Overview
Botulinum Toxin (Type A) is a neurotoxic protein produced by Clostridium botulinum, widely utilized in aesthetic and therapeutic medicine as a muscle relaxant.
What problem it targets: It treats hyperactive dynamic facial wrinkles (crows feet, forehead lines, frown lines), severe muscle spasticity, chronic migraines, cervical dystonia, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
What It Does
• Blocks neuromuscular transmission: Cleaves SNAP-25, a critical protein required for the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings into the neuromuscular junction.
• Temporarily paralyzes targeted muscles: Without acetylcholine release, the treated muscle cannot receive contraction signals from the nerve, remaining in a smooth, resting state.
• Prevents and softens skin wrinkling: Resting the underlying facial muscles allows the overlying skin to smooth out and prevents dynamic creases from becoming permanent static wrinkles.
• Realistic expectations: Effects begin within 3 to 7 days, peak at 2 weeks, and wear off gradually after 3 to 4 months as motor nerve endings sprout fresh terminal branches.
RECONSTITUTION (CLINICIAN)
| Vial | Saline (0.9% preserved) | Concentration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 U | + 2.5 mL | 4 U / 0.1 mL | Common dilution. Other dilutions used per technique. Clinician-only. |
TYPICAL AESTHETIC DOSING (UNITS)
| Area | Frequency | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glabella (frown lines) | Every 3–4 months | ~20 U (5 points) | FDA-approved cosmetic dose. |
| Forehead lines | Every 3–4 months | ~10–20 U | Often combined with glabella (~40 U upper face). |
| Crow’s feet | Every 3–4 months | ~12 U per side Critical: max cumulative ~400 U per 3 months. Precise muscle placement determines safety, wrong placement causes drooping eyelids/brows, asymmetry, or swallowing/breathing problems. This is a clinician-administered prescription drug, do not self-inject. By sex: Dosed by muscle / treatment area, not sex (men often need slightly more units for larger muscles). Contraindicated in pregnancy & breastfeeding. |
