LA Times

BOTOX: FDA Approves Its Use for Cosmetic Purposes
April 16, 2002 

By VICKI KEMPER
TIMES STAFF WRITER

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, catching up with Americans’ quest for youthful beauty, approved the use of Botox on Monday to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Last year alone, more than 855,000 peoople received injections of botulinum toxin type A, as botox is formally known, to smooth out frownlines, forehead creases, crow’s feet and neck bands. Many patients also get refresher injections when the effects of the original shot wear off after three to six months.

Plastic surgeons hailed the FDS’s approval of Botox for cosmetic use, saying it would give doctors and patients more confidence.