Lawrence S. Glass, DO

What Is Botox®?

Botulinum Toxin Type A is a protein produced by a bacteria species called Clostridium botulinum. Botox® is a purified, sterile pharmaceutical drug made from this protein. The drug is manufactured by Allergan, Inc., one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.

When Botox® is injected in small doses into a muscle; it blocks the release of the chemical acetylcholine. Acetylcholine normally causes muscles to contract. Botox® temporarily weakens or paralyzes the muscle by blocking the action of acetylcholine; the paralyzing action is beneficial for certain neurological disorders and it also decreases the appearance of wrinkles on the skin. Botox® can temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines (or glabellar lines) between the eyebrows in adults.

Botox® is a safe and effective, injectable prescription drug when used under supervised medical conditions. Many experts think that it has fewer side effects than other medications used to treat migraines and eye disorders. Botox® has been approved by the FDA and for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.

Botox® should only be used by a qualified physician trained to administer this drug. Dr. Lawrence Glass began using injectable Botox® for medical purposes shortly after it was first approved by the FDA in 1987. Since then, he has received extensive clinical training in the use of Botox®. He has performed countless Botox® procedures for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.

Medical Uses of Botox®:
• Eye muscle disorders

Blepharospasm (uncontrollable blinking)
Strabismus (misaligned eyes)
Cervical dystonia (neurological movement condition of neck and shoulder contractions)

• Migraines and other severe headaches

Cosmetic Uses of Botox®:

Reduction of frown lines
"Off-label” Uses: Reduction of wrinkles in forehead and around the eyes

For additional information on Botox, visit http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2002/ANS01147.html