First used in the 1960s, botox treatments were intended for persons with neurological disorders. The toxins contained in injectable botox treatments were used to immobilize spastic muscles, but physicians soon noticed that a passive benefit of botox treatments was the improvement of the appearance of facial wrinkles. Today, the effectiveness and speed of botox treatments has placed them among the more popular procedures in cosmetic surgery. Patients receiving botox treatments have wrinkles and lines around their eyes and mouths addressed, along with forehead lines and furrows between the eyes (often called "worry lines").

Botox treatments rely on the use of a purified toxin to temporarily paralyze the small muscles that cause the wrinkles in the first place. A few days after botox treatments, patients will notice the full effect of the procedures, results that last four months or longer, depending upon the individual and the location of the botox treatments. The potential side effects are few and usually short-lived. They include local numbness, swelling, bruising, or a burning sensation during the botox treatments. Many of these side effects are minimized or eliminated through the use of proper injection techniques, and patients may take a pain medication thirty minutes prior to botox treatments in order to minimize any discomfort.

In order to maximize results and quicken recovery time after botox treatments, patients should keep their head elevated for approximately 4-6 hours after treatment. Individuals receiving botox treatments should also avoid any heavy exercise, lifting, or physical activity for at least 4-6 hours. The effectiveness of botox treatments is enhanced by frequent stimulation of the treated muscle, and patients are urged to perform these small exercises.

To learn more about botox treatments and whether or not you are an appropriate candidate, consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in administering botox treatments. Botox is not for everyone: pregnant or lactating women are ineligible to receive botox treatments and patients who have neuromuscular diseases or allergies to human albumin or antibiotics should discuss botox treatments with their physicians to determine if they are appropriate candidates.