Botox– or Botulinum Toxin Type A – has been used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes and mouth since 2002. The FDA has approved Botox as a safe cosmetic treatment and it is a relatively easy treatment to undergo. Most sessions only take a few minutes and patients can return to normal activities immediately. However, the seeming simplicity of the process may lure would-be patients into risky scenarios.
“Botox parties” have gained popularity in recent years as more people discover the benefits of Botox and practitioners look for new ways to reach more patients. A typical Botox party is hosted by a practitioner who has purchased a large amount of Botox in order to receive a volume discount. A group of people are invited to a single “party,” with guests receiving a quick treatment one at a time throughout the course of the event.
If you’re considering attending a Botox party, there are some potential risks to be aware of.
- Botox should only be administered by a qualified physician or the qualified employee nurse or physician’s assistant of the physician. Remember that Botox is a prescription drug and there are potential side effects associated with improper application or dosage.
- Botox should not be shared. A single vial of Botox is manufactured and prescribed to be used by a single person. Using one vial for treatments on multiple patients can cause contamination and other potential side effects.
- Botox should be administered in a sterile environment. Yes, the procedure is quick, but it is still a medical procedure that should be performed in a clean and safe environment.
If the proposed treatment does not meet all of those standards, it’s best to decline and contact an experienced plastic surgeon instead.