How Botox Works
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription injectable that temporarily reduces activity in selected muscles. This can soften lines caused by repeated expressions such as frowning, squinting, or raising your eyebrows. It does not add volume, permanently remove wrinkles, or stop the aging process. Deeper lines and loose skin may need a different approach.
Where Botox can treat
In adults, BOTOX Cosmetic is FDA approved to temporarily improve moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, crow’s feet, and platysma bands, the vertical muscle bands connecting the neck and jaw. Other aesthetic uses, including a lip flip, chin dimpling, a gummy smile, and masseter treatment for jaw slimming, are off-label and require an individual assessment and discussion of risks and alternatives.
When results appear and how long they last
Results develop gradually. For frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet, changes may begin in one to two days, with full results in about 30 days. Full results for platysma bands are reported at about 14 days. Upper-face results may last up to four months, although each person’s response varies.
Treatment is temporary. Maintenance timing depends on your response and clinical assessment. The safety and effectiveness of BOTOX Cosmetic treatment more frequently than every three months have not been evaluated.
Important safety information
Possible side effects include headache, injection discomfort or bruising, eyelid or eyebrow drooping, dry eyes, and vision changes. Do not receive Botox if you have an allergy to a botulinum toxin product or its ingredients, or an infection at a planned injection site. Tell your clinician about your medications, muscle or nerve conditions, swallowing or breathing problems, and pregnancy or breastfeeding.
BOTOX Cosmetic carries a boxed warning about toxin effects spreading beyond the injection area. Serious symptoms can develop hours to weeks after treatment and may be life threatening. Get medical help immediately for difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking, or signs of a severe allergic reaction. Seek prompt assessment for generalized weakness or vision changes. Avoid driving or hazardous activities if weakness, vision problems, or dizziness occur.