INTRODUCTION
BOTOX®(Botulinum Toxin A) has been used safely by physicians for 20 years to treat patients with certain medical conditions such as eye spasms, central nervous system disorders and excessive muscle contractions. The more recent use of BOTOX to reduce wrinkles was discovered almost by accident. Vancouver dermatologist, Dr. Alastair Carruthers, began using BOTOX to treat signs of aging in 1986 after his wife Jean, an ophthalmologist, observed that her patients who were treated for eye spasm lost their crow's feet. According to Dr. Carruthers, one patient actually commented that she looked "much happier" and "less angry" because the BOTOX also improved the wrinkles between her eyebrows.

Since that time, cosmetic surgeons began using BOTOX injections to reduce horizontal creases in the forehead, frown lines and other areas of the face. The overall effect of BOTOX is a relaxed, smooth appearance. If administered properly, the final result is natural and pleasing to the majority of patients.

Experts have observed that BOTOX is most effective in the upper third of the face (eyes and forehead) but other areas of the face and neck can be treated as well.