Botox is the most commonly performed "non-surgical" cosmetic procedure in the world. The price point is very attractive and affordable. The product has been tested and used extensively for years. And the safety record of Botox is exceptional.

The most common cosmetic use for Botox is the treatment of the frown lines between the eyebrows. Botox makes your frown lines disappear. The reason is simple mechanics, based on the underlying muscles that cause the wrinkles to occur. The frown lines are reduced because the muscle that cause the wrinkles to occur is not activating in the same pattern.

The frown lines between the eyes are the most common area treated with Botox. In fact, when Botox Cosmetic was approved by the FDA in 2002, the approval indication was for frown lines. The popularity of treating the frown lines with Botox is the high rate of patient satisfaction with the results. Botox smooths out the vertical lines between the brows. This gives patients a more refreshed and relaxed appearance. Some patients say it eliminates their "angry" look.

A healthy approach to any surgery requires that you be in relatively good physical health. Also, it's important to inform your doctor of any medications your currently taking to ensure there are no potential conflicts that could arise. The medical history should always be as detailed as possible. You want to include anything that could affect blood clotting or interact with any medication used in the procedure. These could include hormones, aspirin, vitamins, and herbal medications.

Before surgery, even minor treatments such as BOTOX, patients should be educated about all aspects of the planned treatment, including whether to discontinue certain medications and stop smoking.

To achieve the most desired results, you should take the following precautionary measures when preparing for your Botox treatment:

- Don't participate in strenuous activity or exercise for 24 hours after your Botox treatment

- For 4-5 hours after the injections, try not to take a nap or lay down

- Do not massage the treated area or areas

- Be sure to practice daily facial exercises that your doctor recommends

- Wear sun block

It is best to restrict muscle movements during the immediate Botox recovery period to let the agent settle.

Normally, a Botox treatment should last you between three and six months, depending on the treatment area and the severity of the problems. After those six months, facial lines and wrinkles will start to reappear, though not as prominently as prior to the procedure. Naturally, when this occurs, patients can opt to have their Botox treatment repeated. Medically speaking, Botox injections can be repeated indefinitely with results lasting progressively longer with each treatment, requiring fewer procedures to achieve their desired look.