Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles and fine lines caused by repeated facial movements. It works by blocking nerve signals to the muscle, reducing its activity. This softens frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet, giving the face a refreshed, more youthful appearance without surgery.

Botox is FDA-approved for treating forehead lines, glabellar lines (the “11s” between the brows), and crow’s feet around the eyes. It’s also widely used off-label by experienced injectors to lift brows, soften chin dimpling, slim the jawline (masseter Botox), reduce neck bands, and treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) under the arms, palms, or soles.

When administered by a licensed and experienced medical professional — such as a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or trained nurse injector — Botox is very safe and FDA-cleared. Side effects like mild bruising or temporary drooping can occur but are rare when treatment is done correctly. To ensure safe, natural-looking results, always choose a qualified injector with advanced training and a deep understanding of facial anatomy.

You may start noticing smoother skin within 3–5 days after treatment, with full results visible in about 7–14 days. Results typically last 3–4 months, depending on the area treated, your facial muscle activity, and your metabolism. Regular maintenance sessions can help keep lines softened and may even train muscles to relax over time, potentially extending the time between treatments.

A Botox treatment is quick and minimally invasive — most appointments take about 15–30 minutes. A fine needle is used to inject small amounts of Botox into targeted muscles. There’s little to no downtime; you may have slight redness, swelling, or tiny bumps that resolve within a few hours. For best results, avoid rubbing the area, lying down flat, or intense exercise for about 4–6 hours after treatment.