A neurotoxin injection such as Botox®, involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin into muscle tissue to inhibit the neural communication that allows muscles to contract. The neurotoxin diminishes muscle movement, thereby preventing the formation of lines and wrinkles and allowing existing creases in the skin to relax and often disappear. First reported for it’s aestheic capabilities in 1989, the use of neurotoxin Botox® injections for smoothing glabellar wrinkles (vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows) was approved by the FDA in 2002.⁵ Neurotoxins are now used in over 50 therapeutic and cosmetic applications as diverse as preventing migraine headaches and reducing excessive saliva production.

Neurotoxins block the signals that make a contraction of the muscle possible.⁶ Once the muscle movement has been inhibited by the Botox®, the wrinkles caused by the repetitive movement will begin to soften and often disappear.

The longevity of a neurotoxin treatment depends on the location of the injection, how quickly an individual’s body metabolizes the solution, the dose of neurotoxin administered, and the brand of neurotoxin used. The body is constantly creating new neural connections to the muscles and these new nerve connections will begin to regain movement in 3-4 months. Meanwhile, the body is also metabolizing the neurotoxin, a process that can take up to 6 months. The speed at which these things occur differs for everyone, but most physicians recommend a neurotoxin treatment every 3-4 months to maintain results. ⁷

All neurotoxins contain non-human proteins and carry the risk, although small, of an allergic reaction response. These adverse reactions generally present within one week of treatment and may take several months to resolve. It’s important to note that these occurrences are rare, and, provided you are a candidate for neurotoxin treatment, you will likely have no problems with a neurotoxin administered by an experienced professional.⁸ Botox® has been in wide use for over 30 years with great success and comparatively few complications.