Butolinic Toxin

The type A butolinic toxin is one of the seven produced by the Clostridium Botulinum and it is synthesized in the laboratory for medical use. The toxin provokes a temporal paralysis in the muscle into which it is injected. It has been mainly used in neurological spastic conditions and has recently been implemented in the treatment of facial wrinkles. The muscles of the face are responsible for the expression of our emotions (anger, happiness, sadness…) and of the different movements of the face. They are located underneath the skin and its continuous use marks the areas and causes wrinkles, even at rest. The most common ones are the forehead wrinkles (due to the front muscle), frown lines (corrugator muscles) and crow’s feet (orbicular muscle).

The toxin is injected in an adequate proportion in the muscle that is causing the wrinkle. It is done with a very thin needle and it can be done at the consultation. The dose used is very small and does not imply severe risks. The toxin acts on the motor plaque, which is the connection between the nerve and the muscle and it prevents the release of acetylcholine, which is the messenger substance of the transmission of the nerve impulse to the muscle. The effect is not permanent since the nerve defends itself by producing new nerve endings and new connections with the muscle. This means that muscle activity is recovered three months after the injection. The effect starts after 4 or 5 days and lasts between 4 and 6 months, after which the treatment has to be repeated. However, it seems that, after several injections, the muscle weakens, fewer doses are needed and the results last longer.