Kitty parties are passe, time 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 exclusive, 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."
Naturally, entry is strictly by invitation. Once the procedure is over, the party revs up, with everyone standing around a marble fountain, nibbling, sipping and chatting as someone cuts a chocolate cake..."Personally, I love it," gushes Payal Singh, airhostess with an international airline.
"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.
The party's a sure hit!" As for the Botox, supplies are bought in bulk by the organisers. "There are volume discounts available. It's quite neat," adds Singh.
But doctors are quite 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.
Moreover, there are risks involved in injecting each other without doctor's supervision. "You could end up with droopy eyelids, eating and respiratory disorders," points out Dr P K Talwar, cosmetic surgeon at Apollo Hospital.
Dermatologist Rajiv Sekhri cites the case of two women who tried injecting Botox to get rid of wrinkles on their necks and ended up suffocating themselves to death.
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 Dr 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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