Poker players have been searching for the best way to develop a “poker face” since the game was invented. Some people hide behind hats with big brims. Others wear large sunglasses that obscure the majority of their face. Others may try to perfect their stoic expression in order to keep their competitors clueless. Recently, one doctor of aesthetic medicine has offered a new option for professional poker players – BOTOX® Cosmetic. The doctor has even coined a name for this procedure – “Pokertox.” In order to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, BOTOX® Cosmetic paralyzes the facial muscles, preventing them from contracting and forming wrinkles. This can leave BOTOX® Cosmetic patients with an emotionally flat expression, which is exactly what this doctor is hoping will lure poker players to his practice. “Some people might get a card they like or don’t like and raise their eyebrows,” the doctor said. “If that’s the common reaction, we can put Botox in certain areas to minimize them.” Other potential “tells” that might be hidden by BOTOX® Cosmetic include a tendency to squint or to curl the corners of your lips. The doctor has even suggested using BOTOX® Cosmetic to create the appearance of a “false tell” that would throw off other players. After running the promotion for a week, he is still waiting for his first Pokertox patient. Several professional poker players have expressed their reservations about using BOTOX®Cosmetic to hide a potential “tell.” Josh Hale, a professional poker player who has competed on the World Poker Tour, believes this idea is a decade too late. “The game has moved on from bluffs, and is more analytical these days,” Hale said. “Players might look at physical tells, but they are relying more on betting patterns and bet sizing.” Jay Melancon has been playing poker professionally for more than a decade. He believes the cost of BOTOX® Cosmetic will ultimately make “Pokertox” impractical, especially due to the fact that you will need to go for additional injections every 3-4 months in order to maintain this competitive edge. Of course, if you are a poker player who is also interested in reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles, then “Pokertox” can serve a dual purpose. For these people, it may be worth taking a chance on the procedure. If you are interested in getting BOTOX® Cosmetic in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, please contact Dr. David Bottger today to schedule your initial consultation.