What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It blocks nerve signals to the muscle, preventing the muscle from contracting.

After injection with botulinum toxin it takes a few days for the muscle to relax. The skin above the muscle relaxes and lines smoothes which makes the cosmetic effect to become apparent. The effect lasts 3 to 6 months.

Botox®, Azzalure® and Bocouture® are examples of brandnames for botulinum toxin.

Facial muscles and botulinum toxin

Here you can see a picture with examples of facial muscles that can be treated with botulinum toxin.

Making facial expressions requires muscles to contract in the face. By contracting and working together in different configurations, they can produce a huge variety of facial expressions.

​

The face is the first thing we encounter when we meet. Humans are naturally very focused on faces because a face tells a lot about a person's emotions, intentions and judgments.

​

Everyone has a very personal facial expression style. Using too much botulinum toxin may take away some of this individuality.

Facial feedback mechanism

There is a connection between our facial expressions and our emotions. Our facial muscles give our brain feedback about what the face is expressing. Scientific studies have shown that smiling makes you happier. The same applies to frowning. If you frown a lot, perhaps subconsciously, you're telling your brain you're in a negative mood.

Examples
of Softox® treatments 

Stories about treatments with Softox® . Examples of facial analysis and treatment approaches.

Read more

Botulinum toxin
Facts 

Information about botulinum toxin, for example how long has it been used? How does it work? What facial muscles can be treated?

Read more

Mastering the art..
of softening the face 

Are you an MD in cosmetic medicine? Do you want to learn the art of facial analysis and Softox® treatments? Please contact us by email to info@softox.nl.