Understanding botox brands and the importance of safe practice

In the fields of aesthetic and medical practice, ‘botox’ has become a household name.

It is well known for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and restore youthful smoothness to the skin. It is also very effective at treating a variety of medical conditions.   

However, not all botox products are created equal. The risks associated with counterfeit or poorly manufactured botox underline how important it is to seek treatment from a qualified medical practitioner.

Here we explore the various types and brands of botox products, and why it’s essential to have confidence in both product and practitioner.

The botox name

Botox is a brand name for the neurotoxin, botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

When used in small, controlled amounts, botox safely and effectively impedes muscle activity, which has a beneficial effect in both cosmetic and medical treatments.

Over time, ‘botox’ has become a generic term for anti-wrinkle injections.

How does botox work?

Botox temporarily relaxes muscles by blocking the nerve signals which would otherwise cause them to contract.

By reducing the activity of the muscles which would normally cause wrinkles, for example when you frown, botox can prevent wrinkles from forming, resulting in smoother skin.

The action of botulinum toxin on nerve signals also makes it an effective treatment for various medical conditions such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), migraine and Bell’s palsy.

Understanding facial anatomy

Experienced practitioners will have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and how muscles move and work.

This experience and knowledge enable careful and accurate dosing, and placement, of botox injections.

This ensures the desired results and, importantly, a natural-looking outcome for the patient.

Botox serotypes

There are seven variations of the botulinum toxin. Types A and B are approved for use in human healthcare.

Botulinum toxin A is approved for cosmetic use. Botulinum toxin B is used for treating specific medical conditions affecting the muscles.

Botox brands

There are several brands and types of botox products available on the market.

Licensed brands of botulinum toxin A include, Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Xeomin®, and Dysport®. 

All botox products are prescription-only medicines and can therefore only be prescribed by qualified medical practitioners, following a face to face assessment and consultation.

The two most used brands in the UK are Botox® and Azzalure®. At Melior Clinics, we use both these brands as they produce very similar results.

Botox safety

All aesthetic and medical treatments carry a degree of risk, which should be discussed with the patient at a consultation, prior to any treatment being carried out.

Botox is a highly effective and safe treatment, when administered by a healthcare professional with specialist training. 

Side effects

Side effects are mild and resolve quickly, they may include bruising, slight swelling or redness at the injection sites.

More significant side effects occur rarely and include asymmetry of facial features and drooping of the brow or eyelid (known as ptosis).

Save Face is the aesthetic industry watchdog offering patients a government-approved register of aesthetic practitioners. According to Save Face, adverse events in botox treatment are uncommon, usually occur within a few days of treatment and resolve within weeks.

Your practitioner should provide aftercare advice designed to minimise risk and expediate recovery following botox treatment.

Safety study

An extensive study published in 2019 found botox treatment to be “safe, effective and largely devoid of serious side effects”: The whole truth about botulinum toxin – a review – PMC (nih.gov)

Treatment with botox – before and after

Aesthetic botox treatment

Medical botox treatment

The dangers of counterfeit or poorly manufactured botox

Botox products that are not licenced may be counterfeit, or not manufactured to the appropriate standard for cosmetic and medical use.

These products pose significant risks for patients; therefore, it is essential that botox treatment is carried out by a reputable medical practitioner using licensed products.  

Adverse effects

When counterfeit or mishandled botulinum toxin disperses around the injection site, it can result in adverse effects.

Botulism is the disease caused by botulinum toxin circulating in the blood. It can produce effects in other areas of the body, distinct from the injection site.

An alert issued by the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) reported that 22 patients across the United States had experienced adverse effects from counterfeit or mishandled botox injections. These included symptoms near the injection site such as blurred vision and ptosis (eyelid drooping), dry mouth, slurred speech, shortness of breath, fatigue, and generalised weakness.

The report confirms that these adverse effects were linked to “improper procurement and administration of botulinum toxin” and emphasises the importance of seeking treatment from a qualified medical practitioner, using licenced products and adhering to recognised safety standards.

Have confidence in our medical expertise

Administering botox requires in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy, precise injection techniques, and an understanding of the appropriate dosages.

Our qualified practitioners are highly experienced in all aspects of aesthetic practice, and especially in injectable treatments such as botox.

Melior Clinics is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is the independent regulatory body ensuring that healthcare providers meet high standards of quality and safety. We are also Save Face accredited.

You can be reassured that we always put patient care and safety first.

Talk to us about botox

If you would like to discuss botox treatment, please get in touch to book your free, initial consultation.

To book your appointment, please call 0300 024 1300 or email  info@meliorclinics.co.uk.