The recent trend in Botox parties presents a quandary for patients and physicians alike. Are they safe? Is this the right way to perform a medical procedure? In regards to any medical treatment, there are certain patient standards that must be met, so before agreeing to a shot of Botox with your friends, it’s important to understand all of the facts.
What is Botox?
According to the Allergan website, makers of the drug, Botox is the result of more than 100 years of research into Botulinum Toxin type A. Produced from the Clostridium botulinum strain, Botox has been in use since 1989 for certain conditions. In 2002 it was approved by the FDA for use against frown lines. Botox is injected into certain areas of the face and can temporarily reduce or eliminate frown lines between the brows by relaxing the facial muscles responsible for these lines.
A single treatment of Botox can last from 1 to 6 months meaning repeat treatments are necessary to keep those frown lines at bay, but one added benefit to Botox users is that they won’t be deepening or creating any new frown lines as long as the Botox is active. Botox is a prescription drug, and is administered by injection.
Botox Parties—a Boon or a Bust?
For some, the best way to receive their Botox injection is with friends and a drink. Many doctors have begun marketing Botox through the use of Botox parties. This gives a doctor the chance to treat multiple patients at one time and patients the chance to enjoy a social occasion rather than a medical office visit. While some doctors and patients alike endorse Botox parties, others see an alarming trend.
According to Julianne Clifford, Ph.D., of the FDA's Division of Vaccines and Related Products Applications, in the July-August 2002 FDA Consumer Magazine article entitled “Botox Cosmetic: A Look at Looking Good”, Botox is sold in single use vials. That means that one vial is meant for administration to only one patient. Using one vial to treat multiple patients, as often happens at Botox parties, is a violation of the drug’s packaging and could result in complications since there is no preservative to prevent cross contamination during repeated use of one vial.
Some, including the FDA and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) worry that the potential for abuse with Botox is too great. It is not uncommon for Botox to fall into unscrupulous hands. According to ASAPS in “Botox Cosmetic: A Look at Looking Good”, Botox has been administered in “salons, gyms, hotel rooms, home-based offices, and other retail venues”. This could mean that patients are not receiving the proper administration or treatment.
Guidelines for Botox
Some doctors and many patients insist that Botox parties are a safe and fun way to undergo the medical procedure. Before agreeing to receive Botox at a party or anywhere, ASAPS suggests that you be able to answer yes to the following questions.
- Have you been asked for a full medical history and been advised on alternative treatments? Without a full medical history, a physician cannot advise you on the best course of treatment.
- Have you been advised of the risks and given your informed consent? A patient should undergo a consultation with the physician in which the risks and benefits of the procedure are explained.
- Is a qualified clinician administering the treatment? A qualified physician understands the anatomy of the face and the best places to inject Botox for the appropriate results.
- Is the physical setting appropriate for administering medical treatment, including handling emergency situations? Emergency complications with Botox are rare, but injections should take place in a clean environment with sterile instruments.
- Do you know what you are being injected with? Only Botox-Cosmetic manufactured by Allergan is FDA approved. Uses of other forms of the Botulinum toxin, purchased at a reduced price, have resulted in short term paralysis and even death.
- Will you receive adequate follow-up care? Follow up care is an important part of any medical procedure and should not be overlooked. Knowing who to contact in the event of a question or a problem is an important factor also to be considered.
Caution is Best
People often interpret the use of cosmetic procedures to be automatically safe, but with any medical procedure there are potential risks. Botox is best administered by a qualified physician who has spent time with you watching the natural animation of your face. This provides the best guide for administration and ensures the best results. Before agreeing to receive Botox at a party, or anywhere, it is important to receive all of the facts. For best results, consult an ASAPS physician.
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