Botox, also known as Botulinum Toxin Type A, is the brand name of a cosmetic treatment that temporarily diminishes facial lines (wrinkles) between the eyebrows and in other areas. It is a sterile, purified form of the Clostridium botulinum, bacteria that contains the toxin that causes food poisoning. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Botox was the leading nonsurgical cosmetic procedure among both men and women in 2006.

Facial lines are the result of muscle movement (e.g., frowning, squinting) over time. When Botox is injected into facial lines, it temporarily reduces the contractions of the underlying muscles, which, in turn, reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

Botox injections are increasingly being administered by non-medical practitioners. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that patients interested in receiving Botox consult a qualified physician (often a dermatologist) because results can vary according to practitioner. The physician will compile a complete medical history, including a list of current medications and allergies, to determine if the patient is a good candidate for Botox injections.

It is important that patients fully comprehend the capabilities and limitations of Botox so they do not have unrealistic expectations going into the procedure. Although Botox can temporarily relax facial lines, it cannot actually erase them.

Before Botox injections are administered, the patient is placed in a slightly raised position on an examination table. The injection sites are cleansed with a nonalcoholic solution, and a topical anesthetic or cold pack may be applied to the skin. The physician then injects the Botox directly into the muscles that cause the facial lines in a predetermined pattern. If a site appears to bleed after injection, pressure may be applied to the affected area.

Botox injection typically causes minimal discomfort, and the entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Results of Botox are typically apparent within three to 10 days of the procedure. Although some individuals with deeper facial lines may require two or three Botox sessions in close proximity, many patients achieve satisfying results in a single session that may last as long as 120 days, according to the FDA.

Botox is also used to treat certain medical conditions, including several muscle disorders (e.g., uncontrolled blinking, lazy eye), cerebral palsy and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Very few risks are associated with Botox injections administered by a qualified physician.