Surprise Hits: Botox gets injected into the market -- and faces stiff competition
Filed under: Company News, Columns
Many years ago, a friend afflicted with blepharspasm (uncontrolled blinking) told me she was about to undergo a new treatment in which the toxin that caused botulism would be injected into the muscle of her eye. I was aghast but said nothing -- until a week later, when I met her again, and her incessant blinking had miraculously stopped, to her great relief.
That was my first encounter with Botox, a drug that has become an accepted standard for facial cosmetic improvement, and something of a whipping boy for our beauty- and youth-obsessed culture. Allergan (AGN) reported 2007 sales of $1.2 billion for its drug, most often used to erase wrinkles, frown lines, and crow's feet. Botox injections run $350 to $500 a pop, and its effect lasts from up to six months.
In a sense, these drugs offer a kinder, gentler plastic surgery. Botox and its rivals aren't surgical, permanent, or horribly expensive, and Botox has few documented side effects (other than occasional turtle mouth). In the end, it's not really much more self-indulgent than a good haircut or an expensive pair of shoes. It's even become a bit of a recession-era craze among some unemployed middle-aged execs who rely on its effects to improve a job search. Any realist knows you're much more likely to land a job when you look mahhhvelous.
Tom Barlow is a wrinkled writer who wonders if there is a relationship between the renewed popularity of zombie movies and the Botox craze.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-03-2009 @ 12:25PM
Soccermom said...
One day last summer I took my two adult daughters to the movies. When they told me how much the tickets cost it seemed to be on the low side to me. I paid what they asked for and forgot about it. The next morning when I was cleaning out my purse I found the receipt from the night before. I was horrified to see that they charged me for two
adults and one senior citizen. I was only 55! I looked in the mirror and sure enough, I looked older than my age. I decided at that moment that I was going to try Botox. I reached out to an acquaintance whom I was told had used Botox. She told me that the reason she looked so much younger was not because of Botox but because of some amazing cream she found called LifeCell. I really
thought she was covering up for her Botox treatments so I started asking around about LifeCell and I found out that many dermatologists are hailing it as the most potent needle-free skin care treatment available to science. Studies have shown it prevents "cell damage linked to facial aging and wrinkles" I have to tell you that 7 months
later I looked like a new woman. I have been getting compliments like I never got in my life before. If you think it might help you, you can get a free sample online and see for yourself. http://bit.ly/BetterThanBotox
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7-04-2009 @ 2:45AM
Carla said...
If you're even thinking about using Botox to get rid of your wrinkles STOP right now. You don't need Botox to remove your wrinkles! There have been incredible advances in cosmeceutical ingredients and these are the most advanced new anti-wrinkle products available.
Hydroxatone, which has amazing ingredients that are now replacing surgery and the need for Botox. This is a huge advancement in face cream technology. You have to see the actual before and after pictures on their web site. http://cli.gs/Hydroxatone to understand how effective it is.
Belisi Skin Tightener http://cli.gs/BelisiRX which is much better than botox. It's made out of medical grade ingredients and instantly tones and tightens the skin. Over the long run it improves the elasticity of the skin so your wrinkles appear to be gone.
7-04-2009 @ 3:04AM
Emma said...
Working as an esthetician I always get people asking what they can do about their wrinkles and cellulite. For wrinkles I tell them about Beauty Lift Ultra http://ultimateanti-aging.info and how it is an incredible anti-aging, anti-wrinkle cream that contains the most potent, doctor grade, wrinkle erasing ingredients that tone and tighten the skin for a smoother, younger face. It's much better, safer, and less expensive than Botox. They always come back to tell me how great it is and how much younger they look. It’s a great product and I back it up 100%. http://ultimateanti-aging.info
For cellulite problems I always recommend Body Solution http://cli.gs/CelluliteSolutions a cellulite toning system that is clinically proven to smooth cellulite and firm in as little as 72 hours.
7-13-2009 @ 12:03PM
claire said...
Does botox work for facial sweating?
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