From Exposé Magazine No Kinks or Wrinkles in Those Party Plans... They're using Botox®

Leave it to the carefree and experimental baby boomers to try a new drug…but botulism? What kind of party have I been invited to?

Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox Cosmetic) is a protein complex produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which contains the same toxin that causes food poisoning. When used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified botulinum toxin, small doses block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction. By selectively interfering with the underlying muscles’ ability to contract, existing frown lines are smoothed out and,
in most cases, are nearly invisible in a week.
Botox injections are the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure in the industry, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). In 2001, more than 1.6 million people received injections, an increase of 46 percent over the previous year. More popular than breast enhancement surgery and a potential blockbuster, Botox is regarded by some as the ultimate fountain of youth.
Botox was first approved in 1989 to treat two eye muscle disorders—uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm) and misaligned eyes (strabismus). In 2000, the toxin was approved to treat a neurological movement disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder contractions, known as cervical dystonia. As an unusual side effect of the eye disorder treatment, doctors observed that Botox softened the vertical frown (glabellar) lines between the eyebrows that tend to make people look tired, angry or displeased. But until this improvement was actually demonstrated in clinical studies, Allergan Inc., of Irvine, Calif., was prohibited from making this claim for the product.
By April 2002, the FDA was satisfied by its review of studies indicating that Botox reduced the severity of frown lines for up to 120 days. The agency then granted approval to use the drug for this condition.
The FDA regulates products, but not how they are used. Approved products are sometimes used by a licensed practitioner for uses other than those stated in the product label. Physicians to treat facial wrinkles other than those specified by the FDA, for example, are currently using Botox Cosmetic. Consumers should be aware, however, that this “off-label” use has not been independently reviewed by the agency, and the safety and effectiveness of Botox injections into other regions of the face and neck, alone or in combination with the frown-lines region, have not been clinically evaluated.
 
 
THE PARTY SCENE
Ever since the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval this spring of the use of Botox to treat wrinkles, age-conscious patients are apparently attracted to such events not only by the social aspects, but also by the price, which is usually discounted from the cost of a scheduled appointment. There have been reports of parties popping up across the nation not only at physicians’ offices but also at non-medical sites, including gyms and spas, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
However, experts say such treatment is nothing to celebrate and raises significant safety and ethical questions.
In a recent “patient alert” issued by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), academy president Fred F. Castro II blasts the notion of a sensitive medical procedure being offered in a party setting.
Here’s how a “party” typically works: A group of often nervous, but excited, middle-aged and women mingle in a common area. Sometimes refreshments are served. One by one, as their name is called, each slips away for about 15 minutes to a private exam room. He or she pays a fee and signs an informed consent agreement. Anesthesia is rarely needed, but sedatives and numbing agents may be available. The practitioner injects about one-tenth of a teaspoon of toxin into specific muscles of the forehead most often targeted for the effect. The person then rejoins the group.
Whether you are in search of that fountain of youth or you are one of the many boomers “trying something new” be aware of the cost of attending one of these parties. Expect to drop a cool $400 for 15 minutes of fun.    Source: FDA Consumer magazine, July-August 2002 Botox® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc..    
 

OTHER USES OF BOTOX
Dystonia is involuntary rhythmic contractions of the muscles. It may occur by itself (unknown cause or “idiopathic”) or as a consequence of another neurological disorder such as Parkinson’s Disease. Dystonia may occur in just one group of muscles (focal dystonia) or all over the body (generalized dystonia). Before the development of Botox, dystonia was a very discouraging illness to treat.
Spasticity (Muscle Tightness) – The brain controls the muscles by making them contract (tighten) or relax. When the brain is damaged (by stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis, etc.), the brain may lose the ability to relax the muscles. Sometimes the worst part of a brain injury is the involuntary muscle tightness, which may be very painful. If the joint can be fully straightened out but then the muscle tightens up, the muscle tightness nearly always responds to a Botox injection. This type of injection gives best results in the arm and in the leg below the knee.
Headache – Both migraine and tension-type headaches respond to Botox injections. Although scientific studies have established that about 80% of headache sufferers benefit from a Botox injection, insurance companies usually will not pay for the procedure, and patients have to pay for it themselves. When doing price comparison, be sure to check the amount of Botox injected, since much of the cost of the injection is for the medication.
Other Pain – Back pain and neck pain have been shown to respond to Botox injection, but, unfortunately, most health insurance plans will not pay for it. Botulinum toxin continues to show considerable promise in ongoing scientific studies.
Excessive Sweating – Some people experience inappropriate sweating (hyperhydrosis), of the face, arm pits, or hands. Hyperhydrosis may occur during specific activity (e.g., eating) or all the time without explanation. Medications are often ineffective, but Botox blocks the nerves to sweat glands, and may relieve some cases of hyperhydrosis.
Source: www.about.com