Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator created by a specific bacterium. While high amounts are poisonous, tiny doses can be used, without causing harm, to paralyze facial muscles that cause skin wrinkles and folds. Dynamic wrinkles are lines that form — mainly in the upper face — after years of repetitive facial expressions caused by facial muscles.
Botox targets these muscles in the forehead, between the brows or around the eyes to reduce wrinkles. The botulinum toxin works to limit movement in the treated area, smoothing lines on the skin’s surface as the muscle relaxes. That’s why Botox results take several days (whereas dermal fillers, for example, immediately add volume to the tissues and provide instant results). The goal of Botox is to weaken the muscle(s) responsible for specific lines and wrinkles without impacting surrounding muscles and tissues, in turn allowing for natural facial expressions and smoother skin.