Bold & Beautiful in Delhi goes for Botox

Shveta Bhagat / TNN / Nov 19, 2005, 21:47 IST

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However, what's readily available is smuggled stuff like Chinese collagen, taken from the skin of dead bodies.

Bold & Beautiful in Delhi goes for Botox

NEW DELHI: Imagine being passed a syringeful of Botox in between rounds of hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Surreal? Not for the Capital's well-heeled women who have nothing to lose but their frown lines.
It's the latest thing on the party circuit, with the B&B (Bold & Beautiful) brigade getting botoxed in the comforting company of like-minded friends, munchies, flowing wine and, only occasionally, a qualified doc.
"Attending a Botox party is a lot like going to a Tupperware party. The more the people, the less the cost. Four of us can share one vial," says Rita Sethi (name changed), a prominent Delhi designer.
Botox bashes usually take place at someone's house, farmhouse or a hotel. It's all very discreet.

Which suits 20-something aspiring model Anna Kurien (name changed) just fine. "There's security in numbers. If you get all your friends to do it, nobody will talk."
Entry is by invitation. Once the procedure is over, the party revs up, with everyone standing around a marble fountain, nibbling and chatting... "I love it,�� gushes Payal Singh, airhostess with an international airlines. "A little hand-holding can really ease the nerves. Nobody has to sign a consent form, pay a bill or change into a sterile gown."As for the Botox, supplies are bought in bulk by the organisers.

But doctors are aghast. Much of what is circulated as Botox at parties is highly suspect, they say. Supply of licensed Botox is regulated; what's readily available is smuggled stuff like Chinese collagen, taken from the skin of dead bodies. There are risks involved in injecting without supervision. Botox has serious repercussions if done wrongly. "You could end up with droopy eyelids, eating and respiratory disorders,"says Dr PK Talwar, cosmetic surgeon at Apollo Hospital.
Dr Panezar of Kaya Skin Clinic also warns against self-experimentation. "You could be gambling with your life."Besides, some doctors are even sceptical of its beauty-enhancing capability. "Without the crow's feet and laughter lines, you can't convey a proper smile or frown,�� says dermatologist Rajiv Sekhri. Botox paralyses the muscles temporarily, making the face less expressive. Which is why actors are unlikely to be seen at these parties. "If Amitabh Bachchan was to get it done, he would go out of business,�� he points out.
TV personality Pooja Bedi - one of the few Indian celebs who are upfront about their Botox treatment - advocates Botox parties with a difference. Her dos are all about spreading awareness and doctors are part of the guest list.
So pleased is Bedi with her experience that she believes there can be dignity in vanity too. "It's a dream, it's fabulous! I'd recommend it to all my peers. But there's no point in doing it secretively. What if you do it wrong and your eyelids are left drooping for the next couple of months!"

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