BOTOX® as a Natural Defense Against the Signs of Aging
Dr. George Wooming

Women have taken drastic measures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Primarily these attempts consisted of expensive creams and gadgets ordered from television infomercials delivered discreetly right to their front door. Discovering these miracle cures were quackery, women tossed them into the trash and secretly scolded themselves for falling victim to the war against wrinkles, not to mention being out the cash. Unscrupulous companies sold everything from cotton facial contraptions worn at night to shoddy instruments that claimed to reduce the appearance of lines by shocking them with an electrical current. In frustration, some women resorted to placing a piece of tape between their brows to stop frowning altogether.

The rapid and growing acceptance of BOTOX® onto the cosmetic scene has generated new hope and a new attitude in the defense against aging. No longer are women falling prey to bogus offers of youth. Now they are banding together, attending BOTOX® parties, and enjoying hors d'oeuvres while investigating the demonstrable benefits of BOTOX® and deriving the results of relatively pain free reduction and removal of wrinkles.

According to data released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), many women are unconcerned about the act of injecting a known toxin into the skin. Statistics report that more than 1.6 million BOTOX® procedures were performed in 2001. Professionals predict that number will increase dramatically with the FDA approval of BOTOX® (botulinum toxin type A) in April 2002 for the temporary treatment of frown lines.

Prior to its approval for cosmetic purposes, BOTOX® was approved for safe treatment of muscle spasms caused by cerebral palsy, uncontrollable eyelid spasms, and crossed eyes. When administered by a trained and qualified physician, BOTOX® patients experience few and temporary side effects, including slight bruising if the injection needle enters a vein, a droopy eyelid should the BOTOX® be injected into the wrong muscle, and a severe headache in rare cases. Considering its proven track record in treating other conditions and its relatively negligible occurrence of side effects, it is no wonder that BOTOX® has gained a loyal and satisfied following.

BOTOX® is a derivative of the botulinum toxin responsible for food poisoning and once considered by the military for use in biological warfare. So how does one of the most potent lethal toxins known to man gain a reputable and refined reputation among society? It is the very small dosage amount that determines toxicity level. BOTOX® injections affect only the muscles in the part of your face being treated and the toxin is weakened by saline to such an extent that the very small dose is nontoxic. The solution is metabolized within a few hours, making it virtually impossible for BOTOX to collect in the body and cause harm. Some physicians are more concerned with the underlying health behaviors associated with BOTOX® use -- more so than the safety of the treatment. While BOTOX® treatments have been deemed harmless, certain behaviors like smoking and sunbathing, that initially create wrinkles and lines, are dangerous in and of themselves.

BOTOX® “meetings” are being coordinated in medical offices and homes around the country. By scheduling appointments together with friends, patients not only receive emotional support, but sometimes a discount. Doctors are also being invited to a patient’s home as the “guest of honor.” However, any time a medical procedure is performed away from the office there are precautions to consider. Only a highly skilled and trusted doctor should be your “guest”, to reduce the risk of infection due to improper disposal or usage of needles. Alcoholic beverages should not be served, and persons interested in the procedure are advised not to partake in any alcoholic beverages during such an event. Finally, do not let the meeting atmosphere interfere with a proper medical screening. Before RSVPing to any BOTOX® event, the doctor “guest” should:

• Know your complete medical history to avoid any complications.
  
  
• Inform you of any alternative treatments that may be more effective.
  
  
• Advise you of the risks and receive your informed consent.
  
  
• Be a highly qualified and trusted physician with an extensive history of successful injection procedures.
  
  
• Ensure the physical setting is appropriate for administering medical treatment, including handling emergency situations.
  
  
• Strongly insist you be willing and able to follow post-treatment instructions.
  
  
• Provide adequate follow-up care.

George A. Wooming, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist. He is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Medicine where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree. He holds memberships in the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Texas Medical Association and the Dallas County Medical Society.

Copyright © 2003 George Wooming M.D. All rights reserved.