BTX
''And on the 8th day God created Btx...''
At our practice in Zollikon, Zurich, Btx is one of the most frequently performed procedures. Btx Cosmetic is the #1 treatment for dynamic wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), between the eyebrows (the "11’s" or worry lines) and the forehead. Other treatment areas include the masseter or jawline muscle, the upper lip, the nose, and even the armpits to reduce sweating.
Although many people are still afraid of Btx, it has become a safe, effective anti-ageing treatment that revolutionised all aesthetic medicine in the last 20 years. Despite false clichés, often channelled through the media, this purified natural protein is a safe substance when used correctly by qualified specialists.
This is probably the biggest fear amongst patients. It is actually quite understandable, given the number of frozen faces that we often see on television, in memes and on Instagram posts mocking this appearance.
Truth is, that it is not Btx’s fault. The value of a thorough consultation is to focus on your aesthetic goals. If your desire is to look as natural as possible, we can tailor the treatment to your needs.
Thanks to Btx, we have wrinkles to slay, expressions to soften, and a serious need to combat our obvious signs of annoyance.
However, Btx has many uses outside of anti-aging in the medical industry. The Btx has been used to treat a host of medical issues, including hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), strabismus (crossed eye/eyes), migraines, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), acne, and to reduce spasticity (contracted muscles).
But how does it work?
Btx injections block certain chemical signals from nerves, mostly signals that cause muscle contractions.
An example I use to explain the concept to my patients is temporarily unscrewing the light bulb from a plugged-in lamp: the electrical nerve impulse arrives but is unable to make the bulb light up. This is a completely reversible process: from 4 months after the btx treatment, the whole system of nerve conductions and muscle contractions returns to its normal state, as if the light bulb has been screwed back on.
Some confusion exists between the use of Btx and the use of facial fillers. Btx decreases muscle contractions which helps reduce dynamic wrinkles – wrinkles caused by movement. Btx is usually most effective around the eyes and forehead. Facial fillers help “fill” volume deficits and smooth out static wrinkles – wrinkles caused by volume loss and gravity. Fillers are generally most useful around the mouth and in the mid face, but can be used to define the jawline and nose as well.
BTX FOR SWEATING (Hyperhidrosis)
How do Btx injections work to treat sweating?
Btx injections block the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which binds with your sweat glands to signal the release of sweat.
Where is Btx used on the body to treat sweating?
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armpit
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palms
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soles of feet
The procedure:
A local numbing cream may be applied 20 min before treatment, accurate disinfection and small injections with a fine needle are performed into the areas to be treated.
You will not see a change straight away. It takes about 2 or 3 days to start working, and 2 to 3 weeks to see the full effect.
Post-care:
Avoid massaging or rub your face for 3 days. Also, avoid vigorous exercise, sunbathing (including using sun-beds), and the sauna for 2 days.
How long will the effects last?
The effects usually last for about 3 or 4 months. If you have Btx injections again, you should wait at least 3 months. It might stop working if you have it too often.