Botox was recently approved by the FDA for the cosmetic treatment of facial wrinkles. Botox is a purified protein toxin produced by the clostridium botulinum bacteria. Though Botox is a toxin, extremely small amounts are used, and as a result, the use of Botox is extremely safe.

Patients often view the results of Botox as miraculous. Botox temporarily smoothes the wrinkles and frown lines that a lifetime of expressions can create, leaving the patient's face with a more youthful appearance. The results typically last from four to six months and after several treatments may last even longer. Botox is commonly used to treat frown lines between the patient’s eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet. Other areas of the face are sometimes treated as well. Botox achieves its maximal improvement in approximately five days, at which time the muscles causing the wrinkles become paralyzed yet the patient continues to have full sensation. However, occasionally a small bruise or possibly a mild headache may occur.

Restrictions on patients being treated with Botox are few, though pregnant women or persons with neurologic disease should avoid Botox treatment. Be sure to ask Dr. Kim if Botox is right for you. For more information about Botox, please visit the Allergan website at www.allergan.com