It may sound bizarre (and perhaps a little scary) that botulinum toxin is derived from bacteria. But this cosmetic skin treatment has been used safely for almost two decades to diminish the most stubborn of deep wrinkles, especially the vertical "frown" (glabellar) lines between the eyebrows. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration has also approved its use for the treatment of excessive sweating (a condition known as hyperhidrosis) under the arms, on the palms of the hands, and on the soles of the feet.

Botulinum toxin injections are a quick, safe and effective way to improve wrinkles and fine lines. Still, you need to be sure you're receiving the treatments from a skilled and qualified health professional. Currently, Botox® and Dysport® are the only FDA-approved botulinum toxin product available for the treatment of wrinkles. Soon, however, additional products may come onto the market. The differences between these products may seem slight, however each reacts differently in the skin-an important reason to seek treatment from a qualified physician. Talk to your doctor to learn which treatment may be right for you. We've created this website to help you understand your choices and make an informed decision about how best to improve your skin's appearance. We thank you in advance for any comments. The content here is edited and published by some of the world's leading dermatologists. As a Patient's Guide® website, we're committed to the highest standards of medical accuracy and review.