How long has Botox been available?
Botulinum Toxin has been around since the 1980’s when it was first used for facial muscle spasms and crossed eyes (strabismus). Doctors have used Botulinum Toxin type A in medical practice ever since for treatment of muscle spasticity in conditions such as cerebral palsy, dystonia and facial spasms. It is also used to improve overactive bladders by Urologists, headaches such as migraines when areas in the upper part of the face are treated and also hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating).
In February 2006, a licence was given for the use of Botox for some cosmetic treatments. Since then it has been rebranded as Vistabel. Shortly after Galderma launched Azzalure in the UK. In 2010, Mertz licensed Bocouture for use in select cosmetic treatments in the UK. Botulinum Toxins have been used for cosmetic use to treat areas of the face within and off ‘licence’ safely for over 20 years.
Alluzience manufactured by Galderma was launched in June 2022 in the UK. It has a quicker onset of action and can start working within 24 hours. Alluzience can also have a longer duration of action compared to the other toxin brands currently available.
How does Botox Work?
Botulinum Toxin Type A attaches to receptors on the muscle cells. This prevents the receptors from receiving signals from the nerve cells. The signal being Acetylcholine which causes the muscles to contract. The muscle, therefore can no longer move when the nerve sends the acetylcholine to the muscle cells. The action of Botulinum Toxin is never permanent and wears off after 3 to 4 months.
Facial lines are caused by the regular movement of the facial muscles. Expressions such as squinting and frowning on a regular basis cause lines and wrinkles to appear over time. Similar to when you wear a pair of leather shoes for a long time, the more movement that occurs, the more wear appears.
By reducing the amount of facial muscle movement that occurs, you can soften the visible lines and wrinkles.
Is Botox Safe?
Data shows treatments are safe. Some people worry that Botox may be dangerous, however, administered in the correct manner by a skilled medical professional carries very little risk.
Botox has only a few short-term side effects. These include minimal bruising at the injection sites and minor headaches, which usually last only a short period of time.
Brands of Botulinum Toxin Type A
There are several brands of Botulinum Toxin available on prescription in the UK:
- Botox and Vistabel manufactured by Allergan
- Dysport manufactured by Ipsen
- Azzalure manufactured by Galderma (the same as Dysport but comes in lower dose vials for cosmetic use)
- Xeomin and Bocouture manufactured by Merz
- Alluzience manufactured by Galderma designed to work quicker and last longer
Which brands of Botulinum Toxin do the specialists at Cheshire Lasers use?
At Cheshire Lasers Dr Teri uses Botox, Azzalure, Alluzience and the Bocouture brands.
Moira Grobicki uses Bocouture and Botox brands.
Dr Kyra Drinnan uses Botox.
Dr Hazlehurst uses Bocouture and Botox brands.
Katey of Nevaeh Aesthetics uses Azzalure and Botox.
Find out more about Cosmetic Botox Treatments here.
Find out about our specialists performing Botox Treatments and the procedures they perform.