Did you know that the Botulinum toxin molecule (BoNT) is capable of much more than wrinkle reduction? Botulinum toxin injections are often referred to as Botox®, which is actually a registered trademark of Allergan Inc., a global pharmaceutical company.
Botulinum toxin itself is a purified substance derived from bacteria that has been used for decades to block nerve signals to the affected muscles in which it is injected. The result? Softened lines and wrinkles, and much happier individuals. More recently, Botulinum toxin has also been proven to help those who suffer with hyperhidrosis too. But it doesn’t end there…
Over the years, we have been so much in awe of its muscle-relaxing properties that we seem to have ignored many of Botulinum toxin’s other useful applications. Botulinum toxin is one of the most significant advances in dermatology the world has ever seen, and believe it or not, it was simply a happy accident.
How Was Botulinum Toxin Invented?
Jean Carruthers, a relatively unknown ophthalmologist from Vancouver, Canada, was injecting her patients with BoNT to control their eye spasms, but when several of these people reported a reduction in their frown lines, she started to suspect she had discovered something revolutionary. The effects were so dramatic that she decided to treat herself, and she was blown away by the results!
Needless to say, back in 1987, Jean had no idea that her accidental discovery would result in millions of people feeling happier and more confident, even in 2022! Women in particular have benefited from Botox® treatments over the years, mainly due to the fact that their faces age differently to men’s. Female faces lose volume and structure much quicker, often making their faces appear sullen or angry, which means Botox® treatments are more effective over time. This is not to say that men do not get Botox®, they just tend to find it a necessity much later on in life. You can find out more about Jean Carruthers and her discovery here – happy reading!
What Else Can Botulinum Toxin Injections Do?
Many people don’t know that BoNT can attach itself to almost any cell in your body and change how that cell works. Yes, really! As a result, it can do much more than just relax the muscles. Those in the aesthetics industry don’t simply tell their customers this to entice them, it has been scientifically proven to be the case. This is incredibly important because what happens at a cellular level allows us to understand the other uses of the BoNT molecule.
Do you want to keep your skin looking plump and youthful? Then Botulinum toxin might just be what you need. The BoNT molecule has been found to prevent collagen from breaking down, but the best news is that it actually helps your body to produce more. It’s something I see a lot in my practice, the patients who have Botox® on a regular basis have a glow about them. I call it ‘the BoNT glow’, now we know why!
There’s much more to this magical molecule too. BoNT has even proven to be effective when used for non-surgical facelifts in very diluted concentrations. Low levels of Botulinum toxin can be used at several different points across the entire face, causing the skin to shrink and tighten. Although we have been aware of this effect for a while, it has only been confirmed recently that Botulinum toxin can be used in this way to deliver spectacular results.
Two other unexpected conditions that can be treated with Botulinum toxin are acne and rosacea. In those with acne, the BoNT molecule is able to attach itself to the sebaceous glands, rendering them sluggish and unable to produce as much sebum as they normally do. This leads to smaller pores and a significant reduction in acne. We’re not yet sure as to how or why the BoNT molecule is able to treat rosacea, but it reduces the severity of facial flushing, which is welcome news for rosacea sufferers who may not have responded well to other treatment methods.
Who Can I Trust To Deliver Botulinum Toxin Injections?
Personally, I have never treated my patients by focusing on their lines and wrinkles as singular features. I consider their faces as a whole and how I can help them to look their best, which is what any good aesthetician should do. I have used Botulinum toxin to treat those who suffer from a range of concerns. My patients have told me that following their treatments, they feel happier and more confident and you could be one of them too!
Get In Touch Today
My name is Dr. Nichola Maasdorp and I’m a dentist with over 26 years of clinical experience, many of which I have spent specialising in medical aesthetics and skincare. My true passion is helping my patients feel amazing and this is often possible with the use of Botulinum toxin.
You can visit me, or a member of my team, at my clinic by filling out a form on our website, calling us on 07595221484 or emailing info@nichola-maasdorp-no4.co.uk today.
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See you soon!
