In general, how skin ages and wrinkles is a complex process. It isn't just about cellular changes, collagen depletion, hormone loss and damage caused by free radicals; it's a combination of many factors. The lines that appear between your brows (glabella) actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time. After years of crinkling and wrinkling, those lines start to linger longer and can become more pronounced. For women, whose faces tend to be more animated than men's, and whose skin is typically more delicate, these lines may appear exaggerated and more permanent.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is a non-surgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the brows and around the eyes. During treatment, very low doses of BOTOX® Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines. BOTOX®Cosmetic treatment is usually done in about 10 minutes, and no recovery time is needed. Within days, you may see an improvement that can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.

• In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women surveyed rated the improvement in the appearance of frown lines between their brows as moderate to better one month after BOTOX® Cosmetic, though individual results may vary.

• Results can last for up to 4 months.

• BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used to treat a million people in the United States since it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines.

• The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ranked BOTOX® Cosmetic as the most popular of all physician-administered cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical combined) in 2002 and 2003.

Those moderate to severe frown lines between your brows form over time as the result of muscle activity. BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected directly into the muscles between your brows. It works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles; this reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those persistent lines to form.

Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting BOTOX® Cosmetic, your physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Many people return directly to work or normal activity following BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.

BOTOX® Cosmetic should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neurological disorders such as ALS, Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects.

The most common side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. Less frequently occurring (<3%) adverse reactions include pain in the face, erythema at the injection site, and muscle weakness. These events are thought to be associated with the injection and occurred within the first week.

Although the results are visible, a treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you "had work done." The muscle activity that causes frown lines between the brows is simply reduced, so you can still frown or look surprised without the wrinkles and creases between your brows.

If you do not continue BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments, the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows will gradually look like they did before treatment.

When considering your facial aesthetic options, BOTOX® Cosmetic is quite affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2003 survey, BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures in the United States. Like other appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening, and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your expectations. Consult your doctor for further information.

Ingestion of alcoholic beverages prior to treatment can increase the chances of bruising and/or swelling. No anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Vioxx, etc.), aspirin, Vitamin E, or Ginko Biloba one week prior to treatment. This will reduce the possible side effects of bruising and/or swelling in area(s) of treatment. You cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding to receive treatment.You cannot be allergic to eggs or egg products in order to receive treatment.

Do not lie down for 2 to 4 hours following treatment. Facial exercises (squint/frown/smile) are strongly recommended in the treated area for one hour after injection. Avoid manipulation of treated area for a minimum of four hours. By following the above measures you will minimize the occurrence of ptosis (droopy eyelids), bruising, and less than optimal outcomes.Common side effects include a slight headache lasting a few hours up to 48 hours, and temporary bruising and/or swelling.

Treatment effect will take 2 to 10 days. Benefits of treatment may last 3 to 6 months; the average is 4 months.
Please inform the office if the resolution of the lines has not taken effect in 10 days. Additional unit of Botox may be necessary to achieve desired result. Follow up treatments should be scheduled prior to return of full movement of muscle, usually at three months. Consistent repeated treatments will produce the best resolution of wrinkles. For more information, contact Blue at 818.783.3600 or [email protected]