Considering Botox? Why You Should Go to a NY Facial Plastic Surgeon
There is a basic trait of human nature that leads us down a dangerous path when we apply it to facial plastic surgery (or any medical procedure). It is our tendency to minimize the risks of activities that we as a society engage in regularly. Even if we have no personal experience with the activity, once it becomes popularly accepted and declines in status from extraordinary to ordinary, we tend to take its safety for granted. Such is the case with Botox.
When first introduced in the late 1980s, Botox was used by ophthalmologists to treat disorders of the optic muscle. The product’s ability to relax muscles showed intriguing potential for reducing facial lines and wrinkles. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Botox for use as a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. At first perceived as an anti-aging tool of vain Hollywood actresses and celebrities, it didn’t take long for society to recognize the obvious benefits of Botox.
Demand soon brought its price within the reach of mainstream America, and Botox quickly became the top nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in the U.S.
When Botox was first introduced, it was typically performed by highly skilled New York plastic surgeons. As its popularity spread, Botox became a “big money” item and began to attract a broader field of less expert and often inexperienced practitioners. Today, Botox injections are available at day spas, dermatologists, cosmetologists, nail salons, and even home parties. People have forgotten that, although Botox is not surgery, it is still a medical procedure with serious risks and potential side effects. Devastating consequences can and have resulted when Botox is administered by people who lack the training and expertise of Manhattan facial plastic surgeons.