Botox injections temporarily block the nerve endings to small facial muscles involved in producing expression lines. Treatment with Botox injections results in these muscles being frozen, which in turn softens the lines in the overlaying skin. The treated muscles are unable to contract, but the untreated muscles are able to contract normally, enabling normal facial expressions to occur.

The effects of Botox injections last for between 3 and 6 months, but with repeated treatments the muscles can become relaxed and their contractions reduced. This results in the lines becoming softer more long term and hence the skin looks younger and less tired.

Botox injections have been used in medical research since the 1970s and in medical practice since the 1980s to treat several conditions including spasticity, facial spasms, eye deviation, squints and neck stiffness. Its cosmetic benefits were discovered in 1990 and it has been used effectively and safely for this purpose, worldwide, ever since.

The treatment involves injecting very small quantities of a muscle relaxant via a small micro needle into several locations on the face very precisely. The pain experienced is similar to sensation following an insect bite since the needle used is very fine and very small amounts of liquid are injected. Local anaesthesia is not required and the whole process takes between 10 and 15 minutes. Normal activities may be resumed almost immediately after the procedure.

No serious side effects have ever been reported when using Botox injections in cosmetic treatments, because it is extremely safe when given in low doses. Side effects only occur in a minority of patients, are minor and are fully reversible within a few days to a few weeks.

The most common side effect is a few days of bruising or redness at the injection site, which can be covered up with makeup if necessary. There have been cases where treatment with Botox injections has led to drooping of the eyelid or asymmetry of facial expression due to migration of Botox into adjacent muscles, resulting in their weakness. This is very rare and fully reversible, but may last a few weeks.

Also, though extremely rare as well, it should be noted that repeated treatments within a short space of time may result in antibodies against Botox being produced by the patient, which renders future treatments ineffective.

Botox injections are most effective between the ages of 30 and 50 years old, though anyone above the age of 18 can be treated. It is not suitable in people who suffer with neuromuscular transmission disorders (e.g. Myasthenia Gravis), chronic respiratory problems, coagulation disorders, pregnant women, breastfeeding mums, if there is a history of allergy to injection ingredients, if there is infection or inflammation over the injection site or if the person is taking any of the following medications – aminoglycoside antibiotics, anticoagulants, aspirin or muscle relaxants.