Another nonsurgical technique for removing the facial creases and lines caused by making the same expression thousands of times comes from injecting a few drops of Botox or Botulinum A Toxin into the underlying muscle or muscles creating the expression lines on the forehead, between and around the eyes. When Botox is injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve impuse from reaching that area which results in the muscle relaxing. When the muscle relaxes, the skin above it softens and the wrinkles often disappear. This substance is a potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, but, because it is used in such small amounts and does not spread throughout the body, it only affects the muscle or muscles serving the immediate area of the injection.

 

This treatment has been used successfully in correcting medical conditions due to muscle spasm for the past ten years. Botox treatment is not permanent and must be repeated within four to five months. However, after several treatments, the effects tend to last longer, perhaps up to six months.

 

This technique is considered very safe and effective; however, pregnant women and patients with neurologic disorders are not good candidates. Any possible unwanted effects are confined to the area of injection and soon pass with time such as upper lid surgery or Ptosis.