Botulinum Toxin A (BTA) Injections (eg BotoxR)
Ok. Let’s get one thing straight. Botox R as much as ScotchTapeR, CloroxR and PampersR is actually a brand name that we use to refer to an item (ie adhesive tape, bleach and diapers respectively).
In reality the generic drug that we are actually referring to everytime we see that much talked about colleague of ours who constantly-got-her-face-injected-till-it’s-frozen (it’s addictive folks!) is Botulinum Toxin type A. Or BTA for short.
There are numerous companies producing BTA and the major brands that are available in the market are
BotoxR
MyoblocR
NeuroblocR
DysportR
XeominR
LantoxR
ProsigneR
NeuronoxR
SiaxR
A few important facts about BTA
Contrary to popular beliefs there are only a few true cosmetic/lifestyle applications of BTA. And when I say “true” it must satisfy a few criterias; mainly…
- Clinically proven
- Results are significant
- Results are reproducible and consistent
- To reduce dynamic wrinkles of the face and these are mainly over the upper part of the face with the exception of neck bands. These include
- forehead wrinkles
- crows feet
- frown lines
- bunny nose lines
- To weaken the action of certain muscles and thus achieve a certain specific indication eg.
- Certain eye muscles to give a slight brow lift
- Upper lip levator muscles to temporarily improve the appearance of “gummy smile” (although this is not the primary treatment for the problem)
- To shrink certain muscles in order to change shape of features. Eg
- Undereye muscles to reduce “sausage roll” appearance
- Jaw muscles to recontour the jawline
- To temporarily control sweat secretion especially in individuals suffering from hyperhidrosis giving rise to sweaty palms or soles.
*BTA application and injection must be done after careful consultation with a trained practitioner as treatment and results will vary among different individuals.
