Botulinum Toxin (BTX) is a high-molecular-weight neurotoxin protein produced by Clostridium botulinum. It works by blocking the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby causing temporary muscle paralysis. This relaxation of overactive muscles helps achieve facial contouring and wrinkle reduction.
Botulinum toxin has been used in the medical field since the 1980s, initially for treating congenital torticollis, muscle spasms, and other neurological conditions. Over time, it has evolved into one of the most widely used treatments in aesthetic medicine.
Botulinum toxin is essentially a protein with toxic properties, but the formulation used in medical aesthetics is highly diluted and contains extremely low levels of toxicity. The use of botulinum toxin for human therapeutic purposes was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as early as 1992.
There are eight types of botulinum toxin (A–H). Types C–G are rare, types E and F can cause illness in humans, and type H is highly toxic. In medical aesthetics, only type A and type B are used. Among them, Botulinum toxin type A is the most commonly used due to its proven safety and effectiveness for treating facial wrinkles, reducing masseter muscles for facial slimming, and relaxing muscles in the shoulders and calves to create smoother body lines, such as a “right-angled shoulder” or “model-like legs.”
Ai Beauty Clinic uses three major and popular brands of botulinum toxin:
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Bocouture/Xeomin from Germany (Merz Pharma Group) – FDA-approved in 2011 and popular in the UK
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Azzalure from the UK (Ipsen) – Known for its high diffusion, ideal for treating large muscle areas such as the shoulders or legs
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Botox from the USA (Allergan) – The industry pioneer and most well-known globally
All three are classified as Botulinum toxin type A (A型肉毒素) and are considered safe and effective, each with its own strengths.
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TOXIN FOR MASSETER SLIMMING：
As one of the most basic and widely used micro plastic injection treatments, masseter slimming injections contain botulinum toxin type A. The toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, causing temporary and reversible cholinergic nerve transmission inhibition, which results in muscle relaxation and paralysis.
It is important to note that Toxin for masseter slimming only works on the masseter muscles. By causing gradual atrophy of the masseter, it achieves a slimming effect for the lower face. However, if your face is round due to baby fat or facial fat, this treatment will not be effective. In such cases, Lipodissolve Injection (溶脂针) may be a more suitable option.
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TOXIN FOR CALF SLIMMING：
Toxin for calf slimming is a popular summer aesthetic treatment. Its primary ingredient is also botulinum toxin type A, and it works by the same mechanism as masseter slimming. When injected into the calf muscles, the toxin blocks nerve signals to the muscle, leading to reduced muscle contraction and a more slender leg silhouette.
This injection is limited to the calf area because it only works on muscle, not fat. If there is excess fat on the thighs that needs contouring, Lipodissolve Injection (溶脂针) would be a better choice.
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TOXIN FOR SHOULDER SLIMMING：
Toxin for shoulder slimming works similarly to the two treatments above. It is injected into the trapezius muscles, relaxing and reducing their size. This helps create a more refined shoulder line and can also relieve muscle strain or tension in the area.
All three botulinum toxin treatments are non-surgical procedures, widely popular in the UK and around the world. As a protein that works by temporarily inhibiting muscle activity, botulinum toxin has a limited duration of effect. However, the instant and visible results, non-invasiveness, no scarring, fast onset, and zero downtime make it a favorite among many women seeking subtle yet effective aesthetic enhancements.