The active toxins work by causing a reversible muscle paralysis by blocking acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular function. The 'ideal' patients for this treatment have upper facial expression lines, like forehead lines, frown lines and crows feet which are caused by the use of small muscles in the face. The injections are in an upward and lateral direction from the middle inter-eyebrow area. Patients injected with the drug had significant improvement in facial lines. Some patients improved for up to one year after treatments.
Side effects are rare, and can be minimalized by the upward and lateral technique.
Additionally, botox decreases the patient's ability to frown or squint, which prevents the progressive worsening of these lines overtime. Therefore, the method can be considered both corrective and preventive. Botulinum toxin type A appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of glabellar frown lines. Botox may be combined with collagen and skin rejuvenation lasers. The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest medical society representing physicians who specialize in treating hair, skin and nail conditions.