Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum toxin, also called “miracle poison,” in its natural state, is one of the most poisonous biological substances known. It is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. This toxin interferes with nerve transmission by blocking the release of acetylcholine, the principal neurotransmitter at the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle paralysis. The various types of botulinum toxin used in medicine have been diluted many times and is very safe, even in very large amounts.
The weakness induced by injecting botulinum toxin usually lasts about three months. Botulinum toxin plays a significant role in the management of a wide variety of medical conditions, including strabismus, facial spasm, spastic movement disorders, headaches, hypersalivation, hyperhidrosis, etc.
The cosmetic applications include correction of lines, creases and wrinkling over the face, chin, neck, and chest, to applications such as hyperhidrosis (excess sweating). Injections with botulinum toxin are generally well tolerated and side effects are few.
The toxin requires 24 – 72 hours to start taking effect, but the peak of the paralytic effect occurs four to seven days after injection. Peaking at about 10 days, the effect of botulinum toxin lasts nearly between 8-12 weeks.
Commonly formulations of botulinum toxin used in Southern Africa are Botox and Dysport.
As a general precaution, one should go home immediately and rest after injection. Ideally, do nothing strenuous for one or two days and refrain from laser / IPL treatments, facials and facial massage for one to two weeks after injections.
Botulinum toxin is contraindicated in patients afflicted with a pre-existing motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome, neuropathies, psychological instability, history of reaction to toxin or albumin, pregnancy and lactating females and infection at the injection site.
Some patients do not respond to injections and, having never previously responded, are designated as primary non-responders. Secondary non-responders respond initially but lose the response on subsequent injections. Most of these patients may have developed neutralizing antibodies.
Sweat is your body’s way of keeping its temperature under control in hot surroundings or during vigorous exercise. Hyperhidrosis happens when the amount of sweat produced exceeds the body’s needs. The underarms, feet and hands are affected most regularly by this disorder. Many forms of treatment can successfully stop hyperhidrosis.
Fortunately, a number of solutions are available including prescription antiperspirants, iontophoresis, botox injections, oral medications and surgery.
If topical agents haven’t cured your severe underarm sweating, botox can help. Botox prevents chemical signals from reaching the sweat glands. Overactive sweat glands produce significantly less sweat when the glands don’t receive these chemical signals.
Most patients respond for up to 6 months. Some need another treatment in 3 months while others go 6-8 months. Botox is not a cure. Eventually the symptoms will return and you will know that it is time for a follow-up treatment.
Pricing for botulinum toxin treatments is available on request.
Please contact our offices for more information.
Dermal filler
Also known as injectable soft tissue fillers or wrinkle fillers, derma fillers are used in helping to create a smoother and fuller appearance in the face.
Dermal fillers are small injections of gel, typically made up of hylauronic acid, that fill in wrinkles and add volume to soft tissue. Dermal fillers can be injected in various parts of the face: Around the eyes, cheeks, mouth and jawline, as well as lip fillers administered directly into the lip tissue.
POR
Lipolytic solution
Also known as fat dissolving injections. It is a non-surgical injection therapy that reduces or eliminates stubborn fat deposits.
POR
Medical peel