Botox (botulinum toxin) is an extremely popular cosmetic procedure because it is a non-surgical way to reduce or eliminate frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet, neck bands and other wrinkles. It has fast results, is non-invasive and does not leave scars, but it also can wear off and should be re-injected, although the FDA recommends Botox not be re-injected more frequently than every three months. Also, Botox has recently been shown to prevent frequent migraines, sweating and muscle spasms.

Botox is taken from the toxin that causes food poisoning. This sterilized, injectable form of the toxin does on a small scale what the unsterilized toxin did on large scale: it paralyzes muscles just under the skin preventing them from contracting. The skin lying on top of these paralyzed muscles then smoothes out and usually within a week the wrinkles that were there are gone.

For the best safety, a patient should neither sleep nor consume alcohol for several hours prior to treatment and the injections should be done by a qualified, board certified doctor under sterile conditions with sterile equipment as well as with precautionary equipment on hand just in case there is an emergency.

A rising trend in cosmetic procedures is Botox Parties. However many doctors have concerns about safety in social settings. If something goes wrong, it is better to be in a medical facility. People who cater to Botox parties may not be the best doctors. Then there is the concern about Botox abuse.

People choose to have Botox injections in parties for several reasons. First, they can get discounts for doing things in increasing volume. Second, it can be nerve-wrecking to have Botox injections for the first time and if a patient is surrounded by friends in a light and easy setting, it can alleviate some of the stress. Furthermore, it takes away the stigma of having cosmetic procedures done.