BOTOX® was approved by the FDA in 2002 by prescription and to be administered only by trained licensed medical professionals. The only use the FDA approved was treatment of the glabellar lines (those lines right between your eyebrows).

Almost 3 million such procedures were done last year coming in just behind laser hair removal and skin resurfacing. Because Botox is only approved for the frown lines between your eyes, you want to make sure your doctor has an extensive knowledge of the facial anatomy.

The way BOTOX® Cosmetic works is when tiny amounts are injected, it temporarily paralyzes the muscles that contract causing the frown lines. This temporary paralysis lasts about three to four months. You want to make sure the person doing these injections are medical professionals and that you are getting authentic BOTOX® Cosmetic. (There is NO generic BOTOX® Cosmetic)

By researching both this procedure along with your doctor and his credentials you will feel more confident in your choices and expectations. A certified medical professional will have training on the proper handling of BOTOX® Cosmetic along with the proper dilution of it prior to your treatment. As with many things in life, knowledge is power.

The most important consideration when considering this procedure is the doctor that will administer it. The five types of doctors approved to do Botox injections are physicians, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons and ophthalmic plastic surgeons.

An ophthalmic plastic surgeon is a medical doctor and eye surgeon who has gone through additional training in plastic surgery in the area of the eyes. Look for certification from "The American Board of Ophthalmology" and ask if they are a member of "The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery".

Facial plastic surgeons are medical doctors who have undergone additional training for plastic surgery for the face alone. You would like your surgeon to be both a member and certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgeons. If your doctor is also certified by "The American Board of Otolaryngology" this relates to head and neck surgery.

A plastic surgeon is a medical doctor who will have training in plastic surgery procedures. Much like doctors have specialty's so do plastic surgeons. You are looking for a doctor who specializes in BOTOX® Cosmetic. Look for membership and certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons as well as American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Dermatologists specialize in treatment of the skin and should be members of and certified by The American Board of Dermatology and/or The American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology.

Perhaps your doctor isn't one of the specialists listed above. It’s OK to question his recent continuing medical education so that he is up to date on the latest injectable techniques. How many patients a week is he working with? What are his credentials? Keep asking questions until you are comfortable because it's better to look for another doctor than risk your face to someone who is not experienced.

Remember the only use for BOTOX® Cosmetic is treatment of those lines right between your eyebrows. Using the treatment anywhere else, is considered off label meaning it has not been approved by the FDA. If you happen to have other areas on your face that might need a bit of touching up, your medical professional can suggest other injectables that are right for the job.

By doing your homework you are on the way to losing those pesky frown lines!

For fillers or injectables such as Botox, San Francisco seeks out experienced, board certified cosmetic surgeons. One such certified San Francisco plastic surgeon offers injectables information online http://www.drkim.com.