We all dream of someday having an expressionless face that looks just like our neighbors. That dream, however, may have to be forsaken too soon.
The FDA recently announced that some Botox injections may cause adverse effects.
It is hard to imagine a time when the world didn't have these ageless creatures walking amongst us. Over night, Botox became all the rage for aging celebrities and aging people who wanted to look like celebrities.
Before Botox was being injected into Hollywood elites, it was making a name for itself as a serious toxin. Botulinum Toxin Type A is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum, from which Botox is derived.
Sound familiar? Then you will not be surprised to know that this is the same toxin connected to botulism poisoning. There are seven different strains of the botulinum toxin, but all can produce similar effects.
When injected for cosmetic purposes, Botox paralyzes the muscle, causing the wrinkle to relax and disappear. But, when people consume the same dangerous toxin, their muscles, including their respiratory muscles, become paralyzed and the person can die.
For many, the risk of injecting small amounts of a fatal toxin is worth the wrinkle-free, expressionless six months they get in return.
What many people don't know is that Botox is also used for muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy or adults suffering from blepharospasm (incessant blinking and inability to keep eyes open). When used medicinally, the injected amount is much more than what is used for wrinkles.
The adverse reactions that have the FDA worried are typical reactions to symptoms of botulism: vomiting, problems swallowing and paralysis. Over time the toxin becomes metabolized and spreads throughout the body.
Botox is the "most poisonous substance known" and the "first bacterial toxin to be used as medicine," cites the FDA's website. Although not as affective as other chemicals, the botulinum toxin has been used as an agent for chemical warfare.
For many, the FDA's notice to the public is unwanted. Although the complications being addressed were specifically for on-site medicinal purposes, it creates a negative connotation for all of Botox's users.
It is hard to believe that smaller quantities of Botox are safe. But hey, even small quantities of mercury are safe.
In the last year, the media has reported on more and more botched plastic surgeries. The public has become too relaxed with the idea of beauty measures that include scalpels, anesthetics and muscle-paralyzing toxins.
Payment plans and Botox parties take the mystery and apprehension out of what should be a well-executed and educated decision.
Even celebrities and the rich are not exempt from possible complications. Kanye West's mother died of complications from routine cosmetic surgery, as well as numerous other celebrities who have been scarred and disfigured.
Southern California is known for the good-looking people residing on its shoreline. The external "pressure" to compete is out there, but at what price?
For some, I understand that smiling and laughing is just one obstacle between them and their next pilates class. For the sake of individuality, I will keep my expressive face.
You never know, maybe someday it will be exotic.
Erin McKenzie is a junior journalism major and an assistant opinions editor for the Daily Forty-Niner.
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