Is Botox harmful? Turns out, it’s safer than you think.

The bacterium Clostridium botulinum has had a fearsome reputation for generations — and for good reason. It produces one of the most powerful natural toxins known to science, affecting the gastrointestinal system. In fact, just 0.001 micrograms per kilogram of body weight can be enough to cause severe poisoning in humans.

Botulinum toxin, also known as “botulism,” can enter the body through contaminated food — such as spoiled canned vegetables, meats, or fish. Once it reaches the small intestine, it passes through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream, where it can paralyze the respiratory system and lead to life-threatening consequences.

But if botulinum toxin is so dangerous… why is it widely used in aesthetic medicine?

The answer is simple: the toxin is only harmful when ingested. In controlled, micro-doses applied locally — like in cosmetic procedures — it becomes a powerful, targeted tool to smooth wrinkles and relax facial muscles safely and effectively.

The name Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin. It is a product that is safe for the human body. It is used in anti-aging prevention treatments to smooth and refresh facial features.

Young facial skin is firm and elastic, and handles all kinds of movement and expression with ease. Over time, the collagen fibers that support the skin lose their elasticity, and expression lines begin to appear — such as crow’s feet, frown lines (the “11s”), or so-called smoker’s lines.

When injected into a “problem area,” Botox relaxes the muscles responsible for forming these wrinkles by blocking nerve impulses, which prevents the muscles from contracting. The result is a softening of facial features and a more youthful appearance.

For more details, see our article What Is Botox?

Botulinum toxin does not cause permanent changes. Over time, it dissolves naturally in the body, muscle–nerve communication returns, and the wrinkle may reappear — though typically shallower than before.
That’s why treatments need to be repeated every 3 to 6 months, depending on factors such as skin condition, the patient’s age, and even the weather (the warmer it is, the faster the product may be absorbed).

The procedure must always be performed by a qualified medical specialist. The doctor will assess your skin condition, rule out any contraindications, determine your dermatological age, evaluate how your facial muscles function, and decide exactly where the product should be injected for optimal results.

Botulinum toxin injections are not considered painful. Most patients compare the sensation to a quick prick, similar to a blood test. The product is administered using a very fine needle, and the entire procedure usually takes no longer than 30 minutes.

The effects become visible within up to 14 days, as the toxin gradually affects the targeted nerves and temporarily relaxes the selected muscles. After the procedure, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines:
For several hours, you should avoid lying down, bending over, or massaging your face.
For 24 hours, you should also avoid saunas, tanning beds, exercise, and flying.

Botulinum toxin was first used over 40 years ago — not for aesthetic purposes, but to treat strabismus (crossed eyes). Its wrinkle-smoothing effects were discovered by accident, during treatment for facial paralysis.

Today, Botox has a wide range of medical applications. In neurology, it’s used to treat conditions like dystonia, multiple sclerosis, blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid twitching), cervical dystonia (neck spasms), and hemifacial spasm.
Urologists use Botox to manage overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, while gastroenterologists use it to treat achalasia, a disorder of the esophagus.

Botox is also an effective treatment for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). It works by blocking nerve signals to the sweat glands, reducing or even stopping sweat production in targeted areas.

And if you grind your teeth at night — Botox can help with that, too.
In the treatment of bruxism, Botox is injected into the masseter and temporal muscles, weakening their activity. This helps relieve jaw tension and reduces or eliminates involuntary teeth grinding.

When it comes to smoothing dynamic wrinkles, Botox remains one of the most effective treatments available. Results are fast, the procedure is nearly painless, and most importantly — it’s completely safe when performed by a qualified and experienced physician.

Still unsure?
Visit our clinic for a free consultation with one of our specialists. We’ll answer all your questions and help tailor a treatment plan just for you.