Botox - what's it all about?

Botox is, by far, the most popular non-surgical facial treatment performed in the UK. It is estimated that around two-thirds of the 70,000 cosmetic procedures carried out every year involve non-surgical treatments like botox.

But now concern over champagne-fuelled "botox parties", and the proliferation of beauty parlours and clinics providing botox treatments, has led the Government to announce a self-regulation scheme for the cosmetic industry.

Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen, head of a working group representing private cosmetic surgery firms, said it had called on the Government two years ago to introduce tighter rules. "As it stands now, almost anyone can set up shop in the local high street, don a white coat and start offering dermal fillers or arranging botox parties."

'Medi-spas' that offer beauty treatments such as facials and hair removal - but increasingly perform medical procedures like botox injections and skin peels - have also come under attack by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

It issued a public warning saying that there are no national standards regulating the industry, leading to fears that untrained staff are not giving the best care, and published a safety checklist for people considering non-surgical procedures, including:

• Never have treatment like botox in someone's home, hotel room or at a party.
• Ensure the team performing the procedures has the proper qualifications.
• Make sure you are fully informed of possible benefits/side effects and risks.
• Base your decision on the credentials and experience of the practitioner, not on price.

So here's some information about botox from BAAPS and the London Plastic Surgery Associates.

What is botox?
Botox is the trade name for Botulinum toxin, produced by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum.

How is it done?
Botox is injected directly into the muscles that cause the wrinkles using a fine needle. Several injections are usually needed at specific sites, depending on the area treated.

Who should do it?
Botox is a prescription drug and should only be administered by a doctor, or a nurse under the direction of the doctor.

What areas can be treated?
Lines between the eyes, crow's feet, frown lines, forehead creases and neck banding.

How much does it cost?
Between £100 to £300 a session.

How does it work?
Botox acts by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical that is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses that cause muscle contraction. This results in muscle paralysis. Basically, the muscle never gets the message to contract, which therefore inhibits the movement.

How long does it last?
The result is temporary, as the new growth of nerves will re-innervate the muscles. It usually lasts between three to four months. You normally need four to five injection treatments per year to maintain the desired effect.

What happens after treatment?
Botox usually takes effect 24-72 hours after injection, with maximum effect at about one to two weeks. The treated area may look a little red for six hours after treatment. Not all line and wrinkles will disappear even with complete paralysis of the treated muscle.

What are its limitations?
Botox has no effect in reducing the fine lines on the face caused by sun damage and lines due to sagging of facial skin. People who have very heavy lines may need repeated treatments. Too frequent or excessive dosing of Botox may lead to resistance to treatment due to antibody formation, and Botox treatment may exaggerate any facial asymmetry.

What are the risks?
The most common side effect reported, apart from bruising, is paralysis of the muscles that result in lifting of the upper eye lid. Though rare, if administered correctly, it is a recognised risk. If it does occur, it is usually short lived and can be reversed with eye drops if treated promptly.

Watch the New You video Beautiful eyes - for a natural alternative to cosmetic surgery.

Find out about more about botox and cosmetic treatments from Which?.