Many wrinkles are caused by making the same expression thousands of times. Eventually, a crease forms in the skin. These dynamic expression lines, often called frown lines or crow’s feet, are due to contraction of muscles underneath the skin.

 What is Botox® Cosmetic?

Botox® Cosmetic, commonly known as Botox, is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. The protein is used in very small quantities and injected into the specific area to be treated. It does not spread through the body, and no allergic reactions to it have been reported. Botox has been used for over 10 years in ophthalmology and over 8 years for wrinkles. With the amounts used for wrinkle therapy, side effects are, at most, temporary and localized to the site of injection.

 How does Botox work?

Small amounts of the protein are injected into the specific muscles that cause the wrinkle. Botox blocks the nerve impulse to the muscle and the muscles relax. As the skin is no longer creased by the muscles, it begins to flatten out and the wrinkles improve.

 Does the Botox injection hurt?

Discomfort with the injection is minimal and brief. Sometimes numbing cream or ice is used to minimize any discomfort. Once the injection is complete there is no further discomfort.

 How long does Botox last?

Botox lasts up to four months. With subsequent injections, often the effect lasts for a longer period of time.

 Which areas are commonly treated with Botox?

The most commonly treated areas include the frown lines between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet. Some areas around the mouth may also be treated.

 Does Botox affect other facial expressions or create numbness?

Botox does not affect the nerve, so there is no numbness in the area of injection. It affects only the muscles in the immediate area of the injection, so muscles in other areas of the face are unaffected.

 Can everyone get Botox treatments?

Restrictions on Botox are few. Women who are pregnant, and those with neurological problems should not be treated.

 Are there other uses for Botox besides wrinkles?

Recently the FDA has approved the use of Botox for treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis, otherwise known as excessive under arm sweating. If topical treatments fail to decrease sweating, Botox cosmetic can be injected into the armpit area. After Botox treatment of the armpit, most patients experience a significant decrease in the amount of under arm sweating for 6 months. More information is available at www.botox.com.