Botox
Information on botulinum toxin
Fine lines, laugh lines, crow's feet and deeper wrinkles are caused by the natural ageing process of the skin and repetitive facial expressions, but are also aggravated by sun exposure, smoking and dietary habits. They can be significantly reduced in a small outpatient treatment. Botox also prevents wrinkles from becoming deeper and deeper over time - so it also has a preventative effect.
In America, as in Europe, the use of botulinum toxin, a natural protein, is extremely widespread and perhaps the easiest introduction to aesthetic medicine. This is a protein compound that is produced by bacteria called "Clostridium botulinum".
Marketed under the name "Botox" or "BTX" or "BoNT", this application has proven itself millions of times over worldwide. (The name Botox® is a product name for the botulinum toxin manufactured by Allergan). This substance blocks the connection between the nerve and the muscle for a limited period of time and thus slows down or prevents the muscle in question from being activated.
Botox - the most important facts in brief
Your treatment with botulinum toxin at our cosmetic surgery clinic
- Technical term: botulinum toxin
- Anesthesia: not required, possibly anesthetic cream
- Treatment time: 15 minutes
- Aftercare: local cooling in the practice
- Socially acceptable: after 1 hour
- Ready for work: on the same day
- Closed season: no sport or sauna in the next 48 hours
- Cost: CHF 300-800, depending on the dose required
Further details on Botox treatment
Botulinum toxin (colloquially known as "Botox", "BTX") was first used in medicine in the 1980s to treat neuro-muscular disorders (e.g. permanent spasms of the eyes or the oblique neck muscles). Its use for cosmetic purposes to smooth mimic wrinkles began in the 1990s. Botulinum toxin is particularly suitable for smoothing wrinkles in the upper part of the face, especially in the forehead/eyebrow area and around the root of the nose. However, other facial wrinkles caused by facial expressions can also be treated, as well as drooping corners of the mouth, annoying chin wrinkles or so-called "crow's feet" and neck wrinkles ("platysma bands").
There are various manufacturers who market botulinum toxin under different trade names; however, all are chemically "botulinum toxin A": Botox®, Vistabel (onabotulinum toxin A or botulinum toxin type A); Bocouture, Xeomin (incobotulinum toxin A or botulinum toxin type A); Azzalure (botulinum toxin type A); Dysport (abobotulinum toxin A or botulinum toxin type A). There are also always new manufacturers on the market.
According to studies, however, these do not differ significantly in terms of effect and duration.
The effect of the application is that the weakened muscle can no longer produce the contraction that wrinkles the skin and so the wrinkle disappears (it does not disappear completely, as the "crinkles" remain, as with folded paper), but is very clearly flattened. If you want to eliminate them completely, additional volume must be added with a so-called "filler".
Only then can an optimal result according to the individual expectations of the patient be achieved on the basis of extensive professional experience and precise knowledge of the anatomy (which is not the case with beauticians, for example).
The active ingredient is injected with a very thin needle into the muscle whose activity is to be weakened. The predominant blockade of muscle function begins immediately, but only builds up completely after 3-8 days. The effect lasts for around three to five months, after which a new application is required. Repeated applications can prolong the duration of effect.
Serious side effects are not to be expected if used correctly. However, minor redness and bruising may (very rarely) occur at the puncture sites, no matter how carefully the procedure is carried out, but these will quickly disappear. To be on the safe side, you should not plan any official events for the following day. Botulinum toxin should not be used during pregnancy or certain nerve diseases.
As with any cosmetic procedure, the cost of treatment with botulinum toxin can vary greatly and depends on the amount of active ingredient used. Naturally, the costs incurred will be discussed and determined in advance. Health insurance companies do not cover the use of botulinum toxin, as it is an aesthetic treatment of choice. Only in the case of excessive sweating in the armpits, hands and feet (hyperhidrosis) do some private insurers cover these costs.
The cost of an initial on-site consultation is CHF 150. This amount can be credited towards your treatment if it takes place within 6 months.
If you do not show up for the bindingly agreed initial appointment, a cancellation fee of CHF 150 will be charged. If you do not show up for the bindingly agreed treatment appointment, a cancellation fee of CHF 250 will be charged.
