Many men and women are concerned about the face that stares back at them in the mirror. Very few are encouraged to witness the physical signs of aging. Crow's feet, frown lines and wrinkles naturally begin to appear with age and become deeper and more pronounced with time. People spend hundreds of dollars on various facial treatments that improve skin texture and moisture content, but overall prove ineffective. Cosmetic surgery is cost prohibitive for numerous people, but a Botox injection provides a non-surgical option to reduce signs of aging.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Botox injections are the most preferred non-surgical cosmetic procedure. The medical form of botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, is administered by injection to minimize or eliminate many facial signs of aging that include crow's feet, forehead creasing, frown and laugh lines. The diluted toxin is manufactured in an injectable solution, which inhibits nerve transmission and subsequently causes muscles in the treated area to relax.

The Botox treatments provide a prompt means to a rested or refreshed appearance. Injections are administered in a clinical setting and will not drastically change physical facial appearance or provide the effects of a surgical procedure. Muscle activity is limited at the injected areas, which reduce wrinkles and lines without inhibiting natural facial expression.

Patients note a visible difference and feel they look younger in as little as a few days, but in some cases results may not be apparent for a week. Long term results vary from individual to individual, but Botox treatments generally last 4 to 6 months. If injections are not continued, the lines or wrinkles will slowly reappear and be as apparent as before treatment.

The treatment is provided as an out patient basis by a health care professional specially trained in the administration of Botox. Health care providers should be extensively trained and qualified in cosmetic procedures to correctly administer these injections.

Since there is no surgical procedure, there is no time loss from work or other activities. Patients do not have to endure long painful recovery times that include bandaging, extensive bruising and swelling. The level of discomfort experienced with a Botox treatment is similar to that of any muscular injection. Many cosmetic health care providers use ice packs or topical anesthetic ointments to minimize sensation prior to injection.

There are certain circumstances that render Botox treatments prohibitive. Individuals who have any type of facial infection are not candidates for injections. Persons who have known sensitivity to the solution or any of the components should not receive Botox injections. There is an increased risk of dangerous side effects in persons who have certain neuromuscular conditions including ALS, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome or myasthenia gravis.