The Botox boys
By Grant Woodward
The Peter Pan of Pop swears by it - even though it is one of the most toxic poisons known to man.
Now there are signs that more and more men are following Cliff Richard's example and turning to Botox injections in a bid to look younger for longer.
After years spent watching increasing numbers of men receive the treatment at his salon, Paul Carrigan, owner of Saks Hair and Beauty on Briggate in Leeds, decided to take the plunge.
"I had never had it done before but I am getting to that age now when I think I've got to maintain my looks," explains Paul, 34.
"If you look good you feel good and I think men are coming round to that idea. Let's face it, we need all the help we can get!"
Botox is a trade name for botulinum toxin A which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
It can occur in contaminated food to cause the form of food poisoning known as botulism.
The most serious symptom of botulism is paralysis, which in some cases has proven to be fatal.
But researchers in the 1950s found that injecting minute quantities of the botulinum toxin was an effective treatment for overactive muscles.
It was subsequently used to treat crossed eyes and uncontrollable blinking.
In 1988, Allergan, a pharmaceutical company that focused on prescription eye therapies and contact lens products, bought the rights to the drug and renamed it Botox.
It was then discovered that frown lines softened following treatment for eye muscle disorders and Botox was swiftly marketed as a cosmetic product.
Recent years has seen its popularity rocket and its celebrity fans are rumoured to include Kylie Minogue, Liz Hurley and Madonna.
But the biggest growth has been seen in the male market, with more and more men willing to go under the needle in the name of vanity.
"These days I think it's just like going to the dentist or getting your hair done," says Paul.
"Deep down everyone is a little bit vain and this is just another way to help give your appearance a bit of a boost."
Paul had Botox injected to his forehead and between his eyebrows to tackle frown lines.
He also had jabs near his eyes in a bid to combat crow's feet.
"It didn't hurt at all and there is no bruising whatsoever," he says. "I would compare it to having an anaesthetic at the dentist.
"You feel the prick from the needle but that's it, you don't feel it going any deeper than that.
"I wouldn't have it done so much that I was unable to change facial expression like some actors I could mention, it's more about prevention.
"If I can have it done every six months or so that will make me feel a bit better. I work in an industry where image is very important so Botox does appeal to me.
"I have no problem shouting about the fact that I've had Botox. After I had it done I was in the pub that evening telling my mates I'd had it.
"They didn't take the mickey at all and I reckon now I've had it done a few of them will follow suit. There is no stigma to it these days.
"I think if it was cheaper more people would have it done.