Out of control? Botox addicts

Britain's love affair with Botox could be spiralling out of control, a conference of plastic surgeons will be told this week. Its use - to disguise wrinkles and soften lines around the eyes, mouth and forehead - has grown into a widespread, socially acceptable habit, but it is also proving highly addictive.

A study, based on a survey of clients at 81 clinics, found more than 40 per cent of patients regularly using Botox "expressed a compulsive motive" for doing so. Those who had received five or more injections displayed more "addictive traits" than those who had not.

Dr Carter Singh, who will present the study to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons on Friday, said: "Botox has a good safety profile, but it also has potentially addictive qualities.

"Botox changes the physical appearance of a person's skin or face, and that ultimately leads to improved body image. This enhances psychological well-being... It is easy to see how people could become addicted."

The youthful effects of the drug can last for anything from two to six months. Dr Singh has identified the temporary effect as one of the potential factors in Botox's addictive appeal. The number of injections in the UK has grown more than fourfold from 24,000 in 2000 to an estimated 100,000 last year.

THE TREATMENT

Kerry Williams, a 29-year-old mother of two, has had four Botox injections over the past 18 months.

A model, actress and beautician, she said the treatment, at the MediSpa clinic in Adlington, Cheshire, not only gave her a psychological boost, but also helped her professionally.

"I was concerned that the lines in my forehead were getting too deep, and when you're working in my field you have to give a certain impression," said Ms Williams, from Widnes.

"If I start looking haggard, my clients won't be impressed." She marks each procedure on the calendar months in advance in order to look forward to the event - and to save up. The less make-up I can use the better.

I think the only reason it's been called addictive is because it works. It makes me feel better, and it's nobody else's business what I do with my own face. I feel much happier and more confident."