So we’re all broke. But it’s going to take more than a global economic crisis to keep women away from the Botox needle. Recent research reveals that the recession has seen a 20 per cent surge in the demand for anti-ageing fillers like Botox compared with last year. No longer a luxury, it’s considered a necessity by many women for whom being jabbed back to youth is their number one beauty priority.

Beauty before age
Does older really mean wiser? Clearly not for many Hollywood stars. With dozens of ageing celebs denying they have had any cosmetic help, despite undergoing regular anti-ageing ‘procedures’, many claim their unfeasibly youthful looks are all down to “moisturising, avoiding the sun and drinking water.”

But a growing number of celebs are now admitting to their anti-ageing habits. Eternally youthful 40-somethings Kylie and supermodel LINDA EVANGELISTA have finally conceded they are die-hard Botox devotees, while gorgeous JENNY McCARTHY claims “Just a little bit” of Botox goes a very long way to keeping her happy.

But the injectible fave is frowned on by a few. GERI HALLIWELL claims Botox gave her a headache, whilst JENNIFER ANISTON said her one Botox experience made her feel like she ‘‘had a weight on my head.”

Forever young
We know the effects. But how do anti-wrinkle injections like Botox work? By blocking impulses from nerve cells to facial muscles in one jab, Botox paralyses the muscles and zaps wrinkles instantly. Sounds like an anti-ageing dream come true? Perhaps. But there are potential side effects, including temporary eyelid droop, nausea, double vision, facial pain, redness, swelling and muscle weakness, along with headaches and flu symptoms.

So, at worst, you’ll be vomiting and sneezing for a while, but at least you’ll look younger, right? Think again – the long-term effects of Botox are still unknown. Scary stuff!

What exactly is Botox?
Botulinum toxin (of which Botox is the best-known brand name), is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases and crows feet. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralysing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, supple appearance.

Dr Toledo, Plastic Surgeon at International Modern Hospital gives his expert opinion on the faces of these six stars...

Nicole Kidman

Bitten by the Botox bug? Forty-two-year-old Nicole Kidman swears she’s never been near the needle. “To be honest, I am completely natural. I have nothing in my face or anything. I wear sunscreen, and I don’t smoke,” she insists.

Dr Toledo’s verdict: “Her face looks unnaturally smooth for a 42-year-old and she appears to have had her lips injected.“

Madonna

Bitten by the Botox bug? Fifty-year-old Madge insists her taut, tight face is all natural and a result of her healthy lifestyle. “I swear by oxygen facials, and I’m obsessive about staying out of the sun. I like the way I look better now. I’m not kidding. I’m being perfectly honest.”

Dr Toledo’s verdict: “Along with possible cheekbone repositioning surgery, she looks like she’s had eyelid surgery and Botox.”

Sarah Jessica Parker

Bitten by the Botox bug? Despite her supple skin, the 43-year-old actress vows she’s never touched the Botox needle. “I believe in ageing gracefully – and of course, buying as many anti-ageing creams as possible!”

Dr Toledo’s verdict: “SJP looks remarkably young for her age, but it could be down to her careful anti-ageing skincare regime.”

Teri Hatcher

Bitten by the Botox bug? Forty-five-year old Teri Hatcher insists she’s given up fighting fine lines with the wrinkle-reducing needle – “I’ve had Botox and collagen, but I don’t plan to do it again. It needs to be okay to have wrinkles.”

Dr Toledo’s verdict: “Teri looks the same as she did 10 years ago – which is probably down to using Botox in the past.”

Kim Catrall

Bitten by the Botox bug? At 53, Kim prefers to embrace her true age rather than sport a frozen-faced look – “I’m frightened about giving somebody that kind of control!”

Dr Toledo’s verdict: “Kim has noticebly fewer fine lines than usual for a woman of her age. Possibly minimal Botox use.”

Cate Blanchett

Bitten by the Botox bug? Cate Blanchett, 40, says she doesn’t care about ageing. “I see someone’s face, someone’s body who’d had children and I think they’re lines of experience.”

Dr Toledo’s verdict: “It’s difficult to tell if Cate’s had anything done. Her skin looks naturally supple, but it could be the work of a very good surgeon.”