For the first time ever, an attempt has been made to monitor and control places that provide Botox treatments and “filler” injections. With 5,000 clinics performing approximately 200,000 Botox treatments for wrinkles and filler treatments designed to plump lips and sagging skin each year in the United Kingdom, the industry is in dire need of regulation. Although there are plenty of legitimate practitioners working in the industry, there are also far too many rogue practitioners administering treatments they are not qualified to give. To combat this, only doctors, dentists and nurses will be invited to participate in this attempt at regulation, along with organizations that provide Botox and filler injections. Once accepted, these practitioners will receive certificates of approval proving the quality and safety of their service.
The main problem with this proposed system is that it is voluntary. The charity Action Against Medical Accidents declared that if the Government does not make this system statutory, many people will be left at risk because an industry cannot be trusted to regulate itself properly – especially an industry that is as large and prosperous as the cosmetic industry. The Government requires any major cosmetic surgery to be regulated, but as Botox and filler injections are relatively minor non-surgical procedures, they can be offered by just about any business. Peter Walsh, the chief executive of Action Against Medical Accidents declares that his charity will continue “using our experience and influence to make this scheme as robust as it can be.”
One of the best reasons to create a regulated cosmetic industry is to help reduce the amount of botched cosmetic procedures. The most high profile examples of cosmetic treatments gone wrong are usually celebrities. For example, in 2003, Leslie Ash, the star of the television show Men Behaving Badly, had filler injections on her lips. The procedure went wrong, resulting in a look known as the “trout pout.” It is hard to determine exactly how many people have suffered from cosmetic treatments gone wrong or adverse side effects since many people are extremely embarrassed as to what has happened to them and would prefer to keep it quiet rather than raise a national ruckus. Also, without strict guidelines, many practitioners may turn to shady and dangerous treatments. For instance, in 2005, two government reports were published detailing how several practitioners supplying filler injections were using material from both animal and human corpses – material that could have been infected with hepatitis and other deadly diseases.
Cosmetic treatment technologies continue to evolve, making beauty easier and cheaper for women to attain. This is good news for women seeking to appear younger, particularly because research has shown a correlation between attractiveness and career success. And since today’s non invasive treatments are less costly and require less recovery time than surgical procedures, more and more women are climbing on the cosmetic treatment bandwagon. But these newer treatments are temporary compared to traditional cosmetic surgery, requiring recurring visits to cosmetic treatment providers, and costs and time invested can add up. Also, experts worry that the growing fad may have societal repercussions in which younger and younger women are turning to cosmetic treatments in order to feel acceptable. And finally, little studies have been conducted to determine the long-term effects of non invasive treatments.
It’s true that cosmetic treatments are getting easier. Where cow-sourced collagen formerly required skin testing, human collagen and Botox now require no skin test. The treatments are quick and easy, with virtually no recovery time. When compared with traditional cosmetic surgery, fillers and injections are much more affordable, costing hundreds of dollars instead of thousands of dollars. But since these treatments are not permanent, women must routinely have the treatments repeated. And experts say that the non invasive treatments are simply postponing the traditional plastic surgeries, such as eyebrow lifts and face lifts. In the end, women may pay more than if they had opted for the traditional surgery in the first place. Also, traditional surgery has a longer history, so side-effects and long-term effects are well known by doctors.
But many argue against the growing fad altogether. Younger women are undergoing non invasive cosmetic treatments than ever before. Books such as “Bodylove: Learning to Like Our Looks and Ourselves, A Practical Guide for Women” by Rita Freedman and “Midlife Crisis at 30: How the Stakes Have Changed for a New Generation – And What to Do About It” by Lia Macko and Kerry Rubin address the negative repercussions that this fad has on society. Women see celebrities and even their peers undergoing treatments, and they feel like they don’t measure up. Indeed, studies have shown a correlation between career success and attractiveness, so it may be that the trend is already irreversible. Cosmetic enhancements may be no different than any other technology taking over the globe. Once we go there, it’s hard to turn back.
One of the most popular cosmetic procedures on the market is Botox, with millions of procedures being performed every year worldwide. Although an enormous amount of people have heard of Botox, very few actually are aware of what it truly is and other associated details. If you are thinking of getting a Botox treatment, it is in your best interests to know exactly what you are being treated with, how it works and all the information surrounding it.
Many people are unaware that Botox is derived from botulinum toxin, a protein manufactured by a form of bacteria. If a person ingests or is exposed to botulinum toxin, they may develop a serious paralytic illness known as botulism. However, when botulinum toxin is isolated, purified or used in small quantities, it becomes a useful cosmetic and medical aid. Botox is the trade name for such botulinum toxin.
As a paralytic agent, Botox is mainly used to get rid of facial wrinkles. A licensed Botox provider injects Botox into a patient’s face, where it eliminates wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles. The effects of Botox last for around 3-4 months, after which it wears off and a Botox provider must readminister the treatment. Botox can be used on nearly any adult. Exceptions include pregnant women, nursing women or people with neurological disorders.
As with many cosmetic procedures, there are some side effects to Botox. The most common side effect is temporary bruising and headaches that resolve after 24-48 hours. Some patients experience eyelid drooping as well. The most common complain associated with Botox is that the client’s facial expression appears to be fixed in a position of shock or confusion, or in a frown. Also, there is the risk of an allergic reaction, although one should note that there have been no allergies reported as of yet due to Botox.
Botox is not a cosmetic procedure to be taken lightly. It is a treatment that needs to be carefully considered before undertaken. Just because you can be in and out of an office in twenty minutes does not mean the procedure cannot result in complications or that it is completely safe. Whenever undertaking any sort of treatment that messes with a person’s body, said person should take special care to do plenty of research and questioning before undertaking the procedure. Better safe than sorry!
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