The Benefits of Botox
U.S. News has done wonders enlightening readers by describing the drug Botox ["Beyond Wrinkles," January 22]. It is a revelation to know that doctors are using it to treat everything from Parkinson's to writer's cramp. Perhaps the toxic properties of Botox will be shown to help kill cancer cells also.
WILSON A. SOLANKI
Niagara Falls, N.Y.
The greatest challenge often posed to physicians is not a lack of new treatment options but frustrations with insurance companies' refusing to cover these treatments. Obviously, without insurance coverage, treatments of medical problems with Botox are out of reach for the majority of working Americans. Despite scientific evidence, insurance companies' decisions to cover treatments like Botox seem arbitrary and variable. Medical decisions should be made by the patient and doctor, not by an intermediary.
PRAMIT S. MALHOTRA, M.D.
Jackson, Mich.
Cosmetic botox is relatively new to all physicians and has revolutionized cosmetic medicine ["Smoothing the Fault Lines"]. Plastic surgeons received no Botox training in residency until recently, and many others took a "weekend" course. The doctor who injects Botox or filler should be experienced at the procedure no matter his field.
EVERETT MARC LAUTIN, M.D.
New York
I have wanted to tell some of our most famous actors and actresses that by erasing lines and wrinkles, having cheek and chin implants, or whatever else, they are no longer recognizable. They may think Botox is OK, but who wants a 50-year-old actor or actress with no character lines trying to look 20?
BLANCHE GIBBS
Beaumont, Texas
Iraq History Lesson
"4th and Long" [January 22] described President Bush's latest maneuver in the Iraq counterinsurgency as a "last-ditch gamble." Opponents cry too little, too late. Oh, really? Just how long should it take to quell an insurgency in a hostile land thousands of miles away? History tells us that small wars usually take several years to figure out. Resolution requires a minimum of 10 to 15 years and then, only with persistence, perseverance, adapting tactics, and iron will. With all due respect to our elected leaders and even many generals, they are either ignorant of this history or have chosen to ignore it for political purposes. I recommend they study the Philippine Insurrection, Huk Rebellion, and Malayan Emergency. If we abandon Iraq, the price will be paid in innocent blood.
GEOFFREY F. WEISS
South Riding, Va.
The buildup and execution of the unnecessary pre-emptive war in Iraq has been going on for four years. Not once during this time has President Bush or his expert neocon advisers taken a proposal for troop force to the nation for approval. Why now? The only thing I can think of is that Bush finally has decided that this is a failed venture, that the history of secular turmoil in Iraq is repeating itself, and he is looking for a scapegoat. And it looks as if the Democrats are foolish enough to play into his hands instead of letting enlightened Republicans put an end to it.
ED SANDERS
Nashville
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