Some people will tell you that Botox is the fountain of youth, a miracle formula for turning back the years. In reality, Botox won't make you younger, but it will make you look younger, and it is proven. For many of us approaching the dreaded "middle age," looking younger also means feeling better about ourselves. Let's take a look at its benefits.

What Is Botox?

Botox is another word for botulinum toxin A, which is related to botulism. Many years ago doctors discovered, that tiny amounts of this toxin injected under the skin effectively removed wrinkles and lines and gave the skin a younger appearance.

But don't worry. Botox is safe, and it has more than 15 years of use to prove it. There are strict standards about how botulinum toxin injection can be used, and in the hands of a skilled cosmetic surgeon there is little risk.

The Benefits of Botox

One of the surest signs of aging is "crow's feet." On many faces, crow's feet are the only way you can tell that they are over 30. These are the wrinkles that appear at the sides of the eyes when a person smiles or squints.

This is a condition caused my muscle tension and repeated motion over time. The skin reacts to this tension by becoming wrinkled and coarse. Botulinum toxin injection relaxes the muscles underneath the skin, so that it stays smooth and looks natural.

Botox is also effective against forehead wrinkles. This is another tell-tale sign of age. Over the years, the forehead develops lines and wrinkles, which make people, look tired and old.

On the forehead as well, Botox targets the muscles underneath the skin that cause this wrinkling. No other cosmetic surgery goes after the causes of lines and wrinkles. Only botulinum toxin injection gets to the root of the problem.

Another trouble spot that botulinum toxin injection tackles is the area between your eyes, just under your brow and above your nose. The wrinkles that develop here over time tend to make people look angry or sad, when in fact they might be smiling and relaxed.

These injections relax the muscles in this area of the face and make your facial expression look more natural. Instead of looking like you're frowning or upset, you can look like you really feel.

This is another of the great benefits of botulinum toxin injection - It looks natural. It is not like a face lift or other dramatic plastic surgery procedure. It is simple and the results look natural by comparison.

If you are considering Botox, talk to a plastic surgeon. During your consultation, get all the information you can and ask lots of questions. Let a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon help you decide if it is right for you.