How Does Botox® Work to Minimize Wrinkles?

Botox® is an FDA-approved injectable treatment for wrinkles and fine lines in the skin. It's a highly effective option that helps people look younger and restores confidence in their appearance with age.

But how does this "miracle" injection work? Understanding how Botox works allows you to know exactly what's going into your body and how it works to reduce the signs of aging.

Dr. Anthony N. Dardano and his team can help if you're ready to eliminate embarrassing wrinkles. Dr. Dardano is a plastic and reconstructive surgery specialist, offering non-surgical options like Botox for drastic results and wrinkle reduction.

What is Botox?

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is an injectable substance doctors utilize for various cosmetic concerns and medical conditions. It's a purified form of the toxin that leads to a specific type of food poisoning known as botulism.

Botulinum toxins are neurotoxins, meaning they cause muscle weakness and impact the nerves in the area of the injection. Although not permanent, the toxin temporarily causes muscle paralysis, smoothing the skin.

Doctors have discovered many uses for Botox, with the most prevalent cosmetic use. Many people receive Botox injections for facial wrinkles or fine lines in various areas of the face, including the following:

• Nose
• Lips
• Chin
• Forehead
• Jawline
• Neck
• Eyes
• Eyebrows

Dr. Dardano injects Botox into the above areas to treat common signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. However, other uses for Botox include the treatment of chronic migraines, overactive bladder, and excessive sweating.

How Botox works

It's a little scary to know that Botox comes from a neurotoxin, but it's incredibly safe, and the FDA regulates its use. The purified form of the toxin works well on the muscles and nerves in the body, with specific doses leading to wrinkle reduction – but how?

As mentioned, Botox is a neurotoxin affecting the nervous system and muscles. The short answer to how it works is inhibiting the nerve signals to the targeted muscles, causing temporary paralysis. The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is the prevalent muscular neurotransmitter that innervates the muscles from the nerves.

Botox works by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, which prevents the nerves from firing signals to the muscles to move. The result is temporary paralysis, allowing the muscles to relax and the skin to smooth out, which lessens the appearance of wrinkles.

How often do I need Botox?

The unfortunate part of Botox injections for wrinkles is that they're not permanent. Your body metabolizes the neurotoxin over time, lessening its effects. However, most people get several months of wrinkle reduction with one series of injections.

Dr. Dardano suggests keeping up with Botox injections to achieve the desired results. The time between injections depends on various factors, including how quickly your body metabolizes the toxin.

Most get about three to four months of wrinkle reduction with one series of injections. Over time, you may get more extended periods between injections as your muscles teach themselves to contract less often.

To learn more about how Botox can help you, don't hesitate to call our office in Boca Raton, Florida, today or request a consultation on the website.