BOTOX is widely used as a cosmetic enhancement to temporarily reduce wrinkles and fine lines in the face, banish neck bands, and clear away crow's feet. This brand name is short for neurotoxin botulinum toxin A. This neurotoxin is produced by the bacteria that cause the type of food poisoning known as botulism. In some severe cases, the food poisoning version of botulism can be fatal if the individual is paralyzed by the botulism toxins.
These toxins bind to nerve endings and prevent muscles from contracting by blocking release of acetylcholine, which causes muscle contractions, from the nerve. This is basically how BOTOX works, but within much smaller and safer parameters.
When BOTOX is injected into facial lines, those muscles are paralyzed, making the wrinkles invisible. Results last for three to eight months and are visible usually just a few hours after the BOTOX is injected into the affected area. It is important to understand that the effects of your BOTOX treatment are not a cure and are not permanent. You may require further treatments to achieve the effect you desire.
