Botox
What is Botox?
Dr. Óscar Máyorga explains the procedure for the application of Botox at the RegenBiocell Clinic in Albir.
The term "Botox" is most often used to refer to injections of botulinum toxin. The correct terminology when referring to Botox injections is actually "injection of botulinum toxin".
Botox® is a brand name (like Azzalure®, Vistabel®, Bocouture®, Dysport®, Xeomin®… for the most commonly used in aesthetic medicine).
Botulinum toxin comes from the culture of a bacteria called "Clostridium Botulinum".
Its use in aesthetic medicine is actually a coincidence. The primary medical use of Botox was for ophthalmological care, more particularly to treat a condition of the eyelids: blepharospasm.
It was while looking at photos of the results of this treatment that the Carruthers couple (Canadian) noticed a side effect that would launch Botox injections into the world of aesthetic medicine.
In fact, patients treated for blepharospasm had fewer wrinkles than before.
Clinical studies were then initiated to validate the results and determine the necessary doses for the treatment of forehead and eyelid wrinkles.
During these trials, another interesting side effect was observed: people suffering from excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) could get rid of this daily discomfort.
It was in 1992 that Botox began to be used in aesthetics. Only the purified botulinum toxin type A (there are a total of eight other types of toxin) is used for medical purposes to block transmission between the nerve and the muscle that will perform a movement.
When used correctly, it reduces facial wrinkles while maintaining a natural facial expression.

What is the active ingredient in Botox injections?
It is botulinum endotoxin, which has long been used to combat spasms and tics in the eyelids, face, and neck.
The only difference between Botox injections used for therapeutic purposes and those used in an aesthetic medical procedure against wrinkles is the amount of endotoxin used.
The dose used in aesthetic medicine is very low compared to therapeutic use.
The use of botulinum toxin in aesthetic medicine
To speak only of the forehead, botulinum toxin injections can relax, not "stretch the skin" as most people think.
The skin muscles (under the skin) no longer contract (or less), the skin relaxes, and the folds or wrinkles disappear.
Before Botox appeared in aesthetic medicine, surgeons performed a section of the frontal muscle to prevent it from contracting. This was done during an operation such as a facelift or endoscopy.
Today, Botox injection replaces this surgical procedure with similar results without any recovery period or painful side effects.
What areas can be treated?
In aesthetics, we mainly treat specific areas of the face that show expression lines. However, Botox can also be used for "hair Botox," for the lips, etc.
These expression wrinkles are caused by the repetition of facial movements when we express emotions or speak. In young people, the skin regains its smooth appearance after each muscle contraction.
With age, the skin loses its elasticity but also its firmness and radiance, and finally retains the mark of the furrows associated with facial expressions.
From then on, wrinkles will gradually deepen and become permanently visible. The result is a "break" in the dermis that persists.
When used correctly, it reduces facial wrinkles while maintaining a natural facial expression.


