Botulinum toxin, better known as Botox, is used to reduce the appearance of frown lines, "crow's feet," laugh lines and other wrinkles sometimes called dynamic wrinkles. It is injected into the affected areas and eliminates wrinkles by essentially "relaxing" the muscles that cause wrinkles in the skin. The effects of Botox will wear off but can be maintained with two to three injections per year. This procedure, sometimes referred to as cosmetic denervation, has been widely used and is considered a safe and effective way of treating aging skin. It works by physiologically weakening the facial muscles beneath the skin that are related to expression lines. The contractions of those muscles result in wrinkles. Botox works by blocking the impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles thereby relaxing them. The result is that the pull of the underlying facial muscles relax causing the skin to flatten. This results in a smooth, unwrinkled look. Botox cannot treat wrinkles caused by sun damage, scarring, or facial trauma.

When the toxin begins to wear off, the wrinkles begin to reappear; however, they frequently are not as deep as the original ones. It usually takes two or three injections each year to maintain the smooth, youthful appearance that is desired. Clinical studies suggest that after several rounds of treatment, the patient may require injections less often.

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