Botox is the number one cosmetic procedure in the United States, with 3.8 million treatments in 2005. Botox was introduced in the late 1980s by ophthalmologists for treating optic muscle disorders. It was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in 2002, helping millions of patients get rid of nagging facial lines and wrinkles.

Today, Botox is used to treat a variety of conditions, including ocular muscle spasms, problems with eye coordination, severe armpit perspiration and migraine headaches. It’s also useful as an anti-wrinkle treatment for crow’s feet, frown lines, and furrows in the forehead. Botox is being studied to determine if it might be useful in treating conditions such as knee and hip osteoarthritis, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The Botox Procedure

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 on 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.

Botox Side Effects and Recovery

The most common side effects of Botox include headache, nausea, flu-like symptoms and redness and pain at the injection points. Infrequently, patients may experience muscle weakness or drooping of the upper eyelid muscles. This side effect usually resolves itself within days, or in rare cases, months after the procedure.

You can resume normal activities immediately, but your doctor may advise you to stay out of the sun. Report to your doctor immediately any unmanageable pain or symptoms that are progressive or abnormal. Talk to your doctor to fully understand the risks, complications and remedies.