What is Botox®?
What is the history of Botox®?
When did the FDA Approve Botox®?
What kind of wrinkles does Botox® treat?
What's the difference between Botox® and Dysport®?
What is the average cost for Botox® Injections?
What can I expect at my visit?
What is recovery like after Botox® Treatment?
What are the results of Botox® Injections?

What is Botox®? Botox® injections are a diluted form of botulism which paralyzes or weakens the muscles that form wrinkles. Botox® is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed. In 2010 there were 5,379,360 Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox®, Dysport®) injections performed, a 258 percent increase since 2000. What is the history of Botox®? Botulinum toxins were first researched in the late 1960s to treat neurological disorders. Botox was used treat eye disorders such as blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking) and strabismus (crossed eyes). Doctors noticed that an unexpected side effect of the eye disorder treatment was softened frown lines between the eyebrows. When did the FDA Approve Botox®? In 1989, the FDA approved the use of Botox for eye muscle disorders. In December 2000, the FDA approved Botox ® to treat cervical dystonia (a disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions). In April 2002, the FDA approved Botox for treatment of frown lines. In July 2004, it was approved for treatment of hyperhidrosis (severe underarm sweating). In May 2010, Botox became FDA-Approved for treatment of upper limb spasticity (a condition that causes stiffness in the finger, wrist, and elbow muscles). In October 2010, the FDA approved Botox for treatment of chronic migraine headaches in adults. What kind of wrinkles do Botox® injections treat? Botox can safely and successfully treat wrinkles that are caused by muscle contraction. These include frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet, and neck bands.

See FDA Article for more information.

What's the difference between Botox® and Dysport®?
Dysport has been available in the U.S. since April 2009, but it has been available in Europe since 1991. Botox and Dysport are quite similar. They are both Botulinum Toxin Type A proteins that relax the muscles treated. Some people who become resistant to Botox (usually after many treatments) may respond to Dysport. Some offices will alternate using Botox and Dysport for stronger effects. The main diffirences are:

• Dysport takes effect a little more quickly, about a day sooner than Botox
• Dysport lasts slightly longer than Botox (Dysport generally lasts four months and Botox lasts three months)
• Dysport is slightly less expensive

What can I expect at my visit?
Your doctor will ask you to contract the facial muscles (by frowning and squinting) that affect the area to be treated. This will help your doctor determine the best location for the injection. The injection is normally made with an ultra-fine needle. Injection time is generally less than 15 minutes. The number of injections needed depends on the type of wrinkles treated. Anesthesia is not necessary.

What is recovery like after Botox® Treatment?
There is no recovery period and no down time. You can go directly back to your normal activities.

What are the results of Botox® Injections?
Results are normally seen within a few days. The results should last 3-4 months. View Botox Before and After Photos.

For more information, check out our Botox Side Effects and Statistics, the FDA Article on Botox Cosmetic Treatments and Botox Injections Before and After Photos.

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