Botulinum toxin is a purified protein derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It is a neurotoxin; in fact, a tiny amount could wipe out the Earth’s population.
In the medical application of this material, however, there are no bacteria. We use the purified pharmaceutical-grade protein as the medication for wrinkles. This can be likened to how an antibiotic is manufactured pharmaceutically.
The mechanism of action for Botox is really quite simple. Botox is injected into the facial muscles but really doesn’t affect the muscle at all. Botulinum toxin affects and blocks the transmitters between the motor nerves that innervate the muscle. There is no loss of sensory feeling in the muscles. Once the motor nerve endings are interrupted, the muscle cannot contract. When that muscle does not contract, the dynamic motion that causes wrinkles in the skin will stop.
It’s a really quick, non-invasive procedure, which can be done during your lunch or coffee break with minimal downtime. Results can be seen within ten days and last anywhere up to 4 to 6 months.