Botulinum Toxin A Injections for Reduction of Facial Rhytids

Abstract

Botulinum Toxin A, commonly known as Botox® or Botox® Cosmetic (both: Allergan, Irvine, CA) or Dysport (Medicis, USA), is a neurotransmitter blocker that is used in aesthetic procedures to erase the fine lines of the face known as active lines. The mechanism of action of this drug is to block neurotransmitters in the facial muscles by binding the muscle receptor site on the muscles necessary to make the muscle fire. Botox® or Botox® cosmetic take approximately 2–7 days to work their way into the muscle and remain tightly bound to the muscles for approximately 3–5 months, whereas Dysport takes effect in 1.5 days and remains effective for 4–6 months. Botox has been available for use in the US since the early 70s. Dysport was approved for cosmetic use by the FDA in 2009. It has however, been in use for cosmetic purposes in Europe under the trade name Reloxin for approximately 20 years.