Zoe Keown

Botox is a word that is whispered but rarely confirmed in the red-carpeted world of celebrity, with many of today's stars afraid of showing their true age.

Famous faces who have been "linked" to this friendlier, non-surgical form of cosmetic magic include Elizabeth Hurley, Demi Moore, Kylie Minogue, Celine Dion, Cher and Nicole Kidman, to name a few.

But Botox is not just of interest to the ladies. Michael Jackson, Sylvester Stallone and chef Gordon Ramsay are all leading men in the botox "have they or haven't they?" guessing game.

Synonymous with the acting and musical celebrity scene, this wonder treatment's use ranges from the humorous to the fanciful. Far removed from its usual associations with frown line and wrinkle removal, Hollywood actress Sharon Stone has made headlines for suggesting that her eight-year-old son use Botox to cure him of his bad foot odour.

The procedure is now also being used to aid a new condition dubbed "Stilettotarsal". Acting as a "foot filler", Botox will provide pillows for the feet of women for whom the perils of wearing high heels for years have taken their toll.

Whilst cleavage lifts or "bust boosts" are also common Botox procedures for the ladies, not all uses of Botox fall within the category of cosmetic procedure.

Studies show that it has had positive effects in treating and providing relief for common health problems such as migraines, neck and back pain, pelvic pain and bladder weakness.

Tinnitus, can be assisted by Botox and serious medical conditions such as type one diabetes, Parkinson's disease and cerebral palsy can also be helped by the procedure.

The veteran American pianist/conductor Leon Fleisher even had the powers in his right hand restored through the wonders of Botox.