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Allergan, Inc.’s Botox®/Vistabel® Product Licenced for Glabellar Lines in France

The Agence Francaise de Securite Sanitaire des Produits de Sante (AFSSAPS) first approved Allergan, Inc.’s Botox® product, botulinum toxin type A, for treatment of glabellar lines in 2003. Allergan, Inc. markets its Botox® product in France under the product name Vistabel®, which was licenced for the same use in the U.K. in March 2006. At the time, France became the nineteenth country to licence Allergan, Inc.’s Botox® product.

Glabellar lines are the vertical frown lines between the eyes, generated by emotions of stress and anger. Over time, the lines can become permanent, giving a perpetual appearance of stress or anger. Botox® / Vistabel® relaxes the muscles causing frown lines, smoothing the skin between the eyebrows. It works by temporarily preventing facial nerve endings, which receive a signal from the brain to display a particular emotion, from releasing acetycholine. The temporary failed release lasts several months, preventing the nerve endings from controlling the facial muscles. The procedure is quick and easy, and minimally invasive, requiring only a few small injections into the skin. Results are nearly instantaneous.

The product has been proven safe and effective in clinical trials. More than eighty per cent of patients involved in the clinical studies saw the maximum effect from the drug. The side effects included headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop and nausea. Patients who experience any hypersensitivity to specific ingredients in the product should not receive Botox® / Vistabel® treatments. The product is available by prescription only, and Allergan, Inc. does recommend that Botox® / Vistabel® treatments be administered by a qualified and experienced physician who specializes in cosmetic treatments, and it should be administered in an appropriate medical facility.

Allergan manufactures its Botox® / Vistabel® product, generically called Clostridium botulinum type – A neurotoxin complex, from a naturally occurring protein called purified type – A neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The drug is now approved in more than seventy countries for a variety of uses beyond treatment of glabellar lines. The United Kingdom in particular has approved the product for treatment of blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, cervical dystonia, severe hyperhidrosis of the axillae, dynamic equines foot deformity in children with cerebral palsy, and for wrist and hand disability caused by adult stroke.

Allergan, Inc. is headquartered in Irvine, California. The company has successfully marketed its Botox® and Vistabel® products worldwide, advancing its corporate mission of improving patients’ lives.

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Botox is Becoming More Popular

Botox is a highly successful, non-invasive cosmetic treatment to treat wrinkles. This affordable treatment is great for smoothing away crows feet, fine wrinkles around the mouth, as well as frown lines in order to achieve more youthful skin. The proven results make it one of the most sought after beauty treatments worldwide.

Botox is the abbreviated name for Botulllinum Toxin Type A. This non-surgical procedure involves injecting protein into the skin to soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines; it is completely safe and only takes minutes. The needle used for this procedure is so fine that many patients do not feel any discomfort. Given the simplicity of this procedure, many women opt to have it done on their lunch breaks!

The procedure works by temporarily paralyzing wrinkles and preventing the line from creasing with normal facial expressions. While it will not completely cure some deeper wrinkles, it is great for softening the overall look of aging skin. Treatments are recommended every three to four months; patients generally have more noticeable results over a period of several treatments.

Doctors do warn that Botox should be done in moderation as to many treatments can cause the face to lack expression. Another temporary side effect of Botox is slight bruising or swelling on or around the treated area; this generally diminishes within the first few days following treatment.

Botox is a relatively inexpensive cosmetic treatment. The cost of treatment depends on the area that is being treated. If lines are deeper then they generally call for more treatments than finer lines do. Treatments, on average, cost between £200 and £400 to treat fine wrinkles; prices go up from there to treat more extreme wrinkles. Do not be embarrassed to ask for a free consultation before treatment in order to avoid an unexpected bill.

Given the great results in such a small amount of time most women now opt for Botox as it allows for an affordable solution to aging skin. It is such a popular procedure that in 2001 more than 1.6 million people received injections which was an increase of 46 percent over the previous year. Botox has become more popular than breast enhancement surgery and is regarded by some as the ultimate fountain of youth.

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Why Juvéderm Dermal Fillers Are What Our Skin Needs

The aging process undoubtedly changes our skin in many ways, including reducing the collagen fibers that give our skin the elasticity and tightnessJuvéderm it needs. That’s why medical advancements such as Juvéderm have done so much to improve the nature of our skin while we age, allowing us to rejuvenate and heal skin that’s begun to sag and wrinkle. As we battle against pollution in the area, stress, sunlight and unhealthy lifestyles like smoking, new medical treatments are always available to help us recover our appearance when necessary. The truth is our skin is taking the brunt of the damage in our current lifestyles, taking most of the hits like sun damage and stress-related aging. Our skin is actually aging faster than it should because of the rough life it’s going through.

