Botox is used medically to treat certain muscular conditions, and cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing muscles. It is made from a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium from which Botox is derived, is found in many natural settings, including soil, lakes, and forests.

The bacterium can also be found in the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish and in the gills and organs of crabs and other shellfish. Such naturally occurring instances of Clostridium botulinum bacteria and spores are generally harmless. Problems only arise when the spores transform into vegetative cells and the cell population increases. At a certain point, the bacteria begin producing botulinum toxin, the deadly neurotoxin responsible for botulism.

Neurotoxins target the nervous system, disrupting the signaling processes that allow neurons to communicate effectively.

Botulinum toxin has proven to be a successful and valuable therapeutic protein.

Botulinum toxin is predominantly used as a treatment to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and fine lines.

If you’re breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, the FDA recommends that you talk to your doctor before starting Botox.

Go easy. Ask your doctor for a more natural, expressive look. Your doctor can adjust the dose accordingly.