"Dynamic wrinkles" are caused by repeated muscular contractions such as frowning, squinting and brow furrowing. For example, when we frown, we gather the tissue between our eyebrows into a fold. This can cause a chronic furrow which produces a frustrated, discouraged or angry facial expression. These frown lines can be eliminated without surgery and without scars, by a simple treatment with BOTOX®.

With the exception of surgery, BOTOX® is the only way to slow down the formation of wrinkles caused by the muscle movements of facial expression. Younger people can benefit by regular use to prevent their unwanted frowning or forehead wrinkling from getting "etched" into their skin. Because of its effectiveness and safety record, BOTOX® is now one of the leading non-surgical treatments for upper facial wrinkles.

What is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium. It is a non-surgical treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, around the eyes and around the mouth by causing the weakening of targeted muscles. During treatment, very low doses of BOTOX® are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines. The treatment is usually done in about 10 minutes, and no recovery time is needed. Within days, you will see an improvement that can last up to 4 months. As the muscle weakens, the wrinkles in the skin gradually soften and often disappear, giving the face a more relaxed and refreshed look.

How does BOTOX® work?

Wrinkles, crows' feet and frown lines between your brows form over time as the result of muscle activity. BOTOX® is injected directly into the muscles and works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form.

How Long Has BOTOX® Been Used?

BOTOX® has been used since 1980 for the treatment of strabismus (lazy eye), and blepharospasm (uncontrolled eye blinking). The use of BOTOX® for forehead wrinkles was pioneered in 1989 by Dr. Carruthers of Vancouver. A major study of this technique was completed in 1995 followed by a review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. BOTOX® is now also used to temporarily reduce excessive underarm sweating and to reduce the frequency of migraines.

What Areas Can BOTOX Improve?

All wrinkles in the head and neck areas can be treated and improved with BOTOX®. Each patient is assessed and the areas to be treated are determined after this consultation process. The areas around the eyes are the most commonly treated. These wrinkles include the frown lines between the eyebrows, the wrinkles on the bridge of the nose and crow's feet. The frown line between the eyebrows is caused by the action of a muscle called the corrugator. You can feel this as a thickening just below the inside of your eyebrows when you frown. Injecting BOTOX® directly into this corrugator muscle stops your ability to draw your eyebrows together when you frown. Once the muscle is paralyzed, it cannot contract, and the frown line gradually fades away. Crow's feet and the muscle on the bridge of the nose can be similarly treated. Other areas that can be treated with BOTOX® include the brow, neck lines, smile lines and vertical lip lines.

When will I see results from a BOTOX® treatment?

Within days, you will see a marked improvement in the treated areas. Lines continue to improve for up to a month, and results can last for up to 4 months.

Is treatment with BOTOX® painful?

Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Your aesthetic professional may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to performing the injection. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people return directly to work or normal activity following BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.

Will my facial expressions continue to look natural?

Although the results are visible, a treatment with BOTOX® will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done." The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised, but without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.

Is BOTOX® affordable?

When considering your facial aesthetic options, BOTOX® is quite affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2003 survey, BOTOX® is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures in the United States. Like other appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening, and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your expectations.