BOTOX®, or Botulinum toxin as it is known in the scientific community, is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When it was discovered over one hundred years ago, it was too toxic to have any beneficial use and it was not until many decades later that it was discovered that, if used in small doses, BOTOX could be used to treat muscle spasms. When injected, Botox and other neuromodulators like Xeomin smooth lines by blocking nerve impulses which trigger wrinkle-causing muscle contractions especially around the eyes and forehead.

BOTOX has gained in popularity over the years for several reasons. It’s less invasive than a facelift and the results are immediate. When one receives a facelift, the client can expect to have bandages on their face for several days along with bruising, swelling and stitches. It might be a couple of months before they are able to look in the mirror without seeing the effects of plastic surgery. With BOTOX, the swelling goes down within a day, and while a prick from the needle is visible immediately after having the BOTOX administered, most of the evidence is gone within twenty-four hours.

BOTOX is also much cheaper and quicker than a facelift. In fact, Botox is so easy and so affordable, it is the single most popular cosmetic procedure in the world. It takes about fifteen minutes to administer so a patient can receive a treatment on her lunch hour. BOTOX is also temporary, so if the recipient of a Botox treatment doesn’t care for the way she looks, her face will resume its normal appearance within about three to five months.

For best effects and to ensure that the muscles which cause the deep wrinkles remain completely immobilized, treatments are suggested to occur every three to four months. There is usually no bruising and very little if any discomfort. Within 3-7 days the effects are visible and full effects are seen within 14 days.