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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2023, 26(3): 142-145pl  Botulinum toxin - Is it only used in aesthetic medicine?Marta Billewicz Powiatowe Centrum Zdrowia w Brzezinach Summary Botulinum toxin is a potent biological exotoxin produced by the Gram-positive bacillus Clostridium botulinum. Its main action is to bind to nerve endings at neuromuscular junctions and inhibit the release of acetylcholine, leading to relaxation of muscles. Although initially used to treat conditions characterized by excessive contractions of skeletal muscles, today it has widespread applications in aesthetic medicine to enhance beauty, correct facial wrinkles and even facial contouring. Infrequently is there mention of botulinum toxin being used apart from this field of medicine but the list of conditions for which it is effective is still growing. In addition, ongoing clinical trials offer hope for positive results in the treatment of other conditions. The overall aim of this article is to provide a brief history of the success of botulinum toxin, its mechanism of action and its clinical applications in multiple fields of medicine. Key words: botulinum toxin, aesthetic medicine, wrinkles, bruxism, strabismus, dystonia |