BOTOX® Injection Information & BOTOX® Cosmetic Injection Doctors

Americans Plan BOTOX® in the Future, But Not at "BOTOX® Parties"
Fifty-seven Percent Will Have BOTOX® in Next 6-12 Months
Ninety-three Percent Most Comfortable Receiving BOTOX® in Doctor's Office
August 6, 2002

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - With the FDA's approval of Botox® (botulinum toxin type A) for cosmetic use, more Americans plan to have the procedure in the next 12 months. Contrary to the "Botox party" hype, however, the overwhelming majority of people would feel most comfortable receiving a Botox injection in their doctor's office.

According to a recent survey taken by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' (ASPS) Web site visitors, 57 percent of respondents plan to have Botox injections in the next 6 - 12 months. Ten percent had already received Botox injections.

When asked where they would feel most comfortable receiving Botox injections, 93 percent of respondents answered in a doctor's office. Only three percent of respondents would feel comfortable at a Botox party.

People's motivation for Botox injections was overwhelmingly "to improve general appearance" at 75 percent. However, 12 percent of respondents would have Botox to "eliminate a severe or angry expression," 4 percent would have Botox for a special event like a wedding or anniversary and 3 percent would have Botox for "career advancement."

"The FDA's approval and the many clinical studies confirming the drug's safety are putting people's minds at ease," said ASPS President Edward Luce, MD, Cleveland. "The temporary results provided by Botox are proving quite popular with the public. Because of that interest, patients need to be reminded this is still a medical procedure."

According to ASPS statistics, 855,000 people had Botox injections in 2001. The ASPS reminds patients interested in the procedure to:

Check the Physician's Credentials - Because of the complicated musculature of the human face, potential Botox patients should seek a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only surgeons uniquely qualified to perform cosmetic plastic surgery on the face and all areas of the body.

Seek a Complete Patient Evaluation - When a person is considering an elective medical treatment like Botox, he or she should consult with a physician for an evaluation, as well as a full medical history, to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Be Informed - Speak with others about the procedure, friends, family as well as a physician. When a treatment decision is made co-operatively between the physician and patient, the physician should explain the factual information about risks, benefits, alternatives, and reasoning for the proposed treatment, after which an Informed Consent document should be signed by the patient. The consumption of alcohol before, during or after the medical procedure could affect a patient's decision and outcome. The decision to have a medical procedure should be made without the influence of alcohol or peer pressure.

Choose an Appropriate Setting - Botox injections should be performed in a setting with appropriate medical personnel and necessary equipment to safely observe patients and deal with potential complications, as well as provide for the disposal of medical waste.

ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS represents physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.