Smiling, laughing and frowning – over time, these repeated expressions lead to expression lines, folds and wrinkles on our faces. There are few treatments more effective than Botox for addressing the underlying causes of facial expression lines. Here are six facts about Botox and what it can do for you and your aesthetic goals: Botox is the top-selling treatment of its kind. It was the first FDA-approved treatment to temporarily reduce the muscle contractions that cause frown lines between the eyebrows, crow’s feet and forehead lines in adults, helping them look visibly smoother. Botox works on dynamic wrinkles. Botox treats dynamic wrinkles, which form on the skin above a contracting muscle. Repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, smiling or raising eyebrows cause the skin to furrow and fold, leading to the gradual formation of facial lines. Botox doesn’t treat static wrinkles. Static wrinkles are caused by gravity and the loss of the skin’s elasticity, as well as the loss of fat and collagen from the aging process. Dermal fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse are injected below static wrinkles, or in a crease or area where there’s a loss of volume to “fill” or plump up the area. Botox and dermal fillers can be used together to achieve the results you desire. Botox is safe. Botox is an injectable neurotoxin that only uses a small amount of botulinum toxin type A. It works beneath the surface of the skin by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. When the muscle doesn’t contract, the wrinkles will relax and soften. Treatments take only minutes with minimal downtime. You can return to your daily routine after treatment. Results aren’t immediate but are noticeable in a few days. For moderate to severe lines, you may begin to notice visible smoothness within 24 to 48 hours. Results last up to four months. Since Botox is not a permanent treatment, you return for follow-up treatments based on your aesthetic goals. To learn more about Botox and other ways to smooth out your wrinkles and turn back the hands of time, call Utah Valley Dermatology at (801) 768-8800 today.