The use of Botulinum Toxin in Facial Esthetics (Essay Sample)

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The use of Botulinum Toxin in Facial Esthetics
In recent decades, the cosmetics industry has undergone significant changes with the development of new products that are being used for esthetics purposes. One of the products that have been extensively used is the botulinum toxin for enhancement of facial beauty. The functioning of botulinum toxin is based on its ability to inhibit acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. Therefore, injecting small quantities of botulinum toxin causes muscle relaxation at the specific location thus reducing wrinkles as a result of overlying skin being smoothened. In the use of botulinum toxin as a cosmetic treatment, the processes of production need to be understood for effective results and management (Small 168). Various studies have been carried out to understand the mechanism of action involved in botox treatment for better adoption in the cosmetic industry. This has been preceded by identifying the indications for treatments as well as contraindications. Due to the wide adoption of botulinum toxin in cosmetic industry, it is important to understand key concepts in its use including its history, mechanisms of action, indications for treatment, and contraindications.
Despite its extensive use in the cosmetic industry, earlier use of botulinum toxin commonly known as botox was not esthetics focused. The earliest use of botox was in the early 1970s as it was used in the treatment of strabismus through the weakening of the extraocular muscles. Based on its use as a selective depressor of skeletal muscle activity, botolinum toxin was adopted as a treatment for hemifacial spasm and blepharospasm. It was in 1989 when botox was approved for its use as a treatment for facial spasmodic disorder and in the same year used for its first aesthetic treatment (Gart and Carol 460). The advent of BT-A in 1990 led to the launch of a non-surgical aesthetic treatment that has evolved over the years. The use of BT-A has recorded high therapeutic index in its use thus its extensive adoption in the cosmetic industry. In the treatment of facial rejuvenation, botox has been effective in its use and also in other applications including treatment for glandular disorders, various pain syndromes, and muscular countering. From the seven types of botulinum toxins available, only five are used in human neuromuscular junction with three of them commercially available (Kattimani et al. 101). It is important to note that botulinum toxin has a long history which is far from its current use in cosmetic industry.
The pharmacology aspect in the botox treatment provides insight on its production and processes of functioning when used for cosmetic purpose. Botulinum toxin is an active neurotoxin that is produced by bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum. The structure of BT is made up of a protein molecule along with a heavy and light chain that relies on heat-labile disulfide bond to hold them together. The neurotoxin component is inactivated by the disruption of the disulfide bond. Therefore, the functioning of BT is through the blocking of acetylcholine release at the skeletal neuromuscular junction which induces paralysis as it inhibits nerve impulse transmission to the motor end plate across the synaptic junction. The heavy chains in BT are attached to the nerve membrane thus allowing the transportation of light chain to the site of action; protein complex. On the other hand, the light chain proceeds to cleave the protein particular to the specific neurotoxin which ceases neuromuscular transmission and reversibly target muscle atrophies. The binding of molecule to the motor end plate is permanent and requires 24-48 hours for the therapeutic action. Despite the molecule binding being permanent, the paralytic effects are temporary and persists for only 2-6 months (Kattimani et al. 101). This is as a result of reestablishment of the neurotransmitter pathway as new axonal sprouts are formed.
The use of botox treatment has been associated with cosmetic beauty in the enhancement of facial beauty. There are various indications to which botox are used to treat and manage both within the cosmetic and medical fields. One of most common indication is face wrinkles that is consistent with elder patients. In its use, dynamic wrinkles as a result of frowning and smiling are easily treated while those due to sun damage or old age can only be reduced but not eliminated. Glabella rhytid is a medical condition that uses botox as a treatment option. If the condition is dynamic, it can be treated while if it is at rest it may not be completely eliminated. Crow’s feet is another indication used for botox treatment and in this case, wrinkles in action are ideal for treatment but those at rest may require modification. Messeteric hypertrophy can create the lower third of the face to appear square and giving a masculine look. Female patients seeking noninvasive treatment opt for botox treatment for better results. Other indications for botox treatments have been identified in the dentistry field including nasolabial furrow, hyperactive mentalis, hyperactivity upper lip and many others (Kattimani et al. 103). Botox injections can be used to bring facial harmony while enhancing facial beauty in variety of indications thus its extensive use in the cosmetic industry.
The use of botox treatment has to be carr