The latter refers to Botox parties, a gathering of people who seek to smooth out wrinkles by injecting botulism toxin in foreheads, around the eyes, and in other areas where age and time have manifested in wrinkles.
Close to 4 million Botox procedures were performed in 2013, the last year of available data. Injections of botulinum toxin (which goes commercially by the names Botox, Dysport and Xeomin) are considered the most frequently performed non-invasive plastic surgery procedure, according to a survey compiled by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). That’s more than twice its closest competitor for procedures, and the numbers are rising.
Most procedures are done in a doctor’s office or medical clinic under strict supervision. But some are performed at so-called “Botox parties,” where friends and family gather to enjoy these injections as a fun group experience. While it’s fun, it’s also potentially deadly if something goes wrong, and there’s not proper equipment or emergency services immediately available.
What is Botox?
Botox and other commercial brands use a form of botulism toxin type A, which is a neurotoxin that is produced by Clostridium Botulinum, a bacterium. There are seven other types that include B, C1, C2, D, E, F and G. All interfere with nerve transmissions that weaken muscles, giving the appearance of smoothing wrinkles. Type A injections last for about three months, and then need to be repeated.