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by Beth Richardson-Slater

Created on: July 30, 2010

Now joining the long list of home indulgences is home Botox parties. The idea is to invite some of your girlfriends over, have some snacks and gossip, and for everyone to receive an anti aging treatment in the comfort and privacy of your home while you are at it. Sounds like fun, right? There are some things that should be brought up before this is considered first.

Botox was originally developed to treat neurological disorders but it was approved by the FDA in April of 2002 for use in cosmetic procedures. Botulinum Toxin Type A is injected into muscles at the corners of the mouth, eyes, and on the forehead to treat the appearance of smile lines and crow's feet. This works by relaxing and paralyzing the muscles so that they are unable to wrinkle up under the skin. Treatments are temporary and can last anywhere from three to eight months with six months being the normal maximum. People with neuromuscular or cardiovascular disorders should consult with their physicians before getting treatment or pursue another line of anti aging treatment. Side effects include bruising at the injection site, headache, flu like symptoms, nausea, respiratory infection, and eyelid drooping.

Normally Botox is administered in a clinical setting. No matter how well meaning the hostess her home will not be as sterile as a properly run clinic. Do not mistake it, this is a medical procedure and a private home is not the setting for it. You will be facing and increased risk of infection at the injection site both from being in a non-sterile environment as well as from social contact from your friends. Many doctors dislike the practice for just this reason.

If there are any complications with the procedure a private home is not equipped to handle them as quickly and efficiently as a clinic. There may be problems with side effects or reactions to the treatments, and it will be more difficult for the medical professional to monitor the patient. There is also a higher chance of the Botox spreading beyond the intended muscles as the medical professional will not be working under ideal conditions.

If alcohol is being served at the party it raises many different issues. Alcohol compromises the immune system and the body's ability to regenirate. Bleeding may be increased leading to more bruising at the injection site. Drinking will also increase the liklihood and severity of nausea and headaches associated with the treatments.

As Botox is a medical procedure it should only be performed under informed consent, but the nature of a home party tampers with this. Some parties do send out forms and require that everyone getting treated have them filled out and ready at the beginning, but many allow for snap decisions. Seeing others being treated, peer pressure, and inhibitions being lowered by alcohol could all lead to a treatment that you will regret later.

While we are discussing being informed, it is very difficult, as a guest, to know the credentials of the person administering the treatment. Your hostess may have researched them carefully, but she may not have. Many companies are able to run under the umbrella of a physician sponsor who may have very little to do with the actual process. It is better to be able to verify the credentials and experience of the clinic you are working with yourself.

In the end if you are considering using Botox then talk it over with physician, look into the alternatives, and find a reputable clinic in your area. Even when you do go into the clinic it is probably best to speak to have a consultation and then proceed with the treatment on another day when you have had time to think it over. Your living room is simply not the place for this sort of medical procedure.

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