As you age, your skin slowly loses its tightness, and wrinkles appear on your face. Botox Cosmetic is an injectable medicine that can smooth wrinkles on the face. It is a prescription medicine and must be used only under the care of a licensed and skilled health care provider.
What is Botox?
Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called botulism, but doctors use it in small, controlled doses. The full name of the product is onabotulinumtoxinA, sold as Botox and Botox Cosmetic. In short, Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a protein made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Botox shots block certain chemical signals from nerves that cause muscles to contract. That relaxes the muscles that cause forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow’s feet around the eyes. Botox Cosmetic is used to temporarily smooth frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines in adults.
What Medical Conditions Can Botox Treat?
Botox is also used to treat health problems, including:
- Neck spasms (cervical dystonia), where the neck muscles contract and cause the head to twist.
- Muscle spasms from cerebral palsy and other nervous system conditions, which can cause the limbs to pull toward the center.
- Lazy eye (strabismus), where the eyes point in different directions, often from an imbalance in the muscles that move the eye.
- Uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm).
- Severe underarm sweating, even when the temperature is normal.
- Chronic migraine.
- Overactive bladder, which causes urinary incontinence.
- Muscle stiffness and tightness (spasticity) of the arms or legs.
How Long Does Botox Really Last?
Results usually last about 3 to 4 months for most people. The effect depends on the problem being treated. MedlinePlus notes that the effects last about three to twelve months, depending on what you are treating. To keep the effect, you need regular follow-up injections.
Botox injections usually begin working 1 to 3 days after treatment, though it can take a week or more to see improvement. Most people see results within 3 to 7 days. After that, muscle movement slowly returns and lines come back.
Keep a record of each treatment, including the date, the area, and the number of units. Tell your provider if you had any type of Botox injection within the past four months. This helps your provider plan the next treatment and adjust the dose.
Aftercare After a Botox Injection
Do not rub or massage the treated areas for 24 hours. Do not lie down for 2 to 4 hours after getting the shots. Your provider may also tell you to avoid exercise for a while after treatment. If you apply makeup, take care not to press or rub it in. Wait two hours before you engage in strenuous physical activity. As a rule, health care providers do not recommend Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, headache, or flu-like symptoms are common side effects. Call your doctor right away if you notice a drooping eyelid, muscle weakness, or trouble swallowing or breathing.
Other Botulinum Toxin Brands
Botox is not the only brand of botulinum toxin type A. Others include Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, and Jeuveau. They work in a similar way but are not the same product. One brand or type of botulinum toxin cannot be substituted for another, and units are not interchangeable between brands. Your provider will choose the product that fits your face and your goals.
If Botox is not right for you, talk to a board-certified dermatologist about other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Botox last?
Results usually last about 3 to 4 months for most people, according to the AAD. The effect depends on the problem being treated — MedlinePlus notes the effects last about three to twelve months, depending on what you are treating.
What is Botox made from?
Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a protein made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In small, controlled doses, it relaxes targeted muscles.
What medical conditions can Botox treat?
The FDA has approved Botox for chronic migraine, overactive bladder, cervical dystonia, excessive underarm sweating, lazy eye, uncontrollable blinking, and muscle stiffness.
What should I avoid after Botox?
Do not rub or massage the treated area for 24 hours. Do not lie down for 2 to 4 hours. Wait two hours before strenuous physical activity.
Are there other brands like Botox?
Yes. Other botulinum toxin type A brands include Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, and Jeuveau. One brand cannot be substituted for another.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information only. It is not a substitute for medical care. Talk to your own doctor or a licensed dermatologist about your own health. This guide gives no medical advice for readers.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026