Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum toxin is a medicine obtained from a bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum and was approved for release onto the market by the Ministry of Health on 1st April 2004; its use is exclusively authorised for Specialist Doctors in Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial Surgery, Dermatology and Ophthalmology.
How does it work and how long does its effect last?
Botulinum toxin causes expression lines to disappear by flaccid paralysis of underlying muscles, resulting in the disappearance of wrinkles in the superior third of the face, in particular in the:
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Glabellar region
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Forehead
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Periocular area (“crow’s feet”).
Its effect becomes visible after 3-4 days and on average lasts for 4-6 month; in any case the treatment should not be repeated in less than three months.
When is it recommended?
It is effective for expression wrinkles only and is not effective on those caused by “gravity” or bad habits.
What are the main contra-indications?
Botulinum toxin is not recommended:
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in subjects affected by neuromuscular diseases (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome);
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during treatment with aminoglycoside antibiotics or spectinomycin;
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in the presence of inflammations or pathologies at the injection site;
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proven hypersensitivity to ingredients;
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in patients with coagulation diseases or undergoing treatment with anticoagulant drugs;
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in case of exaggerated patient expectations.
Even though there are no precise contra-indications, the use of botulinum toxin is not recommended in heavily pregnant or breast feeding subjects.
What does preparation for treatment involve?
Fasting is not required on the day of treatment; it is recommended that you arrive at the surgery without any make-up on.
And what about the post-treatment phase?
Mild swelling and reddening for a day; the effect is not immediate and it takes 1-2 weeks for it to become fully visible. Avoid intense sports or stretching two hours after treatment. Do not rub or massage the treated area for 24 hours after treatment. During the 2-3 hours following treatment it is recommended that you exercise injected muscles (e.g. practice frowning and lifting your eyebrows), to encourage the effect of the treatment. It is best to avoid applying make-up for at least 6 hours after treatment; do not lie down and avoid strenuous physical exercises for 4 hours. The results will be visible in a few days, however for around 15 days effects on the face may be variable before stabilisation (asymmetries at certain times). After the first sessions, the positive effects usually disappear after 4-6 months.
Our surgery
Treatments are exclusively performed by Medical/ Dermatological experts. Dr Andrea Damiani , a Medical Surgeon specialised in Dermatology, graduated with full honours from the University of Perugia, professional registration number 6700. He is a consultant at our centre in Foligno, where he is available for aesthetic facial treatments in the perioral area, with hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin, external and sub ablative biorevitalisation with the use of radiofrequency.
