Knowledge
How botulinum toxin works
Botulinum toxin is one of the most studied active ingredients in aesthetic medicine and has been used in medicine for over 40 years. Scroll through what happens under the skin during a treatment.
Step by step
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SkinMuscleNerveMessengerBotulinum toxin- 01
Expressions are made by muscles
Fine facial muscles lie beneath the skin. When you frown or laugh, they contract and move the skin above them.
- 02
The nerve sends a signal
Every movement starts with a signal from the nerve. At its end it releases a messenger, acetylcholine. This passes the command on to the muscle.
- 03
The muscle contracts
The skin above it folds. This happens thousands of times a day. Over time, lines remain visible in these places, even when the face is relaxed.
- 04
Botulinum toxin dampens the signal
A very small amount is placed precisely into the muscle. The active ingredient is taken up into the nerve endings and stops the messenger from being released there. The signal no longer fully reaches the muscle.
- 05
The muscle relaxes
After a few days the treated muscle moves less, and the skin above it can smooth out. The effect stays limited to the treated area; neighbouring muscles keep working.
- 06
After a few months, movement returns
The nerve ending forms new connections to the muscle and the active ingredient is broken down. After about three to six months the muscle works as before. The effect wears off completely.
- 01
Expressions are made by muscles
Fine facial muscles lie beneath the skin. When you frown or laugh, they contract and move the skin above them.
- 02
The nerve sends a signal
Every movement starts with a signal from the nerve. At its end it releases a messenger, acetylcholine. This passes the command on to the muscle.
- 03
The muscle contracts
The skin above it folds. This happens thousands of times a day. Over time, lines remain visible in these places, even when the face is relaxed.
- 04
Botulinum toxin dampens the signal
A very small amount is placed precisely into the muscle. The active ingredient is taken up into the nerve endings and stops the messenger from being released there. The signal no longer fully reaches the muscle.
- 05
The muscle relaxes
After a few days the treated muscle moves less, and the skin above it can smooth out. The effect stays limited to the treated area; neighbouring muscles keep working.
- 06
After a few months, movement returns
The nerve ending forms new connections to the muscle and the active ingredient is broken down. After about three to six months the muscle works as before. The effect wears off completely.
Good to know
Used in medicine for decades
Botulinum toxin has been used medically since the 1980s, for example for squinting, eyelid spasms, spasticity, excessive sweating or chronic migraine. Aesthetic use came later.
Small amounts, precisely placed
An aesthetic treatment needs very small amounts, spread over a few carefully chosen points. I dose individually and as conservatively as possible.
Why it takes days
The active ingredient first has to be taken up into the nerve endings. That's why the effect shows after 3 to 7 days, and the full result after about 14 days.
Frequently asked questions
Is botulinum toxin a poison?
In high doses, yes, which is why the right dose is crucial. Medicine uses a highly purified, approved drug in very small amounts. As with many medicines, the dose makes the difference.
Does it spread through the body?
When used correctly, botulinum toxin works where it was injected. Rarely, it can spread to neighbouring muscles, for example from the forehead to the eyelid lifter. This is temporary and can usually be avoided with precise technique.
Can I become dependent on it?
No. Botulinum toxin is not addictive. Whether and when you repeat a treatment is up to you.
What happens if I stop?
The effect wears off and the muscle works as before. The lines return, but they don't get stronger than without treatment.
Is it the same drug as in medicine?
Yes, it's the same active ingredient. There are approved products for aesthetic and medical use, which differ mainly in dose and area of application.
Any questions?
Send me a message, call or book an appointment directly. I usually reply within 24 hours.
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