What exactly IS botox and is it really safe? A doctor answers your pinching questions

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Crow's feet and wrinkles leave many around the world lacking on confidence and desperate for a way return to their youthful looks.

Some turn to cosmetic surgery while others consider botox injections to rid them of their visible ageing signs.

But many fear the injections could cause damage to the rest of the body after research found the toxic chemical - which freezes cells in the face - can spread across the body.  

But don't worry, now a dermatologist says it is completely safe and you can stop at any time without any lasting effects.

Despite many fears about botox, Alison Bridges, a dermatologist from the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, says it is completely safe and you can stop at any time without lasting effects

However, Alison Bridges, from the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, also says the injections are most effective in younger people.

But this doesn't mean those over the age of 65 should avoid the injections, they should just be aware of the limitations, she says. 

She advises facial fillers should be used to soften the skin before to increase the chances of botox working.

The expensive treatment, which costs up to £350 a session, is only temporary and may not get rid of all your wrinkles.

The ageing process will still occur in other parts of the face, such as sagging eyelids, the NHS warns.  

Unlike most procedures, it does not require any recovery time and takes just a few minutes to administer. 

Unlike most procedures, it does not require any recovery time and takes just a few minutes to administer. A small needle is used to inject a small amount of Botulinum toxin into the skin - which usually takes a few days to kick in

A small needle is used to inject a small amount of Botulinum toxin into the skin - which usually takes a few days to kick in.

The chemical is known to be exceptionally toxic in larger doses and is produced naturally by a bacteria associated with food poisoning.

The formula is injected into the face at different points to relax the muscles and reduce wrinkles, thereby hiding the effects of ageing.

It works by blocking the nerve signals that tell your face muscles to contract.

This temporarily paralyzes the muscles and smooths wrinkles for a few months before another dose is needed.

The chemical is so powerful it is measured in trillionths of grams.   

However, despite fears of the paralysing toxins being able to spread to other parts of the body, it is safe for both short and long term users. 

However, Ms Bridges, says the injections aren't as effective in older people. But this doesn't mean those over the age of 65 should avoid them, she says

Wrinkle injections use a lesser dose of the drug than patients with other conditions such as repetitive neck spasms, excessive sweating and lazy eye receive.

But no major issues have been recorded in those who take larger doses, experts claim.

Although it can produce painful side effects, such as swelling, bruising and headaches, if given incorrectly.

But researchers in the US found the muscle-freezing chemical spreads further than the targeted cells in the face earlier this year. 

Ms Bridges told Mayo Clinic News Network: 'To ensure your safety, you should only receive botox under the care of an experienced health care provider, such as a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, eye plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist who has personally examined you.

'These subspecialists have the most expertise to minimize complications and treat them if a complication occurs.'

However, if someone chooses to stop using botox, then their forehead wrinkles will return to the same state they were prior to treatment.

Movement and muscle strength will also return to normal as a result of quitting the injections.

Botox isn't available on the NHS for cosmetic reasons, nor is it covered by medical insurance companies in the US for the same principle.