What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?  BOTOX® Cosmetic comes from a kind of bacteria. The bacteria can make you very sick. But doctors have found that the chemical in BOTOX® Cosmetic can also help treat some health problems. They have been using it safely for many years. 

How does BOTOX® Cosmetic work? Some wrinkles are caused when a muscle contracts (tightens up). BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected through the skin into the muscle with a needle. The BOTOX® Cosmetic keeps the muscle from contracting. When the muscle can't contract, the wrinkle doesn't show as much. You mean you can't move your muscles? A trained doctor will inject small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic into a small part of the muscle. Only that muscle can't move. 

What happens over the long term? The action of BOTOX® Cosmetic lessens with time. So the muscle returns to normal within a few months. You begin to see the wrinkle again. How was this found? BOTOX® Cosmetic was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) over 10 years ago to treat certain diseases of the eye muscle. Doctors noticed that some wrinkles around the eyes looked better, too. The company that makes BOTOX® Cosmetic tested it. They showed the FDA that BOTOX® Cosmetic worked and was safe for treating certain types of wrinkles. 

Are there any side effects? Yes. Side effects may include: Droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks Flu-like symptoms Headache and nausea (upset stomach) (REMEMBER: BOTOX® Cosmetic is a drug, not a cosmetic.)

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Are BOTOX® Cosmetic Parties Safe? BOTOX® Cosmetic is approved for selling in single-use tubes. Each tube is made to be used only once and only for one patient. Using the tube more than once can spread germs. Treating more than one person with one tube goes against the product directions. Also, BOTOX® Cosmetic needs to be used within 4 hours after the tube is opened.

What should I do if I want to try BOTOX® Cosmetic? Make sure you get treatment in a doctor's office or hospital. Make sure your doctor is trained and "takes time to care." 

Thinking about BOTOX® Cosmetic? Be sure that a skilled doctor does the treatment. Make sure the doctor is trained in cosmetic skin surgery of the face. Ask about the benefits and risks of the treatment. Choose a medical setting where everything is kept clean and germ-free. Emergency equipment should be on hand in case of a problem. Do not drink alcohol and do not lie down for several hours after the treatment. To learn more: American Academy of Dermatology Phone: 1-888-462-3376

American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Phone: 1-800-441-2737

FDA Talk Paper: "FDA Approves BOTOX® Cosmetic To Treat Frown Lines" www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2002/ANS01147.html

FDA Consumer article: "BOTOX® Cosmetic : A Look at Looking Good" www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/402_botox.html

http://www.fda.gov/womens/getthefacts/botox.html

BOTOX® is a registered trademart of Allergan, Inc.