Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Though it's associated with the bacteria that causes botulism (a rare but serious paralytic illness), in controlled and purified doses, Botox is used in both medical and cosmetic procedures to temporarily paralyze muscles.
Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it’s injected. Without the nerve signals, the muscles are unable to contract, which results in reduced muscle activity.
The Botox injection procedure is relatively simple, non-surgical, and minimally invasive. A very fine needle is used to inject small amounts of Botox into specific muscles. The procedure usually takes around 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated. There’s little to no downtime, and most people return to their daily activities immediately after the treatment.
Botox effects are not permanent. The results typically start to appear within 3 to 7 days after the injection and last about 3 to 6 months. After this period, muscle activity returns to normal, and wrinkles may reappear, prompting a need for repeat treatments.