BOTOX is an injectable drug made from botulinum toxin (type A). It is used to smoothen facial wrinkles and reduce the signs of aging on the skin.
BOTOX injections block certain nerves that cause muscles to contract repeatedly and etch lines in the skin. Injected muscles can no longer contract, causing wrinkles to relax and soften.
BOTOX is often used to even out the symmetry of the jaw, neck, and lower face. It can diminish frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet (lines around the eye).
BOTOX can also smoothen dimpled skin on the chin, reduce sagging of the lower part of the face, and soften smoker’s lines around the mouth.
Additionally, doctors have been using BOTOX to treat other medical conditions such as:
- Blepharospasm – uncontrollable blinking
- Cervical dystonia – a neurological disorder that triggers severe shoulder and neck muscle contractions
- Chronic migraine
- Hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating
- Overactive bladder
- Severe underarm sweating
- Strabismus – misaligned eyes
BOTOX injections usually start taking effect five to seven days after treatment. Results may last three months or longer depending on the issue you are treating.
Factors that could affect the efficacy of the injection and how long the results may last include:
- Age
- Elasticity of the skin
- Wrinkle depth
- The location of the injection
- The amount of BOTOX that is injected
To maintain consistent results, patients may be advised to take regular follow-up injections.