LOOKING GOOD: Melanie Morris on the lunchtime facelift
The science: Botox - or Botulinum Toxin Type A - is a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent that works at motor nerve endings (nerves that lead to muscles). Normally your brain sends electrical messages - via a substance called acetylcholine - to muscles so they can contract and move. Botox blocks this message and, as a result, the muscle doesn't receive the message to contract so it stays put. Botox is usually injected into the face, but can also reduce sweating if injected into the feet, underarms or palms of hands.
The results: Smoother skin, diminished lines and, if injected above the brows, a slight lift. Don't expect to see immediate results, these usually take about five days to kick in, reaching an optimum after two weeks that will last for three months. Then it's time to get zapped again. If you renew your Botox regularly in the first year, top-up time will reduce to every five months in the second year as the muscles get used to inactivity. The biggest changes will occur after the first treatment.
The treatment time: This is indeed a lunchtime injectable. In fact, you could go shopping, buy a sandwich, collect your dry cleaning and get your Botox done within the hour. The procedure takes just 10 minutes from filling out the consent form to signing the cheque at the end.
The pain: Not much, no anaesthetic is used. The needle is short and very fine. The injections are multiple, but shallow.
The rules: After having Botox, remember not to put any pressure on the injected area at all - that even means no shower caps if you have been injected in the forehead. You don't want to spread the product into other muscle areas. Don't lie down or do any exercise for the rest of the day of the procedure. Alcohol is forbidden for 48 hours and no facials or massages should be done on the treated area for at least five days. Do not get Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding.
The side-effects: As with all procedures, there are risks. In the case of Botox these can include drooping eyelids, product spreading to (and thus effecting) other areas, bruising, redness or tenderness. Any such responses will become apparent within the first week of treatment.
The gurus: Botox is everywhere, but there's a skill involved in selecting just the right amount of product in just the right muscle zone. Dr Maurizio Viel from The Harley Centre (Dublin clinic once a month at Ann McDevitt's salon, Wicklow Street, Dublin 2, 01-6777962), Rosemary Coleman (Blackrock/Charlemont Clinics 01-4188446) and Dr Patrick Treacy at the Ailsbury Clinic (01-2692255) are all extremely proficient professionals who avoid the "startled bunny" look. Dr Viel has been called "Dr Botox" by Vogue magazine.
The damage: Cost varies depending on the practitioner, number of syringes used and areas treated. Usually from €250 to €400 per session.