BOTOX CURIOUS?

All your questions, answered.

- Andréanne Dion

How does it work?

Botox is a brand name that is often used to refer to any injectable neurotoxin treatment that reduces the appearance of existing wrinkles and slows the formation of new ones. It works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that tell muscles to contract.

Botox was officially approved for treating glabellar lines (the so-called elevens between the eyebrows), crow's feet and forehead lines in 2001, though it's also used to treat other cosmetic concerns. In her practice, Dr. Renita Ahluwalia, lead dermatologist at the Canadian Dermatology Centre, uses injectable neurotoxins to lift the brows, alter the shape of the nose, prevent chin dimpling and make lips appear fuller.

Aside from Botox, there are four other Health Canada-approved neurotoxins on the market: Dysport, Xeomin, Nuceiva and Letybo. They are all slightly different at the molecular level but work the same.