What causes frown lines between the brows?

The lines that appear between your brows actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time. Two muscles are largely responsible for frown lines between the brows. When those muscles contract, they draw the brows together. As skin becomes less elastic over time, repeated frowning can result in those moderate to severe lines between the brows.

Just what is BOTOX Cosmetic? Is it FDA approved?

It is a purified protein administered in a simple nonsurgical procedure that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people aged 18 to 65. During treatment, very low doses of BOTOX Cosmetic are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that cause those stubborn lines between the brows.

BOTOX has been used therapeutically for over 15 years to treat a variety of medical conditions. It is approved in more than 75 countries. BOTOX for therapeutic use remains one of the most widely researched medicines in the world. The same product with dosing specific to glabellar lines was approved in 2002 as BOTOX Cosmetic.

What is the difference between BOTOX Cosmetic and fillers?

Frown lines are caused by overactive facial muscles. Fillers mask the wrinkle by adding volume around the muscle with intramuscular injections. BOTOX Cosmetic is intramuscular, blocking the chemicals that cause facial muscles to contract, thereby relaxing them. While there are many options available for fillers, BOTOX Cosmetic is the only product of its type that affects the muscles that cause these wrinkles.

What are the common side effects?
The most common side effects following injections of BOTOX Cosmetic include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea.

Have patients been happy with their results?
According to a recent survey of 200 dermatologists and plastic surgeons, BOTOX Cosmetic has the highest perceived patient satisfaction rating of all physician-administered treatments in 2003 and 2004. And for the past 3 years, BOTOX Cosmetic was the most popular physician-administered cosmetic procedure in the United States (surgical and nonsurgical combined).

How can I be sure I’m getting real BOTOX Cosmetic?

We are licensed and trained healthcare professionals that have the experience to administer BOTOX Cosmetic. Allergan, Inc., the maker of BOTOX Cosmetic, is the only source for healthcare professionals to purchase the product, and each label has the “Allergan” hologram.

How soon will I see a difference? What kind of results can I expect?

You can expect to see results within days after your treatment. The appearance of the area between your brows may continue to improve for up to a week. By day 30 in a patient clinical study, 89% of patients judged the severity of their frown lines between their brows as moderate or better.

What is the treatment like?

BOTOX Cosmetic treatment is quick and minimally invasive. Your doctor makes a few tiny injections into the muscles that cause moderate to severe frown lines between your brows.

Your doctor will determine exactly where to administer the injections to achieve the best results. No anesthesia is required, although he or she may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting. The entire procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. Discomfort is minimal and brief—most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. You may resume normal activity immediately.

Visible results can last up to 6 months. After that, you may be ready to return for a follow-up treatment. Your own results may vary—be sure to talk to your doctor about what you can expect.