Injectable parties on the rise during recession, but pose risks

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the leading national organization of board-certified plastic surgeons, Botox is the most popular cosmetic procedure of the millennium, with an increase of 82 percent of procedures performed over the past five years.  As more patients look to Botox as a low-risk, low-cost alternative to cosmetic surgery during the recession, experts predict a related increase in the number of “Botox parties” – gatherings hosted in homes or doctors’ offices, often complete with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Dr. Jacob D. Steiger has hosted several of these events at his practice in Delray Beach, Fla.  He says Botox parties offer patients a comfortable, informative atmosphere to learn more about cosmetic enhancement possibilities along with their friends.

“It allows [patients] to bounce things off of each other,” he said.  “Ultimately that is important, because it makes them more comfortable with the decision.”

Some doctors also view the gatherings as a way to provide Botox treatments more economically, believing that treating people in groups allows them to make the procedure more affordable to their patients.  In addition, the parties provide opportunities to engage new patients.

Risky Business: Botox Parties More than Just Fun and Games

Critics say even though “supervised” parties offer treatments performed by a doctor, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe.

While there are very few risks associated with the proper administration of Botox itself, threats arise when the procedure is coupled with a high-pressure party atmosphere – particularly when alcohol is served.  There, critics say, patients may feel pressured into making a snap decision without fully understanding the associated risks and ramifications of the procedure.

Dr. Steiger concurs that alcohol is not safe for the treatment, opting to host “informational-only” sessions when it is served.

“If some type of procedure is performed at the party, it is important that no alcohol is involved so that judgment is not impaired,” he said. “It is also imperative that the person administering any type of injection is a board-certified physician with experience in cosmetic procedures.”

Michelle Loret, 38, who was seeking Botox for the first time, attended one of these “cocktail hour” parties last August at a doctor’s office in Houston, Texas, where wine and cheese was served alongside injections. She found the experience pleasant and plans to continue getting Botox in the future.

“Most of the women (and one man) had gone to the parties previously. I quizzed everyone on their experience before I gave it a try and watched several people get it done first. It was not a high-pressured ‘sale’ at all.”

Stay Safe: Don’t Discount-Shop for ‘Injectables’

As consumers look for a bargain on everything from clothes to cosmetic procedures, the ASAPS predicts an increase in horror stories about “discount injectables” bought offshore and cosmetic surgical procedures performed by untrained or poorly-trained practitioners.  To ensure the safest outcome, the ASAPS recommends following these guidelines:

• Don’t choose a provider based on price. Injectables are pharmaceutical products and must be administered by trained, qualified clinicians.

• Make sure your doctor fully explains the benefits and risks to you in a consultation so that you form realistic expectations.

• Fully disclose any medical conditions you might have and medications you are taking, including vitamins and over-the-counter drugs. This will help your clinician select the most effective procedure for you, with the fewest side-effects.

• Any injectable should be administered in an appropriate setting using sterile instruments. Malls and private homes are not medical environments and may be unsanitary.

• Know what you are being injected with. Make sure your clinician is using only FDA-approved products purchased within the United States. If he or she refuses to give you this information, seek another clinician.

For more cosmetic surgery guidelines, visit the ASAPS website at http://www.surgery.org.