Botox is the number-one cosmetic procedure in the United States, with 3.8 million treatments in 2005.  Today, the variety of Botox uses includes ocular muscle spasms, problems with eye coordination, severe armpit perspiration, and as an anti-wrinkle treatment for crow's feet, frown lines, and to eliminate furrows in the forehead.

In particular, botox combats wrinkles that are created when nerve cells within the muscles beneath the skin release a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical triggers a muscle contraction that creates wrinkles. The Botox product, medically known as Botulinum Toxin Type A, is an injectable compound that disrupts the release of acetylcholine which essentially paralyzes the muscle and stops the contraction.

Results are fully evident within one week after treatment and remain for a minimum of three months. Botox typically reduces wrinkles by 80%. Patients are typically between the ages of 35 and 60. Results vary among individual cases, and the results are temporary. You will need to plan for additional injections, depending on your long-term treatment goals.

Botox injection is performed in the doctor's office, usually without anesthesia. However, a numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area. Patients may experience some minimal discomfort from the needle injection. Depending upon the extent of treatment, the procedure can take a few minutes up to 20 minutes. Generally, patients return home shortly after the treatment is complete.

There may be alternative treatment options, depending on your condition.

The doctor may recommend additional treatments for you to consider in conjuction with Botox. Thus, the best recommendation is to consult first the specialised plastic surgeon.
Other minimally invasive procedures include collagen or Restylane. For severe wrinkling, surgical procedures may be more appropriate, such as a facelift and eyelid surgery.