A doctor in India, Dr. Vijay Sharma states in a news story that Botox is a fraud.
He is quoted as saying “In the case of frequent use, the damage to the muscles may force a patient to undergo a face-lift at an early age. This scam allows for doctors and dermatologists to set themselves up for a steady income from their patients.”
We would like your response to Dr. Sharma which will be used in RealSelf.com news section. Thank you.
The concept that Botox is a fraud is totally ridiculous. I just don't see the connection between Botox and Rhytidectomy. In fact, I think one could make a strong argument that Botox has actually decreased or delayed the number of face and brow lifts.
It seems to me that this controversial article by Dr Sharma created an interesting debate.
From a fact checking stand point, no facts can prove the clinical claim. Botox was used for years in a medical condition called Blepharospasm (frequent blinking). The newly discovered cosmetic use is a multi million dollar business that proved to be work for a certain focused goal which is getting rid of the dynamic wrinkles.
The mechanism of aging has two components:
Intrinsic: Genetics, free radical damage etc...
Extrinsic: Sun damage, gravity...
Relaxing the forehead facial muscles should not affect any of these pathways and if any it should decrease the wrinkles.
From an ethics stand point I’m not aware of any physician who would give Botox to accelerate the aging process so he can do a face lift!!
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