Maybe Botox Parties Aren't The Best Idea?
By Chelsea Campbell
Everyone loves a good party, but parties involving Botox injections may just be one that you want to sit out. Botox parties have gained popularity over the years as a fun way to socialize while indulging in some aesthetic pampering, an alternative to the hassle and clinical coldness of a doctor's office. As convenient and comfortable a Botox party is, many people wonder if it is safe enough to perform in the comfort of someone?s home. Below, we explore the trend and whether it is something to RSVP "no" to.
Botox is a form of botulinum toxin type A that is injected into facial muscles in order to relax muscles and temporarily reduce lines and wrinkles. Under an experienced doctor's care, this procedure is usually considered fairly safe, although there are some risks associated such as bruising, muscle weakness, droopiness in other areas of the face, vision problems, slurred speech, and rarely, spreading of the toxin to other areas of the body. Although these risks are rare, it is still important to remember that Botox is a toxin being injected into the body, and it should be performed by a trained professional to prevent unwanted side effects. The risks of unwanted side effects increase substantially when the injections are performed outside of a controlled environment and by someone with questionable credentials.
Similar to Tupperware parties of years past, a Botox party is a social gathering in someone's home where the host invites someone to come administer Botox injections and/or other fillers. The host usually receives free or deeply discounted treatments, products, or other perks, while the guests get to socialize with one another and experience dermal injections in a low-key, relaxed environment.
So what are the risks? For one, Botox parties often involve guests imbibing alcoholic beverages like wine or champagne, and this can impair guests sound judgments. Oftentimes guests can make unwise decisions regarding how much money they are spending and how many injections they are receiving, leading to regretful mistakes and unwanted results. Many times, guests feel pressured into spending more money at a fun-loving, booze-filled party than they would while sober and in a doctor's office, helped along by the fact that oftentimes the person providing the services will offer incentives for the hostess or guests based on how much the party-goers spend. On top of that, because alcohol thins the blood, guests will be more prone to bruising and bleeding. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Code of Ethics actually inhibits its member plastic surgeons from performing any procedure in situations where alcohol is prevalent.
Botox parties are unregulated events, which means that reputable doctors usually won't be interested in taking part in them. Hostesses will often find inexperienced or unlicensed practitioners to perform the procedure, increasing the chances that something could go awry. When Botox is not administered by someone experienced or licensed, you run the risk of the injections being overused or placed incorrectly, leading to a lopsided, frozen, or just-plain strange look, among other safety concerns. The product itself may be tainted, counterfeit, or watered down. The needles used may not be sterile or may be used on multiple guests, leading to the risk of blood-borne illnesses. Guests could have an allergic reaction or complications due to interfering medications. Many times, guests are asked to sign a waiver when dermal injections are performed outside of a sterile environment, releasing the Botox administrator of responsibility in the case that there are unwanted side effects and essentially giving up your legal protection should something go wrong.
Although Botox is considered a popular, low-risk procedure and parties are a great way to relax with friends, unfortunately, the two should probably not go together. Leave the Botox in the doctor?s office, in the hands of an experienced and board-certified practitioner who can take your facial structure, individual needs, and medical history into account before coming near you with a needle. The next time you're invited to a Botox party, you might want to consider staying at home in your pajamas instead. Your face and your wallet will thank you.
