Botox derives from C. botulinum bacteria, which are present in many natural settings, including soil, lakes, forests, and the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish.
Naturally occurring C. botulinum bacteria and spores are generally harmless. Problems only arise when the spores transform and the cell population increases. At a certain point, the bacteria begin producing Botulinum toxin, the deadly neurotoxin responsible for botulism.
Cosmetically, the injectable can be used in the following areas:
the area between the eyebrows (glabellar region), to treat moderate to severe frown lines
around the eyes, commonly known as crow's feet lines
Avoid rubbing, massaging, or applying any pressure to the treated area. These actions can cause Botox Cosmetic to spread to other areas of the body. This can negatively affect your results. When being injected between the brows, do not lie down or bend over for three to four hour. Doing so may cause the Botox to slip under the orbital rim. This could possibly cause an eyelid droop.
There is little to no downtime expected after the treatment. You should be able to resume normal activities immediately in most cases.
Botox Cosmetic works by temporarily blocking nerve signals and muscle contractions. This improves the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes and between the eyebrows. It can also slow the formation of new lines by preventing contraction of facial muscles.
It's a minimally invasive procedure. It doesn't involve incisions or general anesthesia. If you're concerned about pain or discomfort, a topical anesthetic or ice can numb the treatment area.
During the procedure, your provider will use a thin needle to administer 3-5 injections of botulinum toxin type A. They will inject the targeted area between the eyebrows. You will usually need three injections on the side of each eye to smooth out crow's feet.