- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
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Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he says, need to be aware and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has served as the fellowship director for dermatopathology and as chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin, including vasculitis, and in lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information has become a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he says. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or, worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
Staying healthy (12)
- Will an air purifier eliminate cigarette smoke?
- Cellphones and cancer: What's the risk?
- Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
- see all in Staying healthy
Dental care (7)
- When to brush your teeth
- Whitening toothpaste: Does it whiten teeth?
- Heart disease prevention: Does oral health matter?
- see all in Dental care
Skin care (9)
- Does sunscreen expire?
- Tanning beds: Safer than the sun?
- Hydrated skin: Does drinking water help?
- see all in Skin care
Nail care (4)
- Acrylic nails: Can they harm natural nails?
- Split fingernails: Can they be prevented?
- Nail biting: Does it cause long-term damage?
- see all in Nail care
Eye care (2)
- Choosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?
- Eye exam: Is a laser retina scan worthwhile?
Sleep (9)
- Sleep and technology: What's the connection?
- How many hours of sleep are enough?
- Sleep aids: Could antihistamines help me sleep?
- see all in Sleep
Mental health (2)
- Passive-aggressive behavior: What are the red flags?
- Stop multitasking and learn how to focus
Healthy at work (4)
- Shift work: Improving daytime sleep
- Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
- Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting: A concern?
- see all in Healthy at work
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Question
Botox party: Is it safe?
Is it OK to get Botox treatments at a Botox party?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
A Botox party — a social gathering at which Botox injections are given, often in a person's home — might seem like a comfortable and relaxing way to get Botox treatments, sometimes at reduced rates. However, a Botox party might not have measures in place to ensure safe and effective treatments. Most experts recommend having cosmetic procedures, including Botox injections, in a doctor's office — not at a party.
Botox Cosmetic, a form of botulinum toxin type A that's used to improve facial wrinkles and is often referred to as simply Botox, should be used only under a doctor's care. While Botox injections are relatively safe when given by an experienced doctor, side effects and complications can occur — including pain and bruising at the injection site and temporary muscle weakness. Although highly unlikely, the effect of the toxin can also spread to other parts of the body. In the event that something goes wrong, a doctor working in a medical office is better equipped to handle an emergency situation than is a doctor giving injections in a home setting.
Also keep in mind that drinking alcohol before getting Botox injections — a likely possibility at a Botox party — can increase your tendency to bruise afterward. It could also prevent you from fully understanding the risks and benefits of Botox treatment.
If you're considering Botox injections to treat wrinkles, don't take chances. Ask for a referral from your primary care doctor or look for a doctor who has experience with Botox treatments. He or she will go over your medical history and medication use as well as explain the possible risks and results to help you determine if Botox is right for you.
Next questionTattoo removal cream: Does it work?
- Who should be providing your cosmetic treatment FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/skin-care-and-safety/skin-health-tips/who-should-be-providing-your-cosmetic-treatment-faqs. Accessed Jan. 4, 2012.
- Do's and don'ts for patient safety when considering cosmetic procedures in a spa or salon. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/DosandDontsforPatientSafety2.aspx. Accessed Jan. 4, 2012.
- How to choose the best doctor for dermatologic surgery. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/_ConsumerPage.aspx?id=2268&LangType=1033. Accessed Jan. 4, 2012.
- Botulinum toxin treatment information. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds.net/BotulinumToxinTreatmentInformation.aspx. Accessed Jan. 4, 2012.
- Botulinum toxin. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Cosmetic-Procedures/Botulinum-Toxin.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2012.
- Injectable anti-aging treatments. American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. http://www.surgery.org/consumers/procedures/skin/injectables. Accessed Jan. 4, 2012.
- Botox Cosmetic. (prescribing information). Irvine, Calif.: Allergan Inc.; 2011. http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/botox_cosmetic_pi.pdf. Accessed Jan. 4, 2012.
- Botulinum rejuvenation. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/agingskinnet/botulinum_rejuvenation.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2012.
- Botox "parties" not just fun and games, advises the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. http://www.surgery.org/media/news-releases/botox-%E2%80%9Cparties%E2%80%9D-not-just-fun-and-games-advises-the-american-society-for-aesthetic-plastic-surgery. Accessed Jan. 4, 2012.
- Carruthers J, et al. Overview of botulinum toxin for cosmetic indications. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 9, 2012.
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