Botox clocks

HAPPY birthday, Botox. It’s been 15 years this week since the wrinkle-busting jab was first approved for cosmetic use to treat frown lines and it is now one of the most popular anti-ageing procedures around. The drug was first used in the late 1970s to treat eye spasms but in 1987 Canadian ophthalmologist Dr Jean Carruthers realised that her patients’ frown lines were disappearing as a side-effect of the treatment. By 1997 so many patients were using the drug for its wrinkle-removing properties that the nation’s supply temporarily ran out. Then in 2002 Botox was finally given official approval for cosmetic use.

It is estimated that more than a million Botox procedures are performed each year in the UK and that number is growing. The reason it has become so popular is mainly due to the simplicity of the procedure. It takes minutes, is practically pain free and the results are visible in a few days.

While erasing facial wrinkles remains the best-known use for Botox, it is also used to treat a number of medical conditions including excessive sweating, migraines and persistent neck and shoulder pain.

On top of this, new clinical trials are evaluating whether Botox can treat depression, alopecia, scarring and psoriasis.

Today we answer the most commonly asked questions about Botox and look at some of the more surprising ways it is being used cosmetically.

IS BOTOX DANGEROUS?

Botox is made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which can cause food poisoning. While this sounds scary, when used cosmetically, the dose is so small that it is considered safe and very effective. The risk lies in how it is injected so beware of Botox parties, self-injecting or untrained practitioners.

Always seek treatment from a trained professional and never buy or use Botox which has been obtained from unreliable sources online.

After being injected some patients may experience a slight headache, temporary bruising or tenderness

Each week our experts Dr AAMER KHAN and LESLEY REYNOLDS bring you the latest beauty news and anti-ageing advice