Botox - What's in a Name?
Once upon a time, scientists fused together the first syllable of “botulinum” and the first syllable of “toxin”, and witnessed the birth of a cosmetic star. They also participated in the worst advertising decision in history. Yes, it’s derived from Botulinum Toxin Type A, and is related to botulism, but must we stick that in people’s faces (pun intended)?
Doctors and cosmetic consultants spend many hours a year trying to allay fears regarding Botox and its bacterial namesake. I’m convinced that if it were called “Rejuvion” the stigma and resistance would halve overnight.
The thing is, Botox works great. I know, Oprah's not a fan, and always brings up the frozen forehead syndrome (not necessary or wanted as a result – see “Botox: Once More Without Feeling?”), and that’s a fine position to take if say, you have a darker skin type with a built-in SPF factor and you’ll be genetically gifted with the same serene, unlined face at 70 that you had at 30. But, note to Oprah, who celebrates this fact with the saying “Black don’t crack”: the converse is also true - colors not black do indeed crack.
And of all the cosmetic treatments available to patients, this is the one I’ve found has the highest satisfaction rating. Really, nothing beats Botox for fading dynamic wrinkles.
So, knowing over 90% of the time, if people overcome their initial reluctance they’re going to be delighted, I’m willing to spend some time dispelling the myths and concerns surrounding it.
First off, no one has ever contracted botulism from Botox. Ever.
Botox has been used now for over 15 years and the few horror stories associated with it occur when some back alley practitioner buys a cheap, unregulated and illegal substitute.
There has also been no report of anyone suddenly developing symptoms after continued use.
So we know it’s safe, in fact there’s probably never been a larger research pool for a cosmetic product – what’s left? You’re embarrassed? You don’t want to be associated with those Beverly Hills Matrons whose lives revolve around a meaningless and vain search for eternal youth? Stop. Everyone does it. Ministers. Accountants. Yoga instructors. Your friends use it and you don’t even know it.
The manufacturers of Botox send out consultation guidelines, suggesting we emphasize that Botox is a “purified protein” and downplay its origins, but it is what it is: Botulinum Type A. So let’s hear it for the Charlie Labcoats who turned a negative into a positive. The paralytic properties of Botox relax facial tics, ease away a scowl, and give people who suffer from excessive sweating a chance to feel, at last, socially at ease.
Good thing that research gig is working out since there’s no career waiting for them in advertising.
