The face is an actor's instrument. The subtle movements can speak volumes to theatre goers. When an actor takes BOTOX ® too far, the audience can become distracted wondering whether or not the eyebrows are actually able to move to express the emotion of the particular scene. Salon.com film critic Stephanie Zacharek, in her review of the film, "Margot at the Wedding" was compelled to ask, "What has she done to her face? ... Kidman's skin is, without a doubt, beautiful. But it has turned into her greatest limitation, a boundary beyond which she can't stretch."

It is celebrities like Kidman who have given BOTOX ® a bad rap in the media. I think this is primarily due to certain celebrities getting treated with way too much BOTOX ®, and getting the "frozen face" look. According to Melanie Erb, CRNP of Hela Spa in Washington, DC, "The reason this happens is because they wait too long to get their BOTOX ®. Their lines become very deep and they require a large dose of BOTOX ® for improvement of their lines. If you start earlier, when the lines begin to appear, you can use BOTOX ® in a smaller amount, so that you're eliminating the lines without totally immobilizing the face."

"All the world is a stage," according to William Shakespeare. So not only is the face an actor's instrument, it's everyone's instrument. The goal of non-surgical treatments like Botox, should be to produce natural-appearing results. Since the effect of BOTOX ® is dose-dependent, so the degree of muscle contraction impairment can be varied by the amount of BOTOX ® that is administered in any given treatment area. I would suggest eliminating vertical frown lines between the brows, and softening the horizontal frown lines so that you can still raise you brows. I don't anyone will miss being able to scowl, but everybody wants to be able to show expressions of hope and surprise. Remember, lines add warmth and character to the face, and an older person with no lines looks really unnatural.

Q: How do you find a good doctor?

A: Ask the doctors with whom you already have a relationship for their recommendation. Also, talk to your friends or contacts who have had BOTOX ® and whose result looks natural. Also, be sure to research online.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Pricing varies, but you will see many charging around $300 and up per site (Vertical Forehead Crease, Horizontal Forehead Crease, and Crow's Feet). You can usually get a price break if you are getting two or more sites done.

Q: How long does it last?

A: The effects last approximately three months, however over time, the effect may last longer, up to six months.

Q: How often do you have to go in for touch-ups?

A: When the effects start wearing off, you will notice a very gradual fading of its effects. At this point you will return for your next treatment. You won't need to go in for another treatment until you get to the point that you feel you need more, and this varies for everyone based on how long the results last, and your personal preference.