BOTULINUM TOXIN

Botulinum toxin (Botox ) is a bacterial nerve toxin capable of causing fatal food poisoning. In minute quantities, however, botulinum toxin has been used by doctors for treating blepharospasm, a condition causing twitching of the eyelid muscles and other types of muscular spasms. It was during treatment of blepharospasm that doctors noticed the loss of wrinkle lines. Since, then the botulinum toxin has been used successfully and safely to treat dynamic wrinkles such as forehead frown lines and crow's feet. The botulinum toxin paralyses or weakens the muscles that pull on the skin, hence reducing the lines and furrows.

The toxin comes in a freeze-dried form and has to be reconstituted and diluted. Minute quantities of the botulinum toxin is injected directly into the muscle and the procedure is not very painful. However, beneficial effect lasts only about 3 - 6 months after which treatment needs to be repeated. One possible complication is a droopy eyelid or eyebrow which is temporary, lasting 2 - 3 months. Botulinum toxin has also been used to treat hyperhidrosis (increased sweating) of the palms and axilla (underarms).