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Botulinum Toxin Injection Concerns

What happened to the notion of “aging gracefully”? Seems as though there are many people who want to keep their “youthful” appearance well into their 50’s, 60’s and beyond – and they’re willing to take some hefty risks to stay wrinkle-free. No, not plastic surgery, anesthesia and scalpel – we’re talking about injectable botulinum toxin.

A study published in the April 2, 2009 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, highlights new information about the dangers of injected botulinum toxin – the toxin can travel from the face (injection site) to the brain, causing damage. In the study, botulinum toxin was found in the brains of laboratory rats within 72 hours of its injection into the rats’ whisker muscles.

Researchers noted that the toxin moved from one end of the brain to another, breaking down proteins and causing damage. They also discovered that it remained in the brain for up to six months following injection.

As if this isn’t bad enough, consider these additional concerns:

• Because treatments are expensive for results that generally last 3 – 4 months, there is booming black market in “bootleg” products sold at drastically reduced prices. In several instances, “fake” injections have caused severe paralysis in unsuspecting patients who want to look younger.

• Public Citizen, an American “watchdog” group, reported that there were 180 severe reactions and 16 deaths associated with the use of this cosmetic procedure during a nine-year time span.

• The injected toxin has been known to affect the muscles used for breathing and/or swallowing, with severe, and potentially fatal, consequences.

• Parties, where injections are supplied to party goers, pose unsterile environment risks. In addition, there are risks involved in administering injections to people who have been drinking alcohol and may be incapable of informed consent. Because bootleg injections are widely available, it’s possible that the person administering the injections is not even a licensed professional.

So… do you still think this procedure is a safe alternative to plastic surgery for removing those crow’s feet and lip lines? I think I’ll pass.