Botulinum Toxin Type A (BOTOX® Cosmetic) is a purified protein complex that blocks the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction. By selectively interfering with the underlying muscles' ability to contract, existing frown lines are smoothed out and, in most cases, are nearly invisible in a week. Basically, the botulinum toxins block the signals that would normally tell your muscles to contract. Botox® can be used to improve the appearance of worry lines, frown lines and crow’s feet, to raise brows for a temporary brow lift, or to correct unbalanced eyebrow heights. It can also be used to treat down turned corners of the mouth, to reduce the fine vertical lines on the upper lip, to relax bunny lines, to soften chin contraction, and to relax anterior neck bands. Finally Botox® can improve excessive sweating of underarms, palms, and feet. Many facial lines are caused by repeated use of the facial muscles of expression, e.g. squinting and frowning. By reducing the amount of facial muscle movement the lines can be softened. Injections are placed directly into the muscles, temporarily putting them to “sleep'” for a period of three to four months. The aim of the treatment is to break the habit of frowning or squinting and thus reducing the appearance of the lines and also reducing the development of further facial lines. After a treatment it will take 2-3 days for the effects to start to be seen reaching its maximum effect at 7-10 days. The treatment usually last 4 months on the average. With ongoing treatment the effects may last longer. To learn more about your cosmetic options, or to find out if Botox® treatments might work well for you, please call our office and schedule a consultation.