botox injected for cosmetic reasons does not get absorbed into the blood stream in significant quantities. Generalised or distant effects are thus not expected from standard treatments. Allergic reactions are rare. Transient eyelid droop (ptosis) is the most frequently reported complication, affecting approximately 5% of patients.