The reason for the aging appearance associated with wrinkles and drooping skin is low levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Fortunately, a new product works to fix this. Juvéderm Dermal Filler treatments are a non-surgical procedure that gives you affects that can last at least six months, maybe longer. So what is Juvéderm? Basically, it’s a wrinkle removal gel that fills all the fine lines in the skin to give a smooth look that still looks natural and youthful. Juvéderm fulfills our skin’s needs as wel by providing it with acids that plump and soothe the rough texture of aging skin. Juvéderm treatments are available at both medical spas and cosmetic surgeons’ offices, allowing you to choose which setting will make you most comfortable.

Juvéderm Dermal Filler is a safe and painless alternative to surgical procedures, although it does have some side effects in some cases. Special care should always be taken when using Juvéderm and that’s why it’s only available at select spas and cosmetic surgeons. It is not yet known what the effects of Juvéderm are on pregnant women. Juvéderm Dermal Filler is currently approved for the correction of wrinkles on the face and facial folds.

Juvéderm is a simple procedure that takes less than twenty minutes. Gel is injected into affected areas and smoothed by a trained professional. Your next appointment is then scheduled and you’re ready to go. Typically, treatments cost between £200 and £700, which depends on the type of formula you select. Of course, when compared to the cost of cosmetic surgery, this price is definitely worth it. The results of Juvéderm Dermal Fillers are unparalleled and will leave you amazed.

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Botox Cosmetic: A Serious Look at Looking Good

The allure of youth is potent, especially to women who feel pressured society to look a certain way. When medical procedures that could improve the appearance of frown lines between brows emerged, women all over the world clamored to be the first line. Shortly, these women became frequent customers fueling a multi-billion pound industry.

Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin Type A) contains the same toxin that causes food poisoning. Used in a clinical setting in an injectable, sterile form, the Botox blocks the release of acetylcholine, which nerve cells use to signal muscle contraction. A doctor can use the Botox to interfere selectively with the muscles’ ability to contract. The process smoothes the frown lines and, in many cases, makes them invisible within a week. This result has made Botox injections the most prevalent cosmetic procedure in the world including breast enhancement surgery.

In the US, the FDA initially approved Botox in 1989 as a treatment for misaligned eyes (strabismus) and uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm). In 2000, this approval widened to include severe neck and shoulder contractions (cervical dystonia). It was during the treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm that doctors realized it was softening the glabellar lines between eyebrows. This vertical frown between the eyebrows is what makes people look angry, displeased or tired.

Additional clinical studies commenced and by 2002, the US’s FDA was satisfied with the evidence of Botox’s safety and ability to reduce frown lines for up to 120 days. However, the FDA approves products but does not regulate their use. This flexibility has led to a wide range of procedures in the US of which there have been no clinical evaluations and certainly no explicit demonstration of safety.

Another factor driving the popularity of Botox among women is the social aspect that has become a part of the drug’s marketing. Volume discounts are available for many types of medicines including Botox. Therefore, it has become a prevalent practice for doctors to purchase Botox in bulk and then hold gatherings for their patients. Women gather at these Botox parties for the injection at a discount, food and drink, and camaraderie. This phenomenon began in the US but has since emerged everywhere where Botox injections are legal.

Regulatory agencies around the world, such as the MHRA and FDA, have indicated increased concern over the potential for Botox abuse. The social aspect of the drug has led to unqualified technicians performing the procedure in home-based offices, retail venues, gyms, and salons. In these situations, the patient runs serious risks of inappropriate dosages and unsanitary conditions. However, this does not dissuade millions of women from repeating the process continuously, chasing that ever-elusive fountain of youth.

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Non-invasive Procedures Are on the Rise

According to a recent survey, non invasive procedures are on the rise.

A survey released by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) reveals that the number of non invasive cosmetic procedures rose 47 percent last year.

The growing trend of using non invasive procedures to look and feel refreshed is accounted for, mainly, by the state of the economy. According to 80 percent of the surgeons surveyed, many said their patients are choosing these procedures because, not only are they cheaper, they are needed to remain competitive in the workplace. According to the survey, roughly 36 percent of men and 18 percent of women report work related reasons for seeking cosmetic procedures.

According to the survey, the increase in non invasive surgeries was seen across the board with poly-l-lactic acid having the largest increase of 71 percent. Coming in close behind were chemical peels which were up 52 percent, hyaluronic acid up 48 percent and Botox up 45 percent.

