My friends, patients and I were surprised to read in the Sunday, June 8 edition of The Citizen (section C) about a big “Botox Party#” in Auburn. Many who read the article told me they expected to see my name somewhere, since it stated that a “local doctor#” was co-hosting the party. As a board certified dermatologist with practices in Auburn and Skaneateles, and a member of the Auburn Memorial Hospital medical staff, I have been doing Botox injections for my patients for the past several years, with excellent results and patient satisfaction. Instead, however, Dr. Halliday was named as the local doctor. He is a very accomplished plastic surgeon from Syracuse, but not “local#” in terms of Auburn and Skaneateles.

Botox parties can be fun. I have, on a few occasions, hosted small parties for my patients. However, these are best done in my office, with small groups of friends, after hours. Botox injections are safe procedures that have gained much popularity in the past few years. As with any medical procedure, however, there are risks and benefits. I like to be able to discuss these carefully with each patient. And I am the provider that does the injections on all my patients who choose to have the procedure. For many who are contemplating Botox for the first time, there can be questions and anxiety. Sometimes sharing the procedure with friends can help calm the anxiety. But anyone who takes part in a Botox party needs to realize that the confidentiality required by HIPAA regulations is compromised in a party setting. Physicians cannot disclose a patient#'s medical information, but there is no guarantee of privacy when a group of people have injections together.

Potential patients should think carefully about whether they want this medical procedure, which is often a personal matter, made public.

Dr. Jeffrey LaDuca

Auburn

LaDuca is a dermatologist with offices in Auburn and Skaneateles