BellaSugar

Botox: What Can You Actually Use It For?

BellaSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:05 -0800

It seems like every time I turn around, the FDA is approving another use for Botox, and some doctor in Hollywood is finding yet another off-brand thing to do with it, scary as that is. The number of uses for the stuff has gotten so mind-boggling that I still have a hard time wrapping my head around a lot of them. Can you guess which of these Botox uses is real, and which one is as fake as a pair of implants? Take my quiz and find out!

Question 1 of 5

Breast augmentation

Meet the DIY Botox Lady

BellaSugar — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:00:19 -0700

A woman in Texas has made a video instructing people on how to use those dangerous, dubious DIY Botox kits I told you about a while back. I hope she's a nurse, because she seems to have way, way too much experience with this, and she's terrifyingly cavalier about teaching people to inject themselves with botulinum toxin. Apparently, she sells this stuff, and is trying to be some sort of illegal prescription-injectables Lauren Luke. I don't love how high the price points are on things like Botox, and I understand how tempting the DIY route could be, but this is the sort of thing that gets people killed. If you have an air bubble in the syringe or accidentally inject yourself at a site where the neurotoxin could spread, you could suffer from paralysis or a stroke. Not to mention the terrible, months-long droops and frozen spots you can get from injecting in the wrong muscle. So be like Nancy Reagan and just say no.

Do You Think Botox Is Common Among People Your Age?

BellaSugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 06:00:16 -0700

Botox, typically reserved for the slightly older crowd seeking out a way to soften fine lines and wrinkles, is being called the latest trend women for in their 20s - even becoming just as common as hair coloring, estimates Dr. Gabrielle Caswell of the Cosmetic Physicians Society. A recent survey by the BBC found that the number of 30-or-younger women customers increased twofold over the past few years.

I know a few women in their 20s who've tried Botox, but the vast majority of my friends have not. Do you think that Botox is as common among your peer group as this data suggests? Or is this trend piece reaching?

How Do You Feel About Doctors Who "Prescribe" Cosmetic Procedures?

BellaSugar — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 06:00:29 -0700

I've been suffering a lot of dermatological trauma lately. After the Botox incident, I keep hearing stories about people who go to the dermatologist for routine care - think mole checks and the like - only to come out with pamphlets for fillers, injectables, and laser resurfacing. I'm all for doing what makes you happy when it comes to cosmetic procedures, but lately it seems like some doctors have morphed into pushy medispa aestheticians. Have you ever gone in for a skin health issue only to have your doc interrupt with an advertisement? And do you feel your level of care was affected?

Would You Get Botoxed on a Boat?

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:00:46 -0700

When it comes to the swanky treatment, a vacation on a cruise ship might just be the answer, as cruise lines are offering up luxe services despite the lousy economy. Take Celebrity Cruises, for instance. In addition to offering lessons on foreign languages, mixology, Photoshop, and astronomy in its latest "Celebrity Life" package, the company also a has plans to add posh beauty treatments, including a 24-karat gold facial, Botox, Restylane, and Perlane.

Botox on land is one thing, but Botox on a floating vessel? I'm not so sure about that. The Celebrity Life program debuts this week on the fleet's latest ship, Celebrity Equinox, and will roll out to the rest of the fleet in November. Would you partake in some on-board beautifying, or is this a voyage you'd prefer to skip?

Vanessa Williams Dishes on Botox and More

BellaSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:00:06 -0700

On Tuesday, I met with Vanessa Williams to talk about her recent Emmy nomination for Ugly Betty, fish pedicures, and Botox. Vanessa, who has always been very open about her use of the wrinkle-fighting drug, is currently making a few stops throughout the country for the Botox Cosmetic: Express Success Campaign, an educational tour that benefits the Dress For Success organization.

Have you ever wondered why Vanessa took the leap and admitted she uses Botox, or how it affects her ability to act? Find the answers and learn about some of her unexpected hobbies after the jump.

Do You Agree With Rachel Weisz's Anti-Botox Statement?

BellaSugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:30:39 -0700

There is no denying that actors need a wide range of facial expressions to practice their crafts. Some celebrities have admitted to using the treatment (see parts one and two of my quizzes), while others are quite vocal about shunning the needle. The latest to give it the thumbs-down is actress Rachel Weisz, who was quoted in August's Harper's Bazaar UK:

It should be banned for actors, as steroids are for sportsmen . . . Acting is all about expression; why would you want to iron out a frown?

The pressure of looking ageless often comes with the territory of an acting career. But do you think it's OK for actors to get a little Botox here and there, or is Rachel right on this one?

How Would You Feel If Someone Said You Need Botox?

BellaSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:00:16 -0700

Yesterday was rough. A routine dermatologist visit that involved checking my moles and poking around at a few clogged pores turned into a hugely upsetting event. After getting the all-clear on the important skincare stuff, the doctor said, "It's probably time to think about Botox soon."

I burst into tears.

Like many people, I'm noticing signs of aging - a smile line here, a small furrow there - and trying to keep it all in perspective. But hearing that I'm a likely candidate for Botox bummed me out. It's not that I have anything against Botox in theory, but I'm not exactly rushing to hit the needle. (Aside from snakes, needles are my biggest phobia.) I also resent the youth-obsessed culture that treats wrinkles like they're the end of the world. Furthermore, just this past weekend, a bouncer thought I was 10 years younger than I am - so I can't look that grizzled, right? Overall, I feel a little stunned, a little angry, and a little depressed - and very, very glad that today is therapy day. I'm curious: What would you feel like if someone were to say this to you?

Photo by Racchio

More People Are Speaking Up About Botox

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:59:07 -0700

A good friend and I have a monthly brunch date, and I always look forward to seeing her. The last time we met up, she mentioned that she'd be coming straight from the salon. She looked fantastic - well-rested, relaxed, happy. "That is one amazing haircut," I said. It totally transformed her look. Amazing what a snip can do, I thought, and every so often I'd remark on the transformative powers of the haircut.

After the third compliment, she stopped me. "Well, it's not all the haircut," she admitted. "I got Botox last week, too." Turns out she used the haircut as a (highly effective) foil for those of us marveling at the transformation. And she's not the only one to talk about her adventures in botulism toxin: a recent study showed that only 13 percent of people kept their Botox use private. A few years ago, most people were reticent when it came to discussing their cosmetic procedures, but that isn't the case anymore. (Can you guess which celebrities have admitted to using Botox?) As for me, I have yet to want to rock the 'tox, but I wouldn't hide it if I did. If you've tried Botox, are you open about it? And if you haven't tried it, do you think you'd keep it a secret or not?

Source

Beauty Byte: 18-Year-Old Gets Botox as Birthday Gift

BellaSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 07:01:40 -0700

I can't imagine even thinking twice about fine lines and wrinkles back when I was a senior in high school. Not so for UK resident Jodie King, who received her first Botox injection as an 18th-birthday present. Jodie's mother, Margaret King, who herself has spent approximately $72,000 on plastic surgery, told Closer magazine, "Jodie's forehead is like mine - she gets pronounced lines when she makes a facial expression. I knew Botox would solve the problem."

And now that Jodie is nearly 20, she still gets regular injections, mother in tow. "So what if I'm a teenage Botox addict? I can't think of anything worse than looking old. I'll always find a way to pay for Botox. Now [that] I've started, I can't stop," said Jodie. What about the implications? Besides the fact that an 18-year-old doesn't need Botox under normal circumstances, many surgeons advise against the procedure for those under the age of 30, as wrinkles haven't fully developed.

Plus, the shots can render the face expressionless - not a good look for a young lady, or anybody for that matter. Dr. Mazhar Mahmood, who recently started treating Jodie, defended himself, saying, "I felt that because she had already been having treatment it would be better for her to be treated by someone experienced." What do you think? When it comes to Botox, how young is too young?

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