Botox™

Botox™ is used to make lines or wrinkles between the eye brows look better. It only lasts for a short time.

What is Botox™?

• Botox™ comes from a kind of bacteria. The bacteria can make you very sick. But doctors have found that a chemical in Botox™ can also help treat some health problems. They have been using it safely for many years.

How was this found?

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved Botox™ over 10 years ago to treat certain problems with the eye muscle. Doctors noticed that some wrinkles around the eyes looked better, too. The company that makes Botox™ tested it. They showed the FDA that Botox™ worked and was safe for treating some kinds of wrinkles.

How does Botox™ work?

• Wrinkles may be caused when a muscle tightens. Botox™ is injected through the skin into the muscle. The Botox™ keeps the muscle from tightening. When the muscle can't tighten, the wrinkle doesn't show as much.

You mean you can't move your muscles?

• A doctor trained in the use of Botox™ will inject small amounts of Botox™ into the muscle. Only the treated muscle can't move.

What happens over time?

Botox™ works for about four months. As the muscle returns to normal, you will see the wrinkle again.

Are there any side effects?

Yes

Side effects may include:

Droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks
Feeling like you have the flu
Headache and upset stomach
Risk of botulism (a life or death illness that makes it hard for a person to move the arms and legs or to breathe) is low with Botox™, if used the right way

REMEMBER- Botox™ is a drug, not a cosmetic.

What should I do if I want to try Botox™?

Ask about how Botox™ could help or hurt you
Make sure your doctor is trained in the use of Botox™
Make sure you get treatment in a doctor's office or clinic
Emergency equipment should be on hand in case of a problem
Do not use if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
Do not use if you are breast feeding
Tell your doctor if you are taking antibiotics
Tell your doctor if you have any problems with nerves or muscles

Quick Facts About Botox:

Are "Botox parties" safe?
No. You should only get Botox in a clinic or doctor's office. You should never share a tube of Botox.

Can I use Botox on other wrinkles?
Botox is only approved to treat wrinkles between the eyebrows.

Can I get Botox at any age?
Botox is only approved for people 18-65 years old. It has not been tested on people under 18 or over 65.

To learn more:

American Academy of Dermatology | Phone: 1-888-462-3376

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

"FDA Approves Botox To Treat Frown Lines" (Talk Paper, 2002)

Botox Cosmetic: A Look at Looking Good (FDA Consumer, 2002)

August 2005

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