Botox® is a protein derived from botulism toxin that is injected underneath skin in order to minimize or smooth out lines and wrinkles on the face. When low doses of Botox® are used, it actually paralyzes or relaxes facial muscles, giving the recipient a clean, smooth facial appearance. Botox® is produced by Allergan Pharmaceuticals.

Botox® has gained in popularity over the years for several reasons. It's less invasive than a face lift and the results are immediate. When one receives a facelift, she can expect to have bandages on her face for several days along with bruising, swelling and stitches. It might be a couple of months before she's able to look in the mirror without seeing the effects of her plastic surgery. With Botox®, the swelling goes down within a day or two, and while a prick from the needle is visible immediately after having the Botox® administered, most of the evidence is gone within twenty four hours.

Botox® is also much cheaper and quicker than a face lift. In fact, Botox® is so easy and so affordable, many people hold parties at which Botox® is administered to several people in the course of a couple hours. It takes such little time to administer that a patient can receive a treatment on her lunch hour. Botox® is also temporary, so if the recipient of a Botox® treatment doesn't care for the way she looks, her face will resume its normal appearance within about three to six months.

Of course, there are risks. It's rare, but one can have an allergic reaction to Botox®. Also, because it numbs the muscles, it can cause the appearance of surprise or make it look like the recipient has a permanent frown. Since Botox® is temporary, these inconveniences don't last long.

Those taking antibiotics are at risk for an adverse reaction, however. Anyone who is taking an antibiotic is advised to make her doctor aware of this before being injected with Botox®. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to postpone Botox® injections until their little ones are no longer dependent upon them for nutrition.

Botox® is clearly a more attractive option to plastic surgery. It's quick, it's less expensive, and except for the prick of a syringe, it's painless. Anyone considering cosmetic surgery may want to consider Botox® first.