BOTOX ®Cosmetic is a substance derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This is the substance that causes botulism when it is the result of bacterial poisoning. When BOTOX ®Cosmetic, or botulism toxin Type A, is used in small amounts by direct injection, however, it has proven to be very useful in the correction of certain types of facial wrinkles. The reason that the BOTOX ®Cosmetic injection does not cause botulism symptoms is because the amount is far smaller and is the result of a localized injection, not an entire body poisoning.

BOTOX ®Cosmetic has been used for many years for the treatment of facial tics and eye muscle problems. During the course of treatment of some of these problems, it was noticed that nearby wrinkles improved. Injection directly into the wrinkled areas was then done and relatively long-lasting improvement was seen.

BOTOX ®Cosmetic injection lasts on average three to six months. Injections are done no sooner than three months apart. As subsequent injections are done, some people have noticed a longer lasting result with each injection.

Common areas for BOTOX ®Cosmetic injection are the crease between the eyebrows, the crow's feet area, and the forehead. A less common area is around the lips for lip lines or smoker's lines. A very dilute solution has to be used here, therefore the result may not last as long. As with any injection, some bruising can occur. With injections of the forehead, a lowering of the eyebrows may occur. This is usually not distracting, but in some people, especially if the eyebrows are constantly held up because of brow sagging, then more sagging of the brows may occur. On rare occasion, drooping of an upper eyelid can happen, and if it does, a topical solution can be used in the eye to counteract this until it resolves.

BOTOX ®Cosmetic can be an easy and rapid, although temporary fix for certain types of facial lines and wrinkles.

BOTOX ®Cosmetic is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc.