As a result of the natural aging process, sun exposure, pollution, life stresses or years of repeated brow muscle movement, wrinkles may appear on the upper face.

Botulinum toxin type A, now popularly referred to as “BOTOX,” is a purified neurotoxin complex that, in minute quantities, acts safely as a short-term wrinkle reducer and eyebrow sculptor. BOTOX therapy can temporarily soften certain patterns of wrinkling in the forehead and between the eyebrows and address the fan-shaped wrinkles from the upper eyelid to the upper cheek ("crow’s feet").

BOTOX therapy is a safe, advanced, nonsurgical treatment involving a few tiny injections strategically placed in selected muscles in the forehead. It blocks the release of acetylcholine, which causes muscles to contract. As muscles contract less and less, they weaken. This, in turn, decreases the lines initially caused by excessive muscle contraction. Once muscles are at rest, the skin becomes smoother, creating a more natural and relaxed appearance. The procedure takes a few minutes; no anesthesia is required. Results generally last from 3 to 6 months. Retreatment may be necessary as frown lines reappear. The effect can be immediate, though, in most cases, may take 4 to 5 days.

BOTOX therapy is an excellent way to maintain facial rejuvenation. Injections can combat wrinkles before they deepen—with no recovery downtime. Systematic use can prevent the deepening of existing finer, premature wrinkles and reduce use of the forehead muscles responsible for wrinkling that, in turn, may accelerate a drop in the position of eyebrows and the forehead area. In most cases where the main concern is to prevent hyperfunctional facial lines, BOTOX therapy can prolong by years the need for surgical intervention.

This temporary, nonsurgical procedure allows patients to see a visible softening and lessening of forehead and brow wrinkling, which can be permanently achieved with a forehead brow lift. It gives those not quite ready for surgical correction the possibility of dramatically reducing frown and squint lines.

BOTOX can be used in conjunction with microdermabrasion and medical peels to further reduce the appearance of forehead lines. Other recent medical applications include the treatment of migraines.