Seventy-seven percent of surgeons agreed that their patients are also better educated about the different cosmetic procedures available to them. Many have done their research of the different physicians, pricing as well as recovery time in order to find the procedure best suited for their needs.

The president of the AAFPRS, Daniel Rousso said: “We are excited to see patients making educated choices. They are now open to newer, novel treatments and are making smart decisions that are tailored to their needs…the overall rise in these procedures also shows that more patients are trusting their face to facial plastic surgeons who are trained and focus solely on the face and neck. Because of this, patients are seeing better outcomes.”

Also uncovered in this survey was the fact that women are still more likely than men to undergo cosmetic procedures; women account for 84 percent of surgical as well as non-surgical cosmetic procedures. What remained unchanged, however, was the fact that the number of men and women choosing surgery for reconstructive purposes are equal.

Not surprising is the fact that, according to the AAFPRS, there has been a 91 percent increase in the number of men having Botox since 2000.

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Simple Cosmetic Treatments Increase in Popularity Among Men

As dermatological technology advances, simple cosmetic treatments such as facial fillers and Botox are no longer primarily targeted for women. Men are increasingly taking advantage of cosmetic enhancements as well, to help fight signs of age and to increase professional marketability. Men looking for an affordable alternative to invasive cosmetic surgery are turning to facial fillers, Botox, and other non-invasive cosmetic treatments in lieu of opting for costly traditional cosmetic surgery.

Non surgical treatments such as facial fillers and Botox, compared to going under the knife via face lifts and other invasive cosmetic procedures, are affordable, quick, and require minimal recovery time. However, non surgical treatments offer very similar results to surgery, by filling out the temple area, smoothing wrinkles, and eliminating sun spots from an aging face. Even nose jobs can be achieved with non surgical cosmetic treatments, by using an injectable wrinkle filler to straighten noses and smooth bumps.

Results from non surgical cosmetic treatments are instantaneous, making these cosmetic options increasingly attractive to men as well as women. In particular, the popularity of skin peels has exceeded that of facelifts among British women.

A struggling global economy has seen job seekers looking for innovative ways to increase their odds of landing a job. The job market is brutal, and competition for jobs is fierce. A younger and more energetic appearance may help job candidates look more desirable in the eyes of a hiring manager.

The global recession may have had some impact on the increasing popularity of non surgical cosmetic procedures for other reasons, as well. The simple explanation is that the procedures are much less costly than traditional cosmetic surgery. This may explain the increased popularity of skin peels among women. Also, due to the decreased recovery time, patients find they are able to return to work right away. Patients without paid leave are more likely to invest in cosmetic treatments when they are not required to miss work in order to do so.

For these reasons, non invasive cosmetic treatments have increased by five per cent in the last year. The bottom line is that non surgical cosmetic treatments offer many of the same results that traditional cosmetic surgery offered, at a fraction of the cost and recovery. With such easy ways to enhance the appearance of an aging face, it’s no wonder that these treatments have increased in popularity among men and women alike.

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Quality Assurance Mark Guarantees Quality

Patients of injectable cosmetic treatments, such as wrinkle fillers and Botox, can finally rest easy. Up until now, cosmetic treatment facilities have been unregulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and patients risked securing care from providers offering less-than-quality services. But a new provider registration and quality assurance mark offered by the Independent Healthcare Advisors Services (IHAS) and backed by the Government guarantees quality care from cosmetic treatment providers.

The IHAS Registration mark separates quality cosmetic treatment providers from the unqualified practitioners, offering a safeguard to patients seeking cosmetic services. Organisations and practitioners offering injectable cosmetic treatments must register through IHAS in order to legally display the IHAS Register of Injectable Cosmetic Providers mark. Registration requirements include completing self assessment forms and submitting supporting evidence, permitting random site visit inspections with only 24 hours’ notice, and paying a registration scheme fee to support the IHAS quality cosmetic treatment initiative. The providers must prove, through assessments, inspections, and supporting documentation, that they comply with good practice standards for the cosmetic treatment industry.

The industry led initiative is fully supported by Health Minister Mike O’Brien, who stated that the registration will “…help protect the public from unscrupulous operators. It will clearly mark those who uphold the highest standards the industry can provide.” The Minister has Government offered funding to support the regulation of cosmetic treatment providers in the United Kingdom.

