What is Botox?
Botox (botulinum toxin A) is one of the best-known and most commonly used treatments in modern aesthetic medicine. Its active ingredient is Clostridium botulinum A highly purified protein produced by bacteria that temporarily reduces muscle function. This smoothes out expression lines, leaving the face fresher and more rested, while preserving the natural facial expression.
Botulinum toxin is not only used for aesthetic purposes, but has also been used with long-standing proven effectiveness in the treatment of numerous neurological and other medical conditions.
The history of Botox
The medical use of botulinum toxin began in the 1980s. First Dr. Alan Scott ophthalmologist and Dr. Edward Schantz used the product to treat strabismus.
In 1987 Dr. Jean Carruthers A Canadian ophthalmologist observed that during the treatment of eyelid spasm (blepharospasm), patients' forehead wrinkles were also significantly reduced.
This observation initiated the aesthetic use, the first scientific publication of which appeared in 1996.
In 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved BOTOX® Cosmetic for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe expression lines between the eyebrows.
Another important milestone came in 2004: the FDA approved the use of Botox for the treatment of severe excessive underarm sweating (primary axillary hyperhidrosis).
Today, botulinum toxin is considered one of the most thoroughly researched and safest aesthetic medicines.
The botulinum toxin molecule
Botulinum toxin is Clostridium botulinum It is produced by a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium called.
Science currently knows seven different serotypes (A–G), which are similar in structure but differ in their biological properties.
In medical and aesthetic practice, mainly Botulinum toxin type A is used because it has the strongest and most lasting effect.
The molecule consists of two protein chains:
- Heavy chain, which recognizes and binds to nerve endings.
- Light chain, which acts within the nerve cell and inhibits the transmission of impulses.
This precise operation allows the treatment to only affect the targeted muscles.
The mechanism of action of Botox
Muscle contraction is caused by signals released from nerve endings. acetylcholine It is triggered by a neurotransmitter called.
Normally, vesicles containing acetylcholine attach to the membrane of the nerve cell with the help of special proteins (SNARE complex), and then acetylcholine is released, which causes the muscle to contract.
Botulinum toxin inhibits this process:
- is connected to the nerve ending,
- enters the nerve cell,
- breaks down a key component of SNARE proteins,
- thereby preventing the release of acetylcholine.
Since the stimulus does not reach the muscle, the muscle temporarily relaxes.
This effect is not permanent: nerve endings regenerate over time, so the results of the treatment are usually temporary. 3–6 monthslasts.