Botulinum toxin or Botox (the product name for one of them), is a natural purified protein (originally derived from a bacteria) that relaxes the wrinke-causing muscles to create a smoother, rejuvenated and more youthful appearance. It involves a series of tiny injections to various muscles of the face (that takes only about 20 mins) to achieve freedom from some wrinkles. The effect lasts for about 4 to 6 months before it needs to be repeated to achieve the same wrinkle free appearance.

Botox injections are most commonly done to the upper face and is especially good for the frown lines (between the eyebrows), crow's feet (or smiling lines around the eyes) and forehead expression lines. The effect comes on within 2 to 3 days and is maximal at 7 days.

Complications are minimal (in trained hands) and include mild bruising that may lasts for a few days and a slightly heavy eyelid (occurs in less than 1 %) which is also transient. In spite of this, the practice of "botox house parties" is definitely not advised.

Cost varies with the number of units of the toxin injected. So, one must be wary of "bargain botox" offers since the lower price may mean that less toxin is injected or the product is much diluted to give a weaker effect that may not last as long.