Whose idea was it to squirt botulism into someone’s face to cure wrinkles? Does it really sound that much stranger than using bread mold to fight infection? Naturally it’s not as simple as directly injecting canned yams gone bad.

Plastic surgeon Amir Karam of Carmel Valley Facial Plastic Surgery explains, “Botox® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria that decreases the activity of wrinkle-forming muscles.” The use of this protein started out as a treatment for face and neck muscle spasms. Like so many other discoveries, the protein’s usefulness in treating wrinkles was noticed as a side effect.

The botulinum protein works by inhibiting the receipt of neurotransmitters by nerve terminals for the wrinkling muscles. A Botox® injection technique using a few mere drops with a small needle is enough to be effective for several months.

Find out more on DrKaram.com