How Botox Actually Works for Wrinkles

There are few guarantees in life, but — like death and taxes — aging is inevitable which is why you might be wondering if botox actually works.  The seemingly overnight onset of fine lines and wrinkles on our faces can be a mortal blow to our self-esteem, triggering insecurity and embarrassment.  The fact is, fine lines are extremely common and aren’t exclusively reserved for the elderly. Even relatively young people can start to develop them on their brow or around their eyes.  While following a careful skincare regime can help ward off the deepest of furrows, eventually cosmetic intervention may be required. That’s where Botox steps in.

Botox or Dysport?

Shannon Mouser Co-owner of Viva Day Spa in Austin, Texas explains how to choose between Botox and Dysport, “Both are amazing treatments with similar results and reputations. Area of treatment, history of results and other factors will help your professional injector recommend the product that is the best fit for your body and goals.”

The Truth about Botulism

Before considering Botox, it’s extremely important to know exactly what it is and how it works.  There are a lot of myths and misinformation surrounding this medical procedure, which can lead to people making ill-informed decisions about whether Botox is a good fit for them.  

One common belief (and fear!) about how Botox works arises from the origins of this medication.  Yes, it is a protein that is derived from the Clostridium botulism bacteria, the famed food poisoning germ.  Botulinum Toxin Type A, however, is a derivative that is far removed from its dangerous counterpart.  Your medical practitioner is not subjecting you to straight botulism when they inject it into your face.

Mechanism of Action

First and foremost, it’s vital to understand that Botox does not remove wrinkles, and if any healthcare provider tells you that it does, you should find a new provider.  How Botox works, specifically, is by paralyzing the nerves that control the muscle groups that form facial expressions.  In absence of movement, new wrinkles cannot form and current wrinkles seem diminished in appearance.

Botox works on what are known as “dynamic wrinkles” — wrinkles that are formed by moving your face.  When you smile, laugh, cry, or frown, your muscles move in response to the emotion. By immobilizing these muscles, the lines are no longer being etched into your face.  Over time, repeated movements of these muscles lead to “static wrinkles,” which are wrinkles that are deeper into your skin.

What Can You Expect from Botox Treatment?

In the 48 hours following your treatment, the Botox works it’s magic on your nerves and muscles.  Within the next ten days, you’ll start to notice more concrete results. These results will peak, then start to diminish over the next three to five months, at which point you’ll require another round of treatment.

If your skin is still relatively elastic, and your fine lines are more dynamic, then you’ll notice an immediate smoothing of your skin.  Since the lines are dependent upon the movement of your facial muscles, they’ll be reduced in appearance and new wrinkles will not be able to form.  Botox is a fantastic preventative treatment to keep deeper, static wrinkles from forming.

If your skin isn’t as elastic, or if your wrinkles are more static, then you may not notice as profound results.  Nevertheless, there will be a visible “softening” of your existing wrinkles, and their appearance won’t be as harsh or severe.

Botox actually works and is a very safe and routine procedure that delivers quantifiable results.  When used in dynamic regions of your face, such as on your forehead or by your lips, the results are generally fast and tangible and deliver months of satisfaction to patients who partake in it.