Botox

A drug prepared from botulin, used medically to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to remove wrinkles by temporarily paralysing facial muscles.

How does Botox work?

Botox works by relaxing the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses. The result is muscles that can no longer contract, and so the wrinkles relax and soften. It can take up to 10 days to see cosmetic improvement and the effects tend to last from four to six months. Most patients require retreatment to remove wrinkles and lines as they begin to reappear, but after each injection the wrinkles return less severe as the muscles are trained to relax more and more.

The procedure

The protein( a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum ) is injected into the muscle using a fine needle mixed with saline in order to minimize discomfort and maximise accuracy. 

Post operative effect

The effect of Botox is not permanent. So Botox treatment will need repeating every six months or so. The upside is that complications, which don't happen very often, also go away over time. Sometimes, a muscle that has been repeatedly injected, eventually loses its ability to contract and doesn't need to be treated anymore. 

Complications

The major complication of Botox is weakening of muscles in the vicinity that you didn't want treated. For example, improper injection of frown lines can result in temporary eyelid droop. This goes away in the same 3 to 6 month period!

Conclusion

If this procedure is carried out in a controlled environment with a clinician with a good background of the facial anatomy and experience, then I see no reason for this not to be carried out for patients. If the end result makes them feel and look youthful.