One of the most popular of all non-surgical procedures in the UK is the treatment to target wrinkles and frown lines. Worldwide, scores of patients are requesting this procedure and the market for anti-wrinkle treatment is set to register 8425 Million USD by 2025.
Botulinum toxin has been used aesthetically to treat wrinkles and frown lines since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for use in the glabellar region (between the eyebrows), and in 2013 for lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet). The predominant product in the market carries the now well-known brand name Botox®, a product produced by Allergan. Whilst Botox® somewhat dominates this field; industry giant Galderma also has a popular botulinum toxin product named Azzalure®, so the question is; what’s the story?
Mode of Action
Botulinum Neurotoxin is a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Though there are numerous types, Type A is the only kind licensed and used in aesthetics as it has the longest duration. The application of botulinum toxin in aesthetics is as an acetylcholine inhibitor at the junction between the nerves and muscles, where it binds to nerve terminals. Blocking the release of acetylcholine prevents the muscle in the area from contracting, resulting in a temporarily improved appearance of frown lines and wrinkles.
The mode of action was first discovered in 1949 by Dr. Burgen of the UK, but it wasn’t until the 1980’s that the first European botulinum neurotoxin was created. Developed by ophthalmologists in Porton Down – it was initially approved for numerous ophthalmology indications, such as blepharospasm and strabismus.
BoNT-A
Azzalure® is a European botulinum neurotoxin type A – a purified complex derived from Dysport® and is licensed exclusively for aesthetic use. Dysport® has now had several decades of wide use for both therapeutic and aesthetic applications. The pair are collectively known as BoNT-A® and measured using Speywood Units. Like all other aesthetics applicated toxins, Azzalure® is a botulinum neurotoxin type A – the longest-lasting serotype.
All published writings on Azzalure® advise on the importance of reconstitution and injecting technique alongside sufficient practitioner experience for successful administration of this product, and ideal patient outcomes. BoNT-A® preparations have a different formulation to Botox® as well as different stabilisation and purifying methods, resulting in an entirely individual biological and chemical composition. This means that clinical guidelines for the safe use of Azzalure® are not interchangeable with that of Botox® and it is imperative individual practitioners take responsibility to acquire the knowledge and skills to inject their chosen product as required, from a reputable training academy offering robust practical training.
Licensed Use
The maximum licensed dose for treatment with BoNT-A (s.U) in the glabellar region is 50 s.U spread evenly across 5 injection sites in the corrugator and procerus muscles (Figure 1). For lateral canthal lines, the approved maximum dose is 30-60 s.U spread across 6 injection sites in the orbicularis oculi muscles, 3 per side. Below is a further example of altered dosing used for the Crows feet or lateral canthal lines (Figure 2).
Azzalure® has been stringently tested in numerous studies over many years and results indicate that this is a well-tolerated product, with high efficacy levels and a low-risk profile with use in the licensed areas.
Patient results
Research finds that patients have reported high satisfaction with the results of anti-wrinkle treatment using Azzalure®, which reliably present between an average of 3 days and 1 week. Patients typically wish to seek their next injection after around 3-4 months. It has be
en found that efficacy does not diminish with repeated treatments and conversely that there is no cumulative effect.
Practitioner Feedback
The product is also popular among practitioners who find it enjoyable to work with. Dr. Pamela Benito, an Advanced Aesthetics Doctor reports, “I have been using Azzalure for years – I believe it is more ‘pure’ than other botulinum toxin products on the market and it gives amazing results, sometimes even needing fewer injection sites due to a larger spread. My patients also love it because it has a quicker onset of action and longer-lasting results!”
Samantha Gustard, an aesthetics nurse and independent nurse prescriber said, ‘I have used Azzalure® for 7 years and always found it easy to use. The dosing is straight forward – it comes with its own syringe that aids reconstitution. The product is very effective with good longevity. It is also a very cost-effective treatment to offer as a practitioner.’
Prescription Only Medicine (POM)
Botulinum toxin is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) meaning its use is subject to stringent regulation. It should only be accessed and prescribed by a suitably qualified professional with a prescribing license, after a face to face consultation with the patient. If a non-prescribing practitioner is planning to administer botulinum toxin they must have a licensed prescriber on board who conducts their patient consultations and prescribes the product.
Train With Us
Acquisition Aesthetics trains doctors, dentists, and nurses in a broad cohort of injecting techniques, ranging from foundation to advanced and beyond. Our training includes hands-on practical experience of injecting Azzalure® on live models, alongside training on dermal filler handling and technique. We train in small group sizes of only 4 delegates to optimise learning and endeavour to arrange a wide variety of aesthetic procedures for our delegates to undertake, with close supervision from our expert team of industry-leading practitioners. We provide all our delegates with comprehensive theoretical training alongside lifelong access to an extensive collection of learning materials and instructional videos.
If you’d like to launch or develop your career in aesthetic medicine, click here to review our courses.
If you have any questions, our friendly team is available on 020 3514 8757 or email contact@acquisitionaesthetics.co.uk.
