bOTOX
Botox (botulinum toxin A) is a cosmetic enhancement treatment designed to smooth out face and neck wrinkles. It is administered by injection and works by relaxing / paralysing specific muscles into which Botox is injected. This prevents the muscles from contracting and so smoothes out wrinkles in the overlying skin.
Initially approved for use in smoothing out 'frown lines' on the forehead, Botox is now commonly used to remove crow's feet from around the eyes and also lines near the mouth and on the neck. Additionally, Botox has been approved in the UK to help combat other conditions, such as excessive sweating and spasms.
Although related to botulism, Botox has an impeccable safety record when used for the approved purposes. The effects of Botox are temporary and fairly short-lived. If you want to remain wrinkle-free then new Botox injections should be scheduled every 3-4 months as the effects from the previous injection begin to wear off.
Botox injections can be self-administered. In fact, so called 'Botox parties', where women and men get together to inject Botox, are becoming more and more popular. However, if you are new to the Botox treatment it is strongly recommended that you seek advice from your doctor and schedule injections with him/her.
More information on Botox can be found through the resources on our site.