The eyes have it

There are now many cheaper, painless and less invasive non-surgical procedures that can help eliminate laughter and frown lines.

Botox

How it works: 'Botox - short for Botulinum Toxin Type A - is used to treat facial lines caused primarily by the action of the muscles on the skin, such as the deep crease between the eyebrows and crow's feet wrinkles,' says Mr Roper, director of the Colchester Clinic of Cosmetic Surgery in Essex.

The treatment: 'Botox blocks the nerve impulses by temporarily paralysing the muscles that cause wrinkles. In other words, by injecting Botox you are effectively freezing your muscles to prevent further wrinkles from developing,' says Roper. Repeat treatments are usually needed every three to four months, 'though clinical trials show that people who have treatment over 12 months only need further treatments once or twice a year.'

Effects and side effects: Treatments take around half an hour and will leave you temporarily red and swollen. There is a risk of allergic reaction, bruising, numbness, swelling and headaches. The other downside of this procedure is that you may lose some of your natural expression - you may find it difficult to look surprised, for example.

read more:  previous | 1 |  2 |  3 |  4 | next printer friendly send to a friend