The use of Botox® in cosmetic treatments came about when the frown lines between the eyebrows appeared to soften following treatment for eye muscle disorders. The increased potential of Botox® as a cosmetic treatment led to clinical trials and subsequent FDA approval in April 2002.

When used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified botulinum toxin, small doses block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction. By selectively interfering with the particular muscles' ability to contract, existing frown lines are smoothed out and, in most cases, are nearly invisible in a week. However, Botox only works for about four months. As the muscle returns to normal, the wrinkle becomes visible again.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, Botox® is also finding enormous additional potential in several therapeutic areas including the treatment of migraine headaches, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm (involuntary contraction of the eye muscles), and a condition known as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in layman’s terms).

Botox injections are the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure in the industry, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). In 2001, more than 1.6 million people received injections, an increase of 46 percent over the previous year. More popular than breast enhancement surgery and a potential blockbuster, Botox is regarded by some as the ultimate fountain of youth.

Part of the recent rise in the popularity of Botox has been influenced by the way in which it is sometimes marketed. Some practitioners buy the product in bulk and arrange get-togethers for people receiving their treatments, commonly known as botox parties.

These Botox parties#also seminars, evenings and socials#are a key element of Botox marketing in much of the United States. The gatherings are a convenient way of providing Botox treatments more economically, and also help reduce the anxiety that sometimes goes along with getting an injection. Doctors are finding that treating people in groups allows them to make the procedure more affordable to their patients.

The botox party is normally arranged by the practicioner. A group of men and women mingle in a common area. Sometimes refreshments are served. One by one, as their name is called, each slips away for about 15 minutes to a private exam room. He or she pays a fee and signs a consent agreement. Anesthesia is rarely needed, but sedatives and numbing agents may be available. The practitioner then injects a single dosage of the toxin into specific muscles of the forehead most often targeted for the effect. The person then rejoins the group and everyone gets to share their experience.  But because of the time lag required for botox to take effect, it’s not possible to compare results at the party.

Some practitioners feel that these botox parties are an opportunity to treat a lot of people at one time in a relaxed but professional atmosphere. In reality, there is no difference between treating 10 people during individual office visits throughout the day and treating 10 people individually, but in a more socialized setting.

There is concern, however, that Botox has the potential for being abused. There have been recent reports that unqualified people are dispensing Botox in salons, gyms, hotel rooms, home-based offices, and other retail venues. In such cases, people run the risks of improper technique, inappropriate dosages, and unsanitary conditions. It should always be remembered that Botox is a prescription drug that should be administered by a qualified physician in an appropriate medical setting.