Smile, laugh, frown, and make all the facial expressions you want and stop worrying about wrinkles! After years of squinting, laughing, frowning, smoking, and worrying, the skin around the eyes and on the forehead often develops deep lines and wrinkles. These lines are called "expression lines." Until now, this type of wrinkle has been difficult to treat. Expression lines may often make you look older, tired, or stressed. Now, by utilizing an already approved muscle-relaxing agent, expression lines can be significantly reduced.

What is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent derived from the bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum. Ophthalmologists have been using BOTOX® for over 12 years for its original indication, treatment of blepharospasm. For years physicians have been using BOTOX® as a cosmetic treatment to correct visible signs of stress and aging.

How does BOTOX® work?
Your brain sends messages to your muscles so that they can contract and move. BOTOX® works to block the muscle from responding to the message; as a result, the muscle relaxes and the overlying skin remains unwrinkled and smooth.

What is treatment like?
BOTOX® is precisely injected, using a very fine needle, into the specific muscle that is contracting. Treatment is effective, safe, and takes approximately 10 minutes. The pain is a minimal "pin prick" and no anesthetic is required. Immediately following treatment, you may resume regular activities!

What type of results will I see?
Usually, the effect of BOTOX® is visible within 3 days. Maximum benefits are reached between 10 to 14 days. Once the muscle relaxes and the skin softens, you will have a more relaxed and youthful appearance. BOTOX® injections will not replace the need for a facelift. The ideal look may be achieved by BOTOX® injections in conjunction with a facelift, laser resurfacing, and skin rejuvenation.

Are there any possible side effects?
With BOTOX®, side effects, if any, are usually mild and temporary. Botulinum toxins contain proteins and in some circumstances, the body will form antibodies to the protein. If antibodies are formed, the effect would be a lesser response to therapy. Temporary bruising is sometimes experienced. This symptom resolves itself within 2 to 3 days. In rare cases, there can be a slight drooping of an eyelid or asymmetry of expression.

How long does a BOTOX® treatment last?
The effects of BOTOX® usually last 3 to 4 months. You will notice a gradual fading of its effects. After several treatments, the effects of BOTOX® may last 6 to 8 months. BOTOX® offers sustained relief over the course of long-term treatment.