Botox® has been used since 1980 for treatment of two facial conditions, strabismus (lazy eye) and blepharospasm (uncontrolled eye blinking). It was first used for forehead wrinkles in 1989 and received FDA approval for cosmetic treatments in 2002.
Side effects from Botox® are minimal when it is properly administered by a physician trained in its use. There may be a little discomfort as the solution is injected at the treatment site and there is a small chance of bruising. There have been no known reports of permanent side effects with Botox®.