How Does Botox® Work?

How Does Botox® Minimize Wrinkles?

Botox® is a muscle relaxer, so it restricts repetitive muscle movement. Unlike dermal fillers that reduce wrinkles by adding volume to the soft tissue or stimulating collagen, Botox works by reducing the contraction of the underlying muscles. If you are still wondering how Botox® works, here’s what you need to know.

Botox® or botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin that interrupts the signal from the nerves to the muscles. The muscles contract in response to a release of a neurotransmitter from the nerves, and without this signal, muscle activity is reduced.

Botulinum toxin acts on the nerve and blocks the signal, and this limits the movement of the facial muscles. That’s why Botox® is so effective for dynamic wrinkles.

What are Dynamic Wrinkles?

Dynamic wrinkles develop as a result of the repeated contraction of the facial muscles. Expressions such as laughing, squinting or frowning, all require the activation of specific facial muscles. These expressions cause the skin to crease and fold, causing dynamic wrinkles to form over time.

Crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes, frown lines between the brows, and forehead lines are the most common dynamic wrinkles. Botox® works on the muscles linked to these facial wrinkles.

When Botox® is injected, it causes the muscles to relax, and this smooths the overlying skin and minimizes wrinkles.