Botox is the trade name of an injectable form of botulinum toxin, made from the same bacteria, which is responsible for botulism. This toxin has been used for neurological disorders since the late 1960’s. It was during the mid 1990’s, doctors using this medication to treat disorders of the muscles about the eye and eyelid began to notice that patients were reporting diminished appearance of wrinkles in the “crow’s feet” area around the eyes. During the period from 1997 to 2001 there was a 2,356 percent increase in the use of Botox for cosmetic purposes. After some clinical investigation and a little trial and error a cottage industry capitalizing on the side effects was born.

Although Botox has been used since the 1990’s for treatment of facial wrinkles, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only recently approved it specifically for the treatment of wrinkles in addition to the treatment of ocular muscle spasms.

The Botox is mixed and diluted to the desired strength. A small syringe with a thin needle is used to inject the Botox into the muscle or muscles of the face, which are causing the wrinkles. No anesthesia is required to administer Botox and the procedure is performed simply and safely in the surgeon’s office. The most commonly treated areas of the face are the forehead, the “crow’s feet” area lateral to the eyes and the glabellar area between the eyebrows, which gives that permanent frown look.

While the source of this Botox is the same bug responsible for botulism, of course the amounts that cosmetic patients receive is much, much smaller than that needed to poison someone.

Botox works by blocking, temporarily the nerves supplying selected facial muscles. These muscles are now unable to produce the wrinkles and scowls. And even when relaxed the areas treated have an improved, smoother, relaxed appearance. These motor or movement nerves are not the same nerves, which provide feeling, or sensation to the skin, therefore, there isn’t any numbness, just an inability to move the muscle causing the wrinkles. After about three months the effects of Botox on the nerve begin to subside and the muscle begins to recover, and the wrinkles begin to reappear. Periodic injections are required to maintain the smoother, more youthful appearance.

Of course not all cosmetic wrinkles are the same and all patients are not the same either. Some types of wrinkles respond much better to lifting or resurfacing procedures. Botox is often used as an adjunct to these surgical procedures, enhancing the outcome.

Botox is a proven treatment for facial wrinkles. It is an excellent option for patients seeking a minimally invasive option to deal with facial wrinkles and is great for people who want to pursue facial cosmetic surgery but is unsure where to start.