These days, getting a shot of Botox seems to be a mainstream treatment for wrinkles. If you've been on the fence about getting it done, then you may wonder if it's time to go ahead and get the shots. Since 2002, Botox has been used cosmetically to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. While many stars view it as a less invasive way of looking younger, it still has its risks. After all, Botox is derived from the botulinum toxin, which can be fatal if ingested as a result of eating undercooked pork. Botulinum toxins paralyze muscles by blocking the signal from the brain that tells muscles to contract. When food poisoning occurs as a result, it paralyzes the nervous system and respiration, thus resulting in death. But botulinum has been used therapeutically for almost 50 years. It started as a treatment for strabismus, or crossed eyes, and has been used for excessive sweating, overactive bladder and most recently, migraine headaches.