Botulinum Toxin - Botox

Botox is a chemical derived from the botulinum bacterium. It is used to relax wrinkles and deep facial lines in aesthetic enhancement procedures. When Botox is injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve impulse from reaching the muscle. As the muscle weakens, the skin overlying the muscle relaxes and the wrinkle lines caused by squinting, frowning and raising of the eyebrows gradually soften and often disappear. Botox is also used as an alternative or addition to strabismus surgery to correct eye misalignments or to paralyze a facial nerve if it causes uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm).

The effect of Botox is temporary. Injections need to be repeated every three to six months for continued results. There is little "down-time" and after the injection, patients may resume normal activity.