There are two types of wrinkles: dynamic wrinkles and static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by facial muscles that move when you smile, laugh, and squint. These are often around the lips, on the forehead and between the eyebrows. There are also the “crows’ feet” at the corner of your eyelids. Everyone is born with dynamic wrinkles. As you age, these wrinkles get deeper and become easier to see. 

Botulinum toxin can make these dynamic wrinkles less noticeable. Botulinum toxin is produced by a specific type of bacteria, Clostridium Botulinum. Small doses of botulinum toxin are used to reduce facial wrinkles. When botulinum toxin is injected, it blocks certain nerve signals that make muscles contract. As a result, the muscles relax, reducing unwanted wrinkles. This effect lasts for about 3–6 months. Static wrinkles are formed when collagen in the skin starts to thin. Collagen is protein just beneath and within deep skin layers. Aging and sun damage cause collagen thinning, which makes the skin stretch and sag, creating static wrinkles. Botulinum toxin does not erase static lines and wrinkles. However, there are other ways to reduce static wrinkles, such as Ultherapy and Thermage FLX.