Botox

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a prescription drug that’s been used to treat wrinkles and muscle spasms for over twenty years.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1997 as Botox Cosmetic, BTX-A is an injectable treatment for cosmetic uses such as facial lines and crow’s feet. Additionally, the FDA approved its use in patients with cervical dystonia, a condition that creates involuntary movements of the head or neck, as well as glabellar lines, frown lines on the forehead between the eyebrows, and tic-like pain behind the eyes, known as trigeminal neuralgia. The FDA also approved BTX-A for the treatment of chronic migraine headaches in 2002.

The injections are usually given into a muscle and last up to three months. Results are usually seen within two weeks, and there are usually no side effects. However, some minor side effects may occur, such as bruising and mild pain during injection.