Botox Treatment

Botulinum toxin type A is produced by a specific bacteria that causes the food poisoning botulism. Botox — the brand name for medicinal botulinum toxin type A — is the purified low-concentration form of the toxin. When injected in small doses into specific muscles, Botox blocks the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract. When the muscles can’t tighten, the skin flattens and appears smoother and less wrinkled.

How does it work?

Botox injections temporarily relax the facial muscles that underlie and cause wrinkles, making them appear less noticeable. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Botox for adults ages 18 to 65 as a temporary treatment for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. However, Botox can be used to treat other facial wrinkles as well, such as the lines that fan out from the corners of the eyes (crow’s-feet) and the forehead furrow.

Botox treatment areas may include:

• Frown lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose
• Crow’s-feet at the corners of the eyes
• Forehead creases
• Skin bands on the neck

How often can Botox injections be given?

You can receive botox injections every 4 months. With repeated treatments, thinning of the muscles occurs, which produces longer lasting results.

After the injection

You should notice an improvement in your frown lines within 3 to 7 days, the effects of which can last up to 4 months. However, results may vary. After a period of time, your frown lines will begin to reappear as the effects of botox wear off.