You've heard about Botox. You've read about Botox. Now get the whole story. It seems like everybody is talking about Botox, the highly effective, non-surgical procedure that can dramatically reduce your toughest wrinkles within 7 days. It's been reported in the news, in fashion, health and beauty magazines and on TV. Or perhaps you've heard about it from your friends, and you want to know more. You want the whole story before you decide if Botox is right for you.

If you're considering Botox, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when it can help, how it is performed, and what results you can expect. Please ask Dr. Freedland if there is anything about the procedure you do not understand.

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A Botox treatment is a simple, non-surgical procedure that smoothes the deep, persistent lines between your brows that develop over time. One ten-minute treatment - a few tiny injections - relaxes the muscles that cause those lines to form and keep them relaxed up to four months. Botox has been widely tested and is now approved by the FDA.

The results are dramatic and apparent within days. The clinical trials, nearly 90% of the men and women surveyed rated the improvement in their brow lines as moderate to better. For many, Botox virtually "erases" these lines.

Unlike surgery, Botox is fast, simple, and minimally invasive, with no downtime or recovery. Most people return directly to work or normal activity following treatment. Within days, they report looking more natural and relaxed. With Botox they'll know you've done something, they just won't know what.

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Botox is not magic. It's medicine, the result of years of careful research and testing. Allergan's Botox product is the only one of its type with over 10 years of success in treating patients with a variety of conditions. With dosing specific to treat frown lines, this same product is now available as Botox Cosmetic.

Botox will not radically change your appearance or make you look "like you've had work done." It will not make you look twenty years younger. Because it's highly localized and administered intramuscularly, its effect is usually confined to the region of injection, and Botox does not remain in your body indefinitely.

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If doing all you can to look your best is important to you, Botox may be for you.

If reducing those tough lines between your brows would make you feel more approachable, Botox may be for you.

Thousands of appearance-conscious women and men have already discovered the benefits of Botox. Not just models and movie stars, but ordinary people - teachers, mothers, and business people from all walks of life.

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Any authorized health care professional can administer Botox including dermatologists, ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists. However, in general a qualified plastic surgeon and their staff are more experienced.

Dr. Freedland's education and training, which he received at the University of Michigan, has helped to form his surgical judgment. Patients are encouraged to consider a doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery ("ABPS"). By choosing a plastic surgeon who is certified by the ABPS, a patient can be assured that the doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency - usually three years of general surgery (or its equivalent) and two years of plastic surgery. To be certified by the ABPS, a doctor must also practice surgery for two years and pass comprehensive written and oral exams.

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Dr. Freedland's trained staff will determine exactly where to administer several tiny injections to achieve the best results. No anesthesia is required, although we usually choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting. The entire procedure takes approximately ten minutes. Discomfort is minimal and brief - most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. It is unlikely you will develop significant side effects, although some people develop slight temporary bruising at the injection site, which can easily be covered with makeup. You may resume normal activity immediately.

Within days, you'll see a marked improvement, which may continue to improve for as long as a week and should last up to four months.

Botox relaxes the overactive muscles whose repeated contractions cause the lines between your brows to form. So you can frown, smile, or looked surprised with the furrows, creases or wrinkles.

The most common side effects are headaches, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Botox should not be used if there is an infection at the injection site.

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Any image-conscious man or woman who is concerned about the appearance of their frown line can consider treatment. People from age 18 to 65 can use Botox. Your doctor can help you decide if Botox is right for you.

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Botox is a natural, purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. Very low doses of Botox are administered via a few tiny injections directly into the overactive muscles that cause the lines to form. Botox works by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses to the injected muscles. The effects of Botox are usually confined to the injected region; it does not travel throughout the body.

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Discomfort is minimal and brief. Your physician may choose to use a local anesthetic cream or ice to minimize this. Once the injection is complete, there is usually no discomfort.

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No. Your lines gradually revert to their pre-treatment appearance.

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Botox lasts up to four months. Dr. Freedland can instruct you on skin care products that can help maintain your rejuvenated appearance.

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When considering your facial aesthetic options, Botox is quite affordable. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2000 survey, Botox is one of the least expensive facial aesthetic procedures, ranking seventh of the nine most widely used procedures in the United States. Like other appearance-related investments, such as hair coloring and cuts, teeth whitening and chemical peels, the cost must be weighed relative to your expectations. Consult your doctor for more information.

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