What happens to the acetylcholine when Botox is injected?

Dear Beautiful26470 thank you for your excellent question!

When Botox is injected, it works by binding to the nerve endings that supply the muscle, and blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals the muscle to contract. As a result, the muscle is temporarily paralyzed and cannot contract, leading to a reduction in wrinkles or other cosmetic effects.

The acetylcholine that is blocked by Botox does not build up at the end of the neuron. Instead, it is broken down and metabolized by enzymes in the body. The body produces an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine into choline and acetate. Choline can then be recycled and used to produce new acetylcholine.

Since the acetylcholine is broken down and metabolized, it does not get redistributed to other neurons that are not currently affected by Botox. Therefore, there is no risk of a buildup or redistribution of acetylcholine causing more or stronger muscle contractions after the Botox wears off.

Once the effects of Botox wear off, the nerve endings will start to produce and release acetylcholine again, allowing the muscle to contract normally. The exact timing of when the effects of Botox wear off can vary depending on the individual, the dose of Botox, and the area treated.