Neurotoxins Explained: How They Work and Why They’re Safe

Amanda
Jul 11
2 min read

Updated: Aug 15

If you’ve ever considered treatments like Botox®, Dysport®, or Xeomin®, you may have heard them referred to as “neurotoxins.” While the word itself sounds intimidating, these products are some of the most studied, safest, and widely used medications in both medicine and aesthetics today.

At MediAesthetics Thunder Bay, we believe in empowering our clients with education and clarity. Here’s a simple, in-depth explanation of what neurotoxins are, how they work, and why they have earned such a strong safety reputation over the years.

How Do Neurotoxins Work in the Muscle?

Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Muscle Movement Starts With Nerve Signals

Every time you smile, frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows, your brain sends a message through your nerves to your facial muscles. This message travels as an electrical signal that triggers the release of a chemical messenger called acetylcholine at the junction between the nerve ending and the muscle (neuromuscular junction).Acetylcholine binds to receptors on the muscle, causing it to contract.

2. Neurotoxins Interrupt This Process

Neurotoxins (such as Botox) temporarily block the release of acetylcholine. Without acetylcholine, the muscle doesn’t receive the signal to contract.

This doesn’t paralyze the muscle completely—it simply reduces the intensity of the movement, helping soften the overlying wrinkles.

3. Targeted Muscle Relaxation, Not Full Paralysis

When used correctly, neurotoxins don’t "freeze" your face. They just relax the overactive muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, such as:

Frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines)
Forehead lines
Crow’s feet around the eyes

Other facial expressions and muscle movements remain natural. The goal is to reduce harsh lines while preserving your natural expressions.

4. Temporary Effect, Naturally Reversible

Your body gradually restores nerve signaling by creating new acetylcholine receptors and regenerating the nerve endings. This is why the effects of neurotoxins are temporary—typically lasting 3 to 4 months. After that, normal muscle function gradually returns.

Split image showing a forehead with wrinkles labeled "Before" and smooth skin labeled "After." Text: "MA." Neutral background.

Why Are Neurotoxins Safe?

The science behind neurotoxins has been thoroughly studied and refined over decades. Here’s why they are considered safe when administered properly:

Highly Purified & Precisely Dosed:

The product is refined and prepared in extremely small, controlled doses—far below toxic levels.

Localized Action:

Neurotoxins act only at the injection site. They do not spread through the bloodstream in any significant amount when used in cosmetic doses.

Clinically Studied:

Botox® and similar products have been studied in thousands of clinical trials and used safely in both medical and aesthetic fields worldwide.

Administered by Trained Professionals:

When injected by an experienced medical provider, the treatment is targeted and safe, minimizing risks of unwanted side effects.

The Bottom Line: Botox is Safe, Effective, and Subtle

Neurotoxins work by gently reducing the overactivity of specific muscles, giving your skin a smoother, refreshed appearance—without altering who you are. At MediAesthetics, we use expert techniques and detailed knowledge of facial anatomy to create natural-looking results that align with your personal goals.