Maybe it's eye strain. Or tension. Or cellular damage from free radicals. There could be a host of factors conspiring to produce those lines between your brows. But don't frown—you don't have to give in. Botox Cosmetic can ease the furrow in your brow and give you a younger, more refreshed look.

What is a glabella and what makes it wrinkle?

The glabella is the space between the eyebrows and above the nose. The lines that form there are the cumulative result of muscle movement and the passage of time.

As your facial muscles contract—for example, when frowning—it causes a pleating of the overlying skin. The more pronounced your facial expressions, the more likely you are to develop deep glabellar lines. Women seem especially prone to these lines, as their faces tend to be more animated than men's, and their skin is
more delicate.

How can Botox Cosmetic help?

Botox Cosmetic, from Allergan, Inc., is an injectable treatment that can visibly smooth and soften moderate to severe frown lines between your brows. This substance, made from botulinim toxin type A, blocks the release of acetylcholine, a chemical that would otherwise signal the muscle to contract. Thus, the toxin paralyzes or weakens the injected muscle.

How are Botox treatments given?

Dr. Parungao will determine where to perform the injections by examining your ability to move certain muscles in your brow area. He will then administer several tiny injections of Botox Cosmetic directly into the muscles that cause moderate to severe frown lines between the brows. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. The entire injection procedure normally takes about 10 minutes, and no recovery time is needed.

How soon are results visible?

Within days, you may notice a marked improvement in the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows. This improvement may continue for as long as a month.

How long do the results last?

Botox Cosmetic treatments can last up to four months, although results may vary. The FDA recommends that the procedure be performed no more often than once every three months.

Are there any side-effects?

The most common side-effects following injection include temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Localized pain, infection, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, redness, and/or bleeding/bruising may be associated with the injection. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side-effects.

Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely. If you think you're having an allergic reaction or other unusual symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency
room immediately.

Who should not have Botox treatments?

You should not use Botox Cosmetic if you:

• Are under age 18 or over age 65
  
  
• Have an infection at the proposed injection site(s)
  
  
• Are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
  
  
• Have a known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation
  
  

Where can I find Botox patient safety information?

Before beginning Botox Cosmetic treatments, review this important information from Allergan, Inc.