Everyone has heard of Botox®. Once only afforded to super stars, the anti-aging, wrinkle treatment is now available at almost every plastic surgeon or dermatologist office.

It's a quick, in-office procedure that women and men alike can schedule during their lunch break. But, is it right for you?

Swansea dermatologist Dr. Steve Musick and dermatological nurse practitioner Angela Musick answer your questions:

■ What is Botox® Cosmetic and how does it work? Botox® is a muscle relaxer. When injected into the muscles between the eyebrows (or in the "crow's feet" area or in the forehead), it blocks the release of a chemical that causes muscles to contract.

■ What causes wrinkles? Sun damage, cigarette smoking, and aging all cause skin damage or loss of elastin fibers in our skin. These all lead to sagging skin. Muscle movement causes creases in the skin, especially in the frown furrows between the eyebrows.

■ What wrinkles does Botox® work best on? Botox® works the best on the area between the brows known as the glabella. When Botox® relaxes these muscles, the furrows soften leading to a happier more well-rested appearance. Botox® also softens lines in the "crow's feet" and the forehead.

■ What wrinkles does Botox® not work on? Botox® does not work on any wrinkles that are completely unrelated to muscle movement. Also, we rarely use Botox® for wrinkles on the lower half of the face because the muscles around the mouth are used for smiling, speaking, and facial expression.

■ What does long-term use of Botox® do for old, deep lines? With long-term Botox® use, even deep long-standing furrows soften.

■ Where can Botox® be safely injected? Botox® can be injected between the eyebrows (glabella), "crow's feet", and forehead. Occasionally, it works well for upper lip "smoker lines". These injections lead to softer lines and a more natural, healthier, well-rested appearance.

■ How long does the procedure take? For an experienced injector, the procedure takes only a few minutes.

■ How quickly will someone see a difference? Botox® effect begins in one to two days and reaches a full effect in four days.

■ What is the fee range? Botox® fees are usually calculated by units of Botox® used. Cost increases as more areas are treated. Typically people spend $200 to $600 depending on how many areas are treated.

■ How long does Botox® last? 3-6 months.

■ Can the patient go back to work after the procedure? There is no down-time with Botox®. The tiny injections leave no visible marks, except in the rare case of a small bruise.

■ Is there any pain or discomfort during or after the treatment? Discomfort is minimal and brief as the few tiny injections are administered.

■ What side effects can patients expect? The vast majority will experience no side effects. Rarely, bruising or headache can occur. Extremely rarely, lid droop can occur (this can be rapidly corrected with prescription eye drops).

■ Are there any serious side effects? No serious or long-term side effects have occurred when Botox® has been used appropriately for cosmetic reasons. Millions of patients have been treated with Botox®.

■ How is Botox® administered? Botox® is administered by a quick, minimally-invasive procedure consisting of a few tiny injections into the areas.

■ Who should not receive Botox® injections? Patients with rare and unusual neurological conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myesthenia gravis, or Eaton-Lambert syndrome. Botox® has not been studied in pregnancy and should, therefore, be avoided.

■ Is there a cream now available? There are no creams that do what Botox® does. While there are many creams that help minimize fine facial lines, none are nearly as effective as Botox®. We often recommend skin care regimens to compliment the benefits of Botox®.

■ Are Botox® parties safe? We believe that all medical procedures, Botox® included, should be performed by a well-trained, licensed professional in a medical setting.

Musick & Musick Dermatology is located at 4932 Benchmark Centre Drive in Swansea. Call 618-628-2588 for an appointment or more information.