Botox(R) Injection is a non-surgical, physician-administered aesthetic treatment for moderate to severe "frown lines" between the brows in people ages 18 to 65. It works by reducing the contractions of the muscles that cause those persistent frown lines that have developed between your brows over time.

In the United States, prescription drugs and biologics are required to undergo rigorous laboratory and clinical testing for human safety and efficacy before they are allowed to enter the market. Botox(R) injection as a cosmetic treatment received FDA approval in 2002 and is considered safe as long as it is administered properly by an authorized healthcare professional.

Botox(R) is the most popular "quick fix" cosmetic procedure available today. Its popularity continues to grow as more and more people try it -- and most patients are so satisfied with the results that they come back for regularly scheduled treatments.

The treatment has many appeals. It can be administered easily and there is virtually no down time. Results are quickly noticeable and usually give the desired effect without much risk of side effects.

Facial wrinkles in the forehead and "crows' feet" are improved so patients enjoy a better facial appearance. Botox(R) has also been shown to help with excessive underarm sweating and with migraine headaches.

You might wonder if you are a candidate for this procedure. Most of us are because the use of our facial muscles creates pronounced wrinkles on our face. Sometimes these wrinkles give us the appearance of being angry, sad or tired when we're not. With an injection of Botox(R), the muscles are weakened thereby allowing the overlaying skin to flatten out and thus immediately improve our appearance.

As with any treatment that involves injections you want to be sure that the person who is performing the injections is highly qualified. Even though an "authorized healthcare professional" can inject Botox(R), choosing a physician to administer the treatments is recommended, because when dealing with matters of health, you want and deserve the best.

The most important qualification to consider when one is considering this treatment is that the person administering it is board certified dermatologist/plastic surgeon. Board certified medical professionals are highly experienced in the use of injectable Botox(R) as well as other injectables. They can be relied upon to have a detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and understand the nuances of where to inject and how much to inject so you get the best possible result for your investment.

Generally speaking, the procedure is entirely safe for most people. Of course, only your doctor can decide if a Botox(R) Injection is safe and right for you. So before starting treatment, you'll need to give your doctor a thorough medical history, including such things as any diseases that affect your nerves and muscles, whether you're breastfeeding or think you might be (or plan to become) pregnant, what prescribed or OTC medications and herbals you currently take, etc.

Note: The specific risks and the suitability of Botox(R) injection for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation with a physician. All procedures have some degree of risk. The information provided here is not a substitute for a consultation.