It has been suggested that the anti-wrinkle drugs based on botulinum toxin, produced by Botox Cosmetic and Myobloc may lead to severe cases of botulism and even cause death. The drug is mostly used in the cosmetic industry, for reducing wrinkles. Botox injections block the nerve impulses and cause muscles to relax, however, botulinum toxin is also used for cases of cerebral palsy, in order to control limb spasms. In cases where Botox was used as a cosmetic treatment, there is a possibility that the drug may spread in other parts of the body, affecting the muscles used for breathing or swallowing, with very dangerous consequences, even fatal. What are the costs invovled with such treatments, and are these fears genuine or proposed by groups opposed to the idea of offering yet another product designed to stimulate the desires of the rich and vain? Why are some governments around the world opposed to the use of Botulinum toxin on Cerebral Palsy patients, yet allow its use by plastic and cosmetic surgeons ?
Part A
ReplyDeleteIn the past years, many Men and women have been looking younger with the tiny injection of Botox. Who would have ever thought it could be so simple, but yet so dangerous.
The London Based European Medicines Agency had by August 2007 more than 600 cases of negative effects potentially linked to the popular treatment Botox. In six of those cases Botox users died.
Botox is improved in many countries around the world including: Australia, America, UK, and some parts of Asia. Australia uses more Botox than any other country (according to GRAZIA magazine) Last year we spent an estimated $300million on cosmetic procedures, majority on Botox. Cosmetic makeovers.com had listed a top 5 minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the USA. Number one was Botox at 5 million users. Countries claims to use Botox for medical illness issues only. In Americas case, You can't say honestly that 5 million users of Botox had "medical issues". If this is the case, Well then why do they let plastic surgeons use Botox for unnecessary reasons in the first place? According to Botox cosmetic surgery.com "It opens up the world of plastic surgery to those who would never enter a plastic surgeons office."
Although Botox can work miracles like banishing wrinkles, period pain, facial lifts, alter your face shape and be used to help medical issues, It is still unsafe. The botulinum toxin is a natural POISON. Tiny doses are injected to daze muscles preventing contraction for 3-6 months (and even if you did get Botox , what's the point when it's only short term) which is what eliminates wrinkles, frown lines etc. By any possible chance that Botox could be injected into the wrong muscles it is very dangerous and deadly. Think of it this way. Would you ever drink poison or allow poison to somehow enter your body? No!!! Then why would you get Botox injected into it?
Bibliography
ReplyDeletewww.theage.com.au/world/warning-over-botox-sideeffects-20080901-46u4.html
www.cosmetic-makeovers.com/category/botox-injections
grazia.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=625791
PART B
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kate (May 25, 2009 4:22 AM) Side-effects of Botox are serious, the extremity being death itself. Introducing paralysis into your muscles could induce spatial disorientation, double vision, or past-pointing, covering the affected eye may heighten these symptoms.
Muscles that are connected to the injection site are often affected as well, causing ptosis or vertical deviation, especially with higher doses of Botox. As Kate said, "Out of 600 cases, 28 were fatal." As you can see, although not many bring death, over 36% of Botox users have side-effects. Out of 2058 adults who received 3650 injections, 15.7% had ptosis, and 16.9% had vertical deviation.
In 1684 patients who received 4258 treatments, these symptoms were recorded (quote) :
• ptosis 11.0%
• Irritation/Tearing (includes dry eye, lagophthalmos, and photophobia) 10.0%
• Ectropion, keratitis, diplopia and entropion were reported rarely (incidence less than 1%) <1%
• Ecchymosis occurs easily in the soft eyelid tissues. This can be prevented by applying pressure at the injection site immediately after the injection.
• In two cases of VII nerve disorder (one case of an aphakic eye) reduced blinking from Botox Purified Neurotoxin Complex injection of the orbicularis muscle led to serious corneal exposure, persistent epithelial defect and corneal ulceration. Perforation requiring corneal grafting occurred in one case, anaphakic eye. Avoidance of injection into the lower lid area to avoid ectropion may reduce this hazard. Vigorous treatment of any corneal epithelial defect should be employed. This may require protective drops, ointment, therapeutic soft contact lenses, or closure of the eye by patching or other means.
• Two patients previously incapacitated by blepharospasm experienced cardiac collapse attributed to over-exertion within three weeks following Botox Purified Neurotoxin Complex therapy. Sedentary patients should be cautioned to resume activity slowly and carefully following the administration of Botox.
