After years of repetitive expressions such as laughing, squinting and sun damage, the skin around the eyes and forehead often develops deep lines and wrinkles. These lines are known as expression lines. Now by utilizing BOTOX, a muscle relaxing agent, expression lines can be reduced.

BOTOX belongs to a class of drugs called botulinum toxins. BOTOX, a focal agent intended to reduce muscle contraction, is the brand of botulinum toxin type A made by Allergan. BOTOX is the most studied brand of botulinum toxins and has been helping patients worldwide for more than 15 years.

This section is designed to help you understand the way BOTOX works, its effectiveness, and its side effects. BOTOX works at nerves that are connected to muscle. It blocks the chemical communication between the nerves and the muscle.

BOTOX is injected with a very fine needle in to the specific muscle. Immediately after treatment you may resume regular activities. Usually the effect is visible within a few days, but maximum results are reached between 10-14 days. The effects of BOTOX usually last 3 to 4 months. The effects may last up to 6-8 months after several treatments.

BOTOX cause expression lines to diminish including:

• Horizontal forehead lines
• Glabellar frown lines (vertical line between the eyebrows caused by squinting)
• Crows feet

Each treatment typically lasts up to 3 months and can be repeated as long as your condition responds to BOTOX and you do not have any serious allergic reactions or other significant side effects. BOTOX has been used for more than 15 years to help patients worldwide, and although formal, long-term clinical evaluations have not been conducted, its safety in long-term use has been well established.

Although most people continue to respond to BOTOX injections, some people have experienced a diminished response over time. With BOTOX, side effects, if any are usually temporary and mild. Minor temporary bruising at the site of injection is sometimes experienced. This symptom resolves itself within 2 to 3 days. In rare cases there can be slight weakness of the surrounding muscles or systemic effects.

Botox® is a relatively new procedure using Botulinum Toxin which was developed to treat the visual signs of aging by reducing or removing wrinkles.  The procedure is considered a safe, effective way of treating aging skin.  Common areas for Botox® injections include horizontal forehead furrows, vertical lines between the eyebrows and "crow's feet" around the eyes.  Botox® has proven to be the best non-surgical form of facial rejuvenation and is capable of producing phenomenal improvements in your appearance.

Reasons for Considering a Botox Treatment:

• Excessive facial wrinkles.
• Large wrinkles or furrows in your forehead.
• Small wrinkles or "crow's feet" around your eyes.
• A vertical "frown line" between your eyebrows.

General Procedure

The procedure works by altering the facial muscles beneath the skin that are related to wrinkles.  A cream with local anesthetic will be placed on your skin prior to treatment, and ice will be immediately applied upon completion of the Botox® treatment.  Typically a small amount (1-2 cc's) of Botox® is injected into the area of the wrinkle.  Botox® works by blocking the impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles, thereby relaxing them.  The result is the underlying facial muscles relax and the skin begins to smooth out.  The effects of a Botox® treatment will last approximately three to six months after which the patient may choose to repeat the procedure.

Recovery Process

Patients generally return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure, however following the post-procedure guidelines will dramatically reduce the length and intensity of the recovery period.  Patients should avoid engaging in heavy physical exercise, applying cosmetics, or laying down flat for a minimum of 4 hours after the injections.  It is also advisable to avoid rubbing or massaging the injected area for at least 24 hours.