Overactive muscle contraction and collagen loss are the leading causes of facial wrinkles. Botox is the #1 physician-administered cosmetic procedure and reduces contractions of certain muscles in the face to smooth and diminish wrinkles.

Botox injections are most commonly used to treat moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in people from ages 18 to 65. Other conditions that Botox can treat include:

• Crow‘s feet around the eyes
• Horizontal forehead wrinkles
• Wrinkles on the upper lip
• Drooping eyebrows
• excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis)
• necklace lines
• vertical banding in the neck.

Botox treatments are more effective in reducing the appearance of "dynamic" wrinkles rather than "static" wrinkles. "Static" wrinkles are always present whereas "dynamic" wrinkles appear on your face when you smile or frown. Botox, when properly administered, can be effective in elevating the eyebrows.

Botox treatments consist of injecting a purified protein into the face in order to relax the muscles under the skin. Wrinkling is significantly reduced or disappears as a result. Treatments take approximately 10 minutes and most patients can resume their normal activities immediately. No anesthesia is required but some doctors may numb the treatment area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream.

No recovery time is needed after Botox treatment but strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 24 hours following treatment. Some temporary side effects from Botox treatments may include nausea, eyelid droop, swelling, pain, headache, redness, infection, bleeding, bruising, tenderness, and inflammation.

Results vary from patient to patient but you should expect to see a reduction in muscle activity around three to five days after Botox treatment. The full effects of treatment will not be apparent until approximately two weeks later. Results typically last up to four months.

There will be no drastic changes in your facial appearance after Botox treatment. You will still be able to frown and make other types of facial expressions, just without the wrinkles and creases appearing between your eyebrows. After the effects of Botox treatment fade, treatment must be continued. Otherwise, the wrinkles you had before treatment will gradually appear again.