by Dr. Steve E. Abraham
|
n a recent monologue on his
Tonight Show, host Jay Leno joked
about a John Kerry visit with
elderly Florida voters: “He finally
got a chance to see what he’d look
like without Botox.”
Botox injections are advertised
everywhere. They remove
unwanted wrinkles, crow’s-feet
and frown lines, for a more
youthful appearance. The results
are temporary and patients need
to return for more treatments every
three to six months.
Botox is another name for
botulism toxin A, which is related
to botulism. Yes, we’re speaking
of the famed food poisoning.
Botulism’s worst symptom is
paralysis and it can be fatal.
Once injected into the face,
Botox attaches itself to nerve
endings. It blocks the signals that
would normally tell your facial
muscles to contract. If the area in
the face is unable to move it cannot
wrinkle.
The injections cost from $250 -
$400 but doctors who are able to
treat a large group of people offer
a better discount.
Since the FDA gave its approval
for Botox in 2002, a new social
venue, the Botox Party, has been
invented. In Manhattan, Dr. Joseph
Eviatar, an ocular plastic surgeon
at Chelsea Eye Associates,
administers Botox injections at
parties. Recently Eviatar related,
“The guests....fill out medical
history and consent forms. I take
them into another room to meet
with them privately and give them
Botox injections.” According to
Eviatar, alcohol is only served after
procedures are completed.
Dermatologist Dr. Jim Baral, of
the American Dermatology Center,
on Central Park South, says that
Botox is the number one treatment
requested by celebrities. Cindy
Crawford and Gisele Bundchen
are among his clients, but we don't
know if he gives them Botox.
Receiving the full benefits of the
botulism shots can take anywhere
from a few hours to a few days,
following which the contractions
in the face are reduced or
eliminated completely, leaving a
smooth and more youthful facial
expression. It is only recommended
for those younger than 65.
The American Academy of
Dermatology is not promoting the
use of Botox at parties. They see
the trend as being potentially
dangerous. But chances are you
won't die from a Botox overdose:
it would take 3,500 units of botox
to kill an average-weight adult, the
equivalent of 35 vials of 100 units
each. But you could get an
infection from a botched injection.
Some physicians feel that
creating a party atmosphere when
receiving the Botox injection
reduces the pressure and fear
patients may experience. So, to be
sure, the popularity of these events
will continue to grow.
So sit back, enjoy the smoked
salmon, chat with your friends, and
wait for your name to be called. If
you’re the host for one of these
parties, you’ll likely get your
treatment done for half the price.
Eat your heart out, Tupperware
lady...
For additional information try
www.beautylook.com
Dr. Steve E. Abraham, Podiatrist,
has an office at 425 Grand Street,
212-475- 5540
