B-tox

What actually is B-tox?

"B-tox" is the trading name of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum type A, a naturally occurring protein in medicine. B-tox is used to selectively freeze or paralyse muscles. This protein from the bacterium is purified similar to how penicillin is made.

How does it work?

Purified B-tox powder is mixed with a saltwater solution and then using a very fine needle it is injected into the facial muscle that causes the wrinkle to relax it. It acts by paralysing the muscle or relaxing and freezing the muscle, stopping it from contracting, thereby preventing the overlying skin from pleating and folding.

How long has it been used for?

Botulinum has been used in medicine for over 30 years for people with eye twitches. It is also used for headaches, neck spasms and children with cerebral palsy to relax stiff muscles. As most fabulous discoveries are made, its cosmetic use was stumbled on to by accident 20 years ago. It has become the most popular worldwide cosmetic procedure performed and demand has increased close to 2000 per cent since 2002!

Are there different types of Botulinum?

There are a few different types.  There trading names are, Dysport, Myoblock and Neurobloc.

How long does it take to do?

Consultation may take 30 minutes and treatment takes about 15 minutes.

Does the treatment hurt?

This depends on the individual. At worse, it feels like a small sting that lasts no more than five seconds and most people don't even feel it. Currently in Australia B-tox is licensed as a S4 drug, meaning that only doctors are allowed to carry and prescribe it.

How much will it cost?

Prices vary from $100 to $700. It depends on how much B-tox is used. With deep, heavyset wrinkles more B-tox may be required.

How long do the effects last?

This varies from patient to patient and how strong facial muscles are. On average the maximum results last up to three to five months. Reports have shown the effects may last as long as nine months. After a few treatments patients have found less treatments are required.

On what areas of the face can it be used?

B-tox can be used on active moving wrinkles, for example, the forehead, between the eyes and outer eyes (crow's feet). In selective cases it can be used around the mouth, lips, chin and neck.