Recently I attended a luncheon seminar for Allergan’s BOTOX® Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A). Just about everyone has snickered at a face frozen from too much of …well….something. And, I have to admit that I never tried it personally, partially because the idea of injecting something….anything, into my face, seemed a bit frightening.
But I was at the seminar to learn–and learn, I certainly did! I had the chance to hear from three of the leading Botox experts: Dermatologist Dr. Dr. Jeanine Downie, FAAD; Ophthalmologist Dr, Jean Carruthers, FRCS (C), FRC (OPTH); and Dermatologist Lisa Airan. Each of these women has been using Botox on patients (and themselves) for at least a decade and in some cases, more. Each is a recognized, respected expert. All have been on television, quoted in magazines, and well published.
First of all, I learned that BOTOX® Cosmetic, approved for the temporary treatment of glabellar lines, is the same medicine that is used to treat patients with neurological conditions under the name BOTOX®. But while the drug was first given for medical uses such as for patients with neuromuscular ailments, the amount used for cosmetic purposes is much smaller.
BOTOX® was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (the vertical “frown lines” between the eyebrows) in adult women and men ages 18 to 65. The glabellar lines, which often look like the number “11,” can make you look tired, or worse, angry. Other fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, are also cosmetic agents but they work differently. Allergan also makes Latisse. This isn’t a filler; however, it is a new product from Allergan that helps to grow more luxe eyelashes.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), nearly 20 million BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments have been administered since the product was first approved. It is safe and effective when it is administered by an expert (someone who has done the treatment for at least 10 years). It is invasive (the physician administers a series of injections–they don’t really hurt) and the end results, hopefully, is that the skin is temporarily smoothed as the product relaxes the wrinkle-causing muscles between the brows. BOTOX® treatment can last up to four months (it takes 5-10 days for the product to work). In most cases, side effects (if there are any) are temporary and are typically associated with the injection itself (e.g. localized pain, tenderness, redness and/or bruising. In rare cases, the product can migrate, or cause droopy eyelids.
Kelly Regan, Manager of Corporate Communications for Allergan, Inc. offers introductions to Drs. Airan, Carruthers, and Downie.
Actress Vanessa Williams is the spokeswoman for a new initiative to help empower women through “Dress for Success.” Allergan is donating $250,000 to support Dress for Success in it’s efforts to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional clothing, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
As part of the donation to Dress for Success, up to $50,000 of the total $250,000 donation will be generated through an online drive, with Allergan donating $2 to the organization on behalf of each of the first 25,000 people who visit and register on the campaign Web site, ExpressSuccessCampaign.com. When pledging support on the Web site, people also can enter to win a trip for two to New York City to have lunch with Vanessa Williams, read Vanessa’s personal blog as well as get interview and workplace tips.
In addition to the donation, the “BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success” campaign includes a series of educational events featuring campaign ambassador, Vanessa Williams, Dress for Success CEO Joi Gordon and an aesthetic-specialty physician. Events to promote this will be taking place in select markets across the country (visit: http://www.expresssuccesscampaign.com/ to check where, and when) Consumers will be able to support Dress for Success by donating nearly new professional garment (the “cost” of entry), while learning about fast and simple tips for working women, including treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic.
Vanessa Williams herself will be hosting the “BOTOX® Cosmetic: Express Success” campaign launch event with Allergan and Dress for Success on June 30 in New York City’s Union Square. The event includes a celebrity “Rack Relay Race” and clothing drive. The first 100 people to pre-register online and participate in the “Rack Relay Race” will receive a certificate for a physician consultation and, if appropriate, a complimentary BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment from a licensed and trained aesthetic-specialty physician (that’s worth the price of admission)! The winning “Rack Relay Race” team also will win an opportunity to have lunch with Vanessa Williams in New York City. The Web site also features an inspiring animated video featuring Vanessa Williams and three Dress for Success
graduates directed by Dex Deboree, a highly acclaimed Grammy®-award nominee.
I used to think BOTOX® was just for women, but lots of men are getting ,BOTOX® too. Why not look better if you can? It’s easy, it’s fast, and it works. These types of treatments are no longer something you “hide” and frankly, when it’s done right, you shouldn’t really notice that something has been “done.” You’ll just look more relaxed, more youthful…and feeling better about yourself….and that’s a beautiful thing! Visit: http://www.expresssuccesscampaign.com/faq.html to read more frequently asked questions about BOTOX®. Maybe, it’s right for you.
For more information on BOTOX® visit: