Botox (Botulinum toxin) has been used therapeutically since 1980.
Dr. Glavey has been using Botox since 1994. It has been used for many muscular disorders, especially those involving the eye. It is also used for muscle tremors and laryngeal spasm. When used, it is always injected into the muscle in spasm. The preparation is extremely dilute. Any accidental ingestion is too dilute to cause harm. Botox is FDA-approved for medical and cosmetic use. It is used in infants, children and adults.

Botox can also be injected to relax facial muscles. It is most beneficial for the treatment of lines caused by overactive muscles of the forehead, cheeks and mouth. This makes it an ideal treatment for frown lines, forehead furrows, and also "crow's feet". It can also be injected to reverse the downward turn of the angle of the mouth.

The cost of a Botox injection session is between $550 - $750, depending on the amount used. The cost may increase if the muscles about the mouth are treated. The effects last about 4 - 5 months, but with repeated use the effects may last 6 months or longer.

After injection of Botox, some patients report a very mild headache for I - 2 hours. Very rarely, injection of Botox near the eye may cause a temporary droopy eyelid. This will disappear within 2 - 3 weeks. The droopiness is manageable using lopidine eye drops 3 - 4 times a day as needed.

Most patients find Botox therapy to be a simple and quick alternative to cosmetic surgery or laser treatments. Dr. Glavey's office has been using Botox since 1994.