Although Teri Hatcher, known as housewife Susan in Desperate Housewives, recently admitted that she has tried out Botox before, she may now have a different opinion:
These days, she gives a flat refusal to the popular neurotoxin that smoothes the so-called mimic wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the muscles involved in producing facial expressions. On Facebook, she publicly declares herself to a Botox-free forehead. Why does Teri do that? Because of the fact that there are rumors telling that she had enhanced her beauty with all kinds of cosmetic or plastic surgery. “There were never any surgeries done or implants inserted, no matter what others say,” she states.
Among more or less famous beauty seekers of advanced age worldwide, Botox continues to enjoy a great popularity as a “gateway drug” to cosmetic surgery. Since it reliably smoothes wrinkles for many months, it seems to offer an “instant rejuvenating” effect on the face. Prior to the discovery of the wrinkle-reducing potential of Botox, wrinkles were treated by laser, chemical peels, or facelifts, partially by performing a surgical sectioning of the mimic muscles. Botox (botulinum toxin) was originally used in the treatment of uncontrollable muscle spasms, so-called “tics”. Soon it was found out that it has a wrinkle smoothing effect in the treated face regions. Hence, its worldwide success was inevitable.
Unfortunately, Botox not only paralyzes the mimic muscles, but it also causes that various glands in the skin, e.g. the sweat glands, decrease in size. This effect is very much appreciated to prevent sweaty hands or armpits, but on the face the skin becomes increasingly thinner, drier, and paler. Thus, after a few years of using Botox, the person treated got rid of her wrinkles, but looks significantly older and worn out.
When should Botox be used? Botox can be used after facial surgery (e.g. autologous fat injections, stem cell facelift) in order to sedate the mimic for a while. It is very well suited for this purpose. However, it is not suitable for long-term treatment of facial wrinkles or even for facial rejuvenation. A combination of bioidentical hormones that prevent skin aging, as well as a local therapy with so-called growth factors or autologous stem cells derived from fat obtained by liposuction, is definitely better suited.
Has Teri been able to give a meaningful message by speaking out against Botox and other surgeries that are often performed unnecessarily, such as breast augmentations by means of implants, etc.? I think so. Or is there something behind it? Well, at least she does not look for a new job as she is still a “Desperate Housewife”. What do you think that could be behind it? Perhaps an approach of wisdom?
DDr. Heinrich, MD