BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein complex derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that smoothes the muscles by blocking nerve impulses. BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction thereby preventing the contraction of muscles.

In detail, BOTOX® binds to the nerve terminal, internalizes by receptor mediated endocytosis, cleaves a cytoplasmic protein called SNAP-25 and blocks the fusion of the vesicles containing acetylcholine with the nerve membrane. After time, nerve end plate expands and collateral terminal sprouts appear. Once the parent nerve terminal regains function, the collateral terminals retract.

BOTOX® Cosmetic was FDA-approved in 2002 for moderate to severe glabellar lines in patients 18 to 65 years of age. It should be noted that any other location on the face that BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected for cosmetic purposes is considered off-label use.

As the facial muscles ceases to move, the wrinkles will diminish. Patients will begin to see effects of muscle relaxation within several days, taking up to 5 – 7 days to see full effect. Relaxation of the muscle due to BOTOX® Cosmetic can last up to 3 – 4 months. Rarely up to 6 months.

A common misconception is that BOTOX® Cosmetic is used to fill lines. BOTOX® is not a type of Dermal Filler. It does not fill in lines. It relaxes muscles. BOTOX® also does not numb your face as it only affects the neuromuscular junction and not the sensory nerves.

Currently, BOTOX® Cosmetic is the #1 nonsurgical cosmetic treatment in the United States with millions of treatments performed last year. It’s a highly in-demand treatment for people wanting rejuvenated, youthful results without a recovery period. Because of today’s fast-paced society, quick, efficient treatments like BOTOX® are on the rise.

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Originally published at What is Botox in Los Angeles