Large cosmetic treatment providers in the industry have already offered their commitment to supporting the quality initiative. The Harley Medical Group, Transform, and Sk:n, who together own more than eighty clinics, plan to register all of their facilities. The initiative is also highly supported by suppliers to the cosmetic treatment industry, such as Q-MED UK Ltd, the manufacturer of Restylane dermal fillers, and Dental Protection, which offers professional support and advice to a majority of dentists in the United Kingdom. The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors also announced its support of the industry regulation.

Patients seeking quality care can search the Independent Healthcare Advisors Services registration for registered cosmetic treatment providers, or simply look for the “IHAS Register of Injectable Cosmetic Providers Quality Assurance Mark” at any provider of choice. Doctors, registered adult nurses, and dentists will be registered during the first year of implementation. If the launch is successful, IHAS will consider adding standards for dental hygienists, therapists, physiotherapists, and others during a second rollout of registration year two of implementation.

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Botox – Brain connection

Botox, an incredibly popular drug sold by Allergan Inc., is used primarily in cosmetic procedures designed to reduce facial wrinkles and is derived from the deadly botulinum neurotoxin produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. A different version of botulinum neurotoxin, known as Myobloc, is used in medical procedures designed to reduce muscle stiffness and spasms in people with cerebral palsy. People who are exposed to this toxin through having infected wounds or eating contaminated food develop botulism. Botulism is a paralytic illness that can paralyze the respiratory system and result in death if not treated.

New studies have shown that Botox doesn’t just reduce wrinkles. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, Botox that is injected into a person’s face can move into the brain and damage the central nervous system. When Botox was first introduced to the cosmetic market, there were no warning labels or particularly nasty proven side effects. However, the FDA mandated that warning labels be added to Botox and Myobloc after people began reporting trouble breathing and swallowing after using the drugs. The FDA has mainly directed these warnings to people with neuromuscular problems, but also admits that other people may be at risk as well. Due to these concerns, the FDA has begun investigating Botox its potentially dangerous side effects.

In the Journal of Neuroscience article, researchers experimented on rats with Botox to observe its effects on the brain. The researchers found that when they injected botulinum toxin into one side of a rat’s brain, the toxin would make its way over to the other side of the brain. When they injected a part of the brain responsible for vision, the toxin made its way into the rat’s eyes. The effects of the toxin were long lasting – researchers still detected the effects up to six months later. The results of this study support concerns about the dangers of injecting Botox into a person’s face. Although Botox is one of the best selling cosmetic procedures today, maybe clients should reconsider getting Botox treatments before more information and research can be obtained on the dangers of this potentially damaging paralytic agent.

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Different Types of Dermal Fillers

There exist a few kinds of dermal fillers on the market, all of which have the same intention: to decrease the signs of aging. The only realDermal Fillers differences among them are how long they take, what they are made of, and how they work.

Collagen

Collagen is an injection, thus making it a rather soft product. Because it is based on humans, there are hardly ever any negative reactions and it usually sits well with anybody who takes it. The primary advantage is the fact that it has lidocaine in it, meaning the process is less uncomfortable for a person, making it a good choice for those who fear pain. On average, the product will remain good for up to six months, though it must be refrigerated.

Hyaluronic Acids

Restylane and Perlane are two examples of a non-animal based hyaluronic acid Dermal Fillers. The former product will typically last upwards of six months, where the latter product seems to last a little bit longer than that since it is a bit of a more robust product. Captique, another similar product, will normally last upwards of four months. Juvederm, on the other hand, is a new product of its kind that has been proven to last even longer: upwards of twelve months. Like collagen, it is a soft product that injects with ease.

Hylaform is another type of this product, though unlike the others, it is avian based. It is quite similar to Restylane except it does not last quite as long. However, it does come in numerous different levels of concentration for the purposes of property tailoring for a different level of wrinkles.

Semi-Permanent Dermal Fillers

Manufactured by BioForm, Radiesse is a product that of which is greatly compatible with people due to the fact that it contains a natural body substance: calcium hydroxyapatite. Though it may take multiple injections before the desired result is achieved, when this occurs, it should last upwards of two years. The natural body substance functions as a way to increase the production of new collagen. However, included with this advantage is one drawback: It causes a little bit more pain and bruising than that of other methods.

Manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis, and equally as compatible as the previous mention, Sculptra comes delivered within a vial. Ideally, one would reconstitute the substance at least three hours prior with lidocaine and sterile water. Since the water is used, the results will not be immediate, though it should occur within two days afterwards. Because the final product contains lidocaine, it will not be quite as painful as other methods, though this is a method requiring future injections at least a full month in between. This may last upwards of two years.

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