Could I get rid of my wrinkles with Botox injections

A. Well, they're used by 4,000 British women each month - including Patsy�Kensit and Bonnie Tyler -�so presumably there's�something in it.

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Q. How does it work
A. Botox is a purified protein toxin, produced by the bacteria that causes botulism. It is injected into the muscles that create wrinkles to prevent nerve impulses reaching the area. The muscle is frozen, allowing the skin on top to relax�so the wrinkle just goes away.

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Q. How long does it take to work
A. It's noticeable after two days, but takes about five days to work completely. The effect is impressive:�skin looks younger and smoother.

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Q. At what age can you have it
A. Anything from the early�twenties onwards. Unlike cosmetic surgery which repairs damage, Botox preserves the skin as it is. The younger you start, say experts who favour the treatment, the more effective it is.

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Q. Is it painful
A. It's injected just under the skin with a fine needle, so there's a degree of pain.

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Q. Who can't have it
A. Anyone who's pregnant, breast-feeding or who suffers from a neurological disease. It may also clash with some drugs.

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Q. How much does it cost
A. About �250 per treatment.

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Q. How often does it need to be done
A. It's not permanent - it lasts three to five months.

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Q. Are there any disadvantages
A. It can adversely affect your appearance: a face where the muscles are too rigid can make you look as if you've had a stroke. A good practitioner will relax the muscles rather than paralyse them. If too much is injected, you won't be able to laugh or frown and you'll look like a zombie.
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Q. Is Botox safe
A. It has been used by the medical profession for more then ten years to treat migraine and cerebral palsy. More recently, it has been used as a treatment for hyperhidrosis - excessive sweating.

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Q. How does that work
A. Excessive sweating usually occurs on the palms of the hands, armpits and face (particularly the forehead) - �up to 400 times more perspiration�than normal can be�produced. It's thought to be caused by some kind of overactivity in the nervous system. Botox blocks the nerve impulse to the sweat glands, substantially reducing the sweating in 94% of cases. �At the moment, though, it's only available privately.

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Q. Where can I find out more about Botox
A. Visit the Botox website.

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by Sheena Miller

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