WhyBotox.org

Introduced over thirty years ago, botulinum toxin A or BOTOX® was first administered by injection into the muscles surrounding the eye to patients suffering from crossed eyes. The derivative of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces a protein that interferes with muscle spasms by blocking nerve impulses and temporarily relaxing the muscle. Early successful clinical trials resulted in BOTOX® gaining FDA approval for treatment and/or relief of neck pain caused by cervical dystonia, involuntary facial muscle spasms, and eye misalignment (strabismus). Currently, BOTOX® is being assessed for treating a variety of conditions including migraine headaches, lower back pain, and excessive perspiration.

On April 15, 2002, Allergan earned FDA approval of BOTOX® Cosmetic for treatment of glabellar lines (the area located between the eyebrows, including the corrugator and procerus muscles). Since the approval, BOTOX® injections have become the most sought-after cosmetic treatment in clinics nationwide. The popularity of BOTOX® is attributed to its non-surgical nature, low occurrence of side effects, affordability, and effectiveness in reducing moderate to severe brow furrows, horizontal forehead wrinkles, and the tiny lines located at the outer corners of the eyes.