Botulinum Toxin Applications

Botulinum toxin weakens or inhibits skeletal muscles through inhibition of neurotransmission between peripheral nerve endings and muscle fibers. The method is originally used for medical indications, but it has now become one of the most requested procedures in facial rejuvenation.

When used appropriately, botulinum toxin injection is an extremely safe method for curing cosmetic problems caused by or exacerbated by muscle contraction, such as prominent glabellar lines. The effects of botulinum toxin are temporary; muscle function typically reverses within a few months. The upper face is the most common area where botulinum toxin is applied. Forehead lines, glabellar vertical lines, eyebrow lifting, wrinkles around the eyes can be given as examples of the most common application areas in this region. In addition, the toxin can be used in the treatment of frontal hyperhidrosis. Some people do not want a significant part of the upper gum to be visible while smiling. “Gummy smile” is used to describe the gingival appearance of more than 3 mm while smiling. Botulinum toxin can be a conservative solution for the correction of this situation. In the treatment of wrinkles on the lower face, botulinum toxin injection can be applied to the platysma muscle and perioral region.

Hyperhidrosis is defined as the sweat production of more than 50 mg from the armpits and more than 30 mg from the palms in 5 minutes. The focal selective chemodenervation feature of botulinum toxin is also used for treatment of regional hyperhidrosis.

Bruxism, temporomandibular joint disorders, misaligned jaws, or excessive hypertrophy of the masseter muscle caused by genetic susceptibility lead to a square appearance of the jaw. The applied toxin effectively shapes the jawline, reduces muscle thickness by up to 50 percent for 3 to 6 months, and alleviates the symptoms of bruxism.

Prof. Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay

Professor of Dermatology

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty

Department of Dermatology

Email: zekayi.kutlubay@iuc.edu.tr