The side effects are not worth the risk.
Part A
ReplyDeleteBotox injections can leave you with temporary paralysis in your face and you would not be able to put an expression on your face at all. Also, you could get droopy eyes, a rash, bruising and burning, which counter-acts the reason for getting the injection at all, as these do NOT contribute to a pretty face! More dangers are infection and flu-like symptoms. Botox injections can only go on a very small portion of your face, and they only last for a very brief time period. You have to get it heaps of times for a long lasting effect, which maximises the risk of the people injecting the Botox getting it in the wrong muscle. Botox is limited and very expensive, so what is the point when there are wrinkle creams? Botox does not remove toxins, and it is bad for you. It can also cause birth defects. There is a link between children born deaf and the mothers getting Botox injections in the pregnancy.
http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/lifematters/warnings-botox-can-cause-birth-defects-20090406-9uin.html
http://www.bestsyndication.com/?q=node/29798
Part A
ReplyDeleteThough Botox is usually seen as being used for cosmetic purposes, it was formerly used for medical purposes. Botox is the brand name for a purified toxin called Botulinum type A. The Botulinum type A toxin is able to block neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the nerve cells. These neurotransmitters usually allow muscles to contract by sending nerve impulses, but since they have been blocked, it is unable to do so and the muscle would be weakened or paralyzed. When used in the facial area, for example, wrinkles would be reduced due to the weakened muscle. This effect is only temporary though because the nerve cells are able to regenerate and sending nerve impulses throughout the body again. If Botox was to be injected in wrong dosages at the wrong places, it could lead to botulism. Botulism is an infection in the muscle that can lead to permanent paralysis. Patients that use Botox in the facial area usually have side effects such as bruising, headaches, droopy eyes, pain, nausea, and sometimes flu-like symptoms. Difficulty to swallow and difficulty of breathing could also be happening, due to the toxin that would spread to the lungs. It is very harmful to women that are pregnant or breast-feeding. And yes, Botox can be deadly when spread around the body. The Sydney Morning Harold reported that in January 2008, the U.S. experienced “…16 deaths after the botulinum toxin spread inside the body…”
[will hand in bibliography seperately]
(PART B)
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the information mentioned above, but would like to point out some slightly un-detailed quotes.
First of all, as Anabel said, "Though Botox is usually seen as being used for cosmetic purposes, it was formerly used for medical purposes." This is, of course, true, but some information was not mentioned. Doctors originally didnt know that Botox smoothed wrinkles, in fact, it was an unaccounted bonus. later they started uising Botox for that purpose, but the manufacturer, Allergen, was not allowed to advertise for it.
I slightly disagree with Anna's: "Botox injections can leave you with temporary paralysis in your face and you would not be able to put an expression on your face at all." This is partially true but I recall that only MULTIPLE doses of Botox would render you fully unconcious to facial expressions.
Part B
ReplyDeleteAs Mr Jamieson said – botox relaxes muscles and controls limb spasms of people suffering from cerebral palsy. It helps them to do simple, everyday task like cleaning their teeth. I think this is a good use of botox as it encourages their independence which is probably more important than someone’s looks. I also think it’s sad that society chooses good looks over all the risks, as Savannah said (May 25, 2009 7:46 PM) the worst being death! I think botox should definitely be used to help people with cerebral palsy but shouldn’t be used just for a pretty face.
PART B
ReplyDeleteAnabel, (May 26, 2009 1:47 AM) Savannah (May 25, 2009 7:46 PM) and Kate (May 25, 2009 4:22 AM) have written that botox is linked to the deaths of children and adults. It is a major concern that there is a possibility that adults are dying from cosmetic surgery. Children with cerebral palsy are now being treated with botulinum toxin products to control limb spasms. In America, a study presented by the Food and Drug Administration, FDA (2008) documents that four deaths in children under the age of 18 have been linked to botox. ‘The deaths appeared to be related to the spread of botulinum toxin to areas away from the site of injection, and mimicked symptoms of botulism poisoning, which can include difficulty swallowing, weakness and breathing problems.’ (1) From this information it is understandable why some governments around the world oppose the use of botox on cerebral palsy patients. Maybe they should be reviewing why it has been approved for use in cosmetic surgery as well?