English
French
Spanish
You have no items in your shopping cart.
8
Mar
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin, often referred to as “Botox” or “Tox” is a purified substance that's derived from bacteria. Injections of botulinum toxin block the nerve signals to the muscle in which it’s injected. Without a signal, the muscle is not able to contract. The end result is diminished unwanted facial wrinkles or appearance. The results of botulinum toxin are temporary, lasting three to six months. The treated muscle gradually regains movement as the toxin gradually wears off.
How to use botulinum toxin
Botulinum toxin comes typically comes in a
powered formula requiring dilution before using. This is a very easy process
using the sterile saline provided with your botulinum toxin purchase from
Acecosm.
1. Remove plastic top from toxin vial.
2. Swab top of vial with alcohol.
3. Add appropriate amount of sterile saline. Dilution amount can be found on the instruction insert of your botulinum toxin, and depends on how many units of botulinum toxin you’ve purchased.
4. Gently swirl to mix.
5. Use botulinum toxin within 24 hours of
dilution.
6. When not in use, store refrigerated.
7. Botulinum toxin can be refrigerated or frozen for up to 30 days, but can lose efficacy up to 10% with prolonged storage. For best results use botulinum toxin within 24 hours of dilution.
Note: Never dilute with drinking water! Only use injectable grade 0.9% sodium chloride. 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, isotonic solution of sodium chloride and water for injection.
From one brand to the next dilution is typically the same, however always check the manufacturers instructional insert prior to dilution. Learning how to administer botulinum toxin is a process of understanding facial anatomy and correct depth of injection into the muscles that are being treated. The image below outlines the depth of injection for each area of the face and neck.
Effects of botulinum toxin
Botulinum toxin has a muscle relaxing effect on the areas treated. In turn, this relaxes the wrinkles associated with repetitive movement of specific muscles. One of the most commonly treated areas of the face are the forehead (frontalis) and the 11s between the eyebrows (procerus & corrugators) The repetitive movement of those muscles often cause etched in static wrinkles that can be corrected with the regular use of botulinum toxin. The use of botulinum toxin in the neck and jawline can provide a face lifting result, including improvement in jowls. There are many ways to use botulinum toxin to not only smooth wrinkles, but lift and contour the face.
To maintain results, botulinum toxin treatments can be done as often as every three months or four times a year. Most people find when first starting to use botulinum toxin that they only need treatment once every six months, especially in younger users. Touch ups to fine tune treatment are often done two weeks after initial treatment. Full treatments should never be done sooner than every three months. Over treatment can lead to toxin resistance, which means the treatment stops being effective.
The number of units you will need depends on the areas of the face you are treating. Each individual will have unique needs based on their preferences and facial anatomy. Planning your botulinum toxin treatments is necessary for good results. A process called mapping is an important part of a successful treatment plan. Mapping is planning a botulinum toxin treatment in advance on paper to ensure proper placement, number of units, and depth of injection throughout the face and neck. Where a forehead treatment alone may only require 20 units of toxin, a full face and neck could easily be over 100 units.
Toxin before reconstitution with sterile saline should be stored in the refrigerator. If your botulinum toxin arrives with the cold packs melted, this is nothing to worry about. Botulinum toxin is actually quite stable, however it should put into the refrigerator as soon as your order is received. Once your toxin is diluted with sterile saline, it should be used within 24 hours, and stored in the refrigerator during the 24 hours timeframe when not being used. After 24 hours, toxin can be frozen and thawed for later use, however toxin that has been frozen and thawed can lose its potency. It’s always best to use as much of your open vial of botulinum toxin when it’s fresh for best results.
Although most botulinum toxin brands are very similar, they all have their unique characteristics. Some botulinum toxins kick in faster, while others may take effect slower, but last slightly longer. Which botulinum toxin is best, is typically a personal preference. Where one botulinum toxin may be my personal favorite, it may not be yours.
Popular botulinum toxins
Dehantox
Dehantox is a botulinum toxin type A made
in South Korea, derived from a German strain of botulinum toxin. A unique feature of
Dehantox is its albumin free composition, which reduces the risk of allergy.
Rentox
Rentox 100 is a popular product in many
countries around the world for its quick acting formula. Manufactured by a
South Korean company, Rentox is a trusted brand of botulinum toxin. Rentox is
available in 100 unit and 200 unit vials.
Toxta
Toxta is a peripheral muscle relaxant,
which contains purified botulinum toxin type A, hemagglutinin and sodium
chloride. The mechanism of action of the product is based on the ability of
botulinum toxin type A to block the transmission of nerve impulses. Toxta is
available in 100 unit and 200 unit vials.
Botulax 300
A new addition to our collection, Botulax
300 contains 300 units of botulinum toxin type A, sodium chloride, and human
albumin serum. Botulax is a new generation of botulinum toxin with high purity
and improved results. Botulax also comes in 100 unit and 200 unit vials.
At Acecosm we offer many incredible botulinum toxin brands to choose from. New to our collection is Botulax 300, which offers 300 units of botulinum toxin per vial. You can check out our full collection of toxin here.
