Botulinum toxin or Botox as it is better known, is actually a toxin produced by the food poisoning bug botulism, it was first used medicaly to prevent facial muscle spasms in neurological patients, until it was discovered that whilst the toxin not only reduced the spasm, it also had the side-effect of making wrinkles disappear. Now as well as being used for neurological patients Botox is becoming a more common alternative to having a face lift.

Botox is only a temproary measure though that lasts around four - six months,then the wrinkles will reappear and another Botox session is required.

Botox is most commonly injected into the eyelids and into the forehead in very small amounts, it relaxes or temporarily paralyzes the contractive muscles which cause frown lines. It fills the cracks left by the wrinkles making the skin feel and look smooth.

SIDE EFFECTS

If side effects occur, they're usually temporary starting within the first week, but may persist for several months. The kinds of side effects depend on where Botox is injected. For patients with frown lines, the most common side effects include

• headache
• respiratory infection
• flulike symptoms
• droopy eyelids
• nausea

Less frequent reactions include facial pain, redness at the injection site, and muscle weakness.