Botulinum Toxin type A, also commonly known by brand names such as Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin, is a neurotoxin that works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscles into which it is injected. This process paralyzes or weakens the targeted muscles, preventing them from contracting, which in turn smooths out wrinkles and fine lines on the skin's surface, particularly those caused by repetitive facial expressions (dynamic wrinkles) like crow's feet, forehead lines, and frown lines (glabellar lines).

By relaxing the underlying musculature, the Skin overlying the injection site becomes smoother and the wrinkles are significantly reduced. The cosmetic results are not permanent; the effects typically last for about three to six months, and clients must receive repeat injections to maintain a continuous reduction in the appearance of these facial lines. The temporary nature of the treatment is due to the body gradually metabolizing the toxin and the nerve signals eventually being restored.