Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxic protein produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Selective muscle denervation describes the effect of the toxin. Normally, a nerve sends a signal to the muscle for it to contract. The nerve meets the muscle at the neuromuscular junction that secretes the chemical component acetylcholine. The release of acetylcholine induces several chemical reactions that cause muscle contraction. Botulinum toxin works by blocking the acetylcholine receptors on the muscle side of the junction. This means that when acetylcholine is released, it will not attach to the muscle and therefore the muscle will not contract. The muscle is essentially paralyzed, although it is not the result of nerve damage.

Botox and Wrinkles

Injecting Botox into a muscle that causes wrinkles when it contracts smoothes wrinkles. The effects are more pronounced for dynamic wrinkles that only occur when the muscle is contracted. It tries to relax the contraction of the muscles by blocking the nerve impulses in order to soften and loosen the wrinkles. Botulinum toxin does not eliminate wrinkles, it only helps them soften and decrease. As with any procedure, your safety and results depend on the person performing the procedure. Expertise that arises from quality education and experience is your frontline of defense against potential negative side effects or permanent nerve damages.

When Will You See the Change?

You may start to see the results of the Botox injection within 48 hours, but for most patients, results begin to appear within 3 or 4 days. It may take up to 2 weeks to see the full effect of any injection when your muscles are loosened. Unsurprisingly, results are noticeable earlier with thin lines like early crow's feet, on the deep wrinkles and folds on the forehead or between the nose and mouth. There is no specific time frame because the facial structure and skin of all people are different.