It is one of the most powerful toxins known to man with paralytic qualities yet it is often hailed as a wonder treatment for many different treatments from anti-aging and reducing excessive sweating and now, breast lifts.

Botox injections into the breasts is the latest technique designed for women who want a temporary, non-invasive breast lift. The theory behind this latest cosmetic treatment is that the pectoralis minor muscle helps to pull the breasts down whilst the rhomboid muscle in the back helps to pull your back up, aiding good posture and therefore helping to lift the breasts. By injecting the Botox into the pectoralis minor muscle, the breasts appear lifted.

The procedure itself requires six injections three into each breast and the effects are thought to last around 12 weeks. Currently the injections costs around $2,000 for both breasts.

Some surgeons have expressed some concerns over this new way of using Botox. Botox in breast lifts is considered ‘off label’ ie not approved by the Food & Drug Administration. The side effects of using Botox in the breasts has not officially been tested and there are fears that the drug may affect more than just the pecs. Even if it just the pec muscles which are affected, the patient may be limited in their every day life it may be hard for the patient to do push-ups, go skiing, or even just roll over in bed whilst their pec muscles are frozen.

Some surgeons say that unauthorized uses of Botox may end up with the drug being pulled off the market altogether therefore this kind of procedure could jeopardise all the legitimate uses of the drug.

There are currently more than 70 clinical trials in the US concerning Botox in a variety of cosmetic and health problems. Trials across the globe include Botox for the treatment of migraines, overactive bladders, herniated discs, club foot and even celebral palsy. However, at present, Botox in the US has only been approved for treating crossed eyes, uncontrollable blinking, excessive underarm sweating, frown lines on the forehead and neck, and head pain from a disorder known as cervical dystonia.