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Misconceptions About Botox

Botulinum was once considered one of the most deadly toxins on earth, but in recent years is being used in an increasing number of medical applications. The pharmaceutical solution is available in varying forms as Botox or Dysport in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Allergen Company first patented Botox, but the name is commonly used interchangeably for both medications by the general public. In 2006, the solutions had gained immediate acceptance in the treatment of various medical ailments including depression, prostate disease, vocal problems and urinary incontinence. Though Botox and Dysport use has become increasingly common in the medical profession, many health care providers encounter patients with numerous fears and misinformation related to the treatment. Many acquaint the medication with the infamous food toxin or express concern regarding possible paralyzing side effects.

Many useful modern day medications are solutions derived from toxic substances. Well-known medications including adrenalin, atropine, digoxin and lidocaine are commonly used in cardiac patients and were formulated by extracting substances from animals, plants, or microbes that may be toxic in and of themselves. The foxglove plant is used to manufacture digoxin. The plant itself is very dangerous if consumed by an average person, as it causes cessation of the heart. However, diluted and formulated properly, digoxin is used to control abnormally fast heart rates. Likewise, atropine is developed from the nightshade family and though the plant can cause many serious side effects, a substance within the plant is medically used to control the nerves that regulate heartbeat. Ladies in ancient cultures used the substance to dilate their pupils, thus fooling suitors into believing they were attractive. Botox is derived from the bacteria that causes serious food poisoning, but the substance is carefully diluted. Trained physicians are aware of which muscle groups the solution can be injected into to prevent possible hazardous effects. It is not uncommon for newborns to receive such injections when suffering from cerebral palsy or other forms of muscle spasticity. The infants in these instances experience no adverse effects. Health care providers find that common widely used substances, including antibiotics and aspirin, pose a much larger health risk to patients. As with any medication, possible anaphylaxis can occur with Botox injections. Trained physicians should only provide the treatment in settings containing proper emergency medical equipment.

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Lip Augmentation Through Restylane

Much of the focus in plastic surgery lately has been moving north…to the lips! A simple lip augmentation can give you a dramatic and sensuous look with the fullness of celebrities like Angelina Jolie. This procedure can give you more self-confidence and balance your appearance. Since aging can cause you to lose collagen and volume in your lips, lip augmentation can even make you look younger!

But with something as noticeable as your lips, you should take care to make sure the procedure is done right. It is difficult to cover up a mistake right on the front of your face! If you are considering a lip augmentation procedure, take the time to research the best products on the market.

Restylane is one of the more common products on the lip augmentation market, and its results are quite promising. Unlike other injectable fillers like fat and collagen, this substance is a biodegradable gel that contains no animal products. It is based on hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body with the purpose of providing fullness and elasticity.

Lip injections with Restylane are fast, easy, and relatively pain-free. You do not even need a skin test, since the product is not animal-based and the risk of an allergic reaction is low. Because Restylane does not contain lidocaine like collagen, you may experience pain upon injection. Using a small needle, the gel is placed in the inside of the lips in little amounts. The volume it adds, though, is impressive. The entire procedure can take from just a few minutes up to half an hour, and you can go home shortly thereafter. The full recovery time is only about two to three days, and there are relatively few side effects besides some tenderness and swelling at the site of the injection.

Since Restylane is one of the latest developments in lip augmentation procedures, costs will vary by physician and location. But Restylane is sure to be a great value for your money, since it can stay effective for six months (much longer than other treatments). Using Restylane can enhance and regenerate your lips to add volume and shape. The product has also been approved by the FDA for the improvement of facial wrinkles, aging lines, and crow’s feet.

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The Effects of Overnight Wrinkle Reducers

The effects of overnight wrinkle reducers often vanish just as quickly as they appear. It seems that instant results and lasting results do not always go hand in hand. However, reports from the 2009 American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) meeting show impressive results by a new and exciting dermal filler called AquamidR. There is potential that this product may be more effective than the current treatments on the market for treating facial wrinkles known as nasolabial folds.

The active ingredient in AquamidR is 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel. This injectable filler is currently being investigated to determine the drug’s lasting effects. So far, tests have shown that patients have tolerated the drug as well as hyaluronic acid, a popular and commonly-used treatment.

Even more importantly, however, is the fact that it was as effective as its competition after six months. Polyacrylamide hydrogel is non-biodegradable and stays in place when injected, so scientists are predicting that the effectiveness will continue beyond even the study period. Also, because the drug will not be reabsorbed into the body, patients do not require periodic re-injections like with other treatments. This saves patients time and money while preventing side effects like bruising and pain when injected.

The study performed to compare the effectiveness of the two drugs uses an objective measuring system called the Wrinkle Assessment Scale. This scale is widely accepted among medical professionals. Among patients injected with polyacrylamide hydrogel, the average improvement was 1.8 points on the Wrinkle Assessment Scale in six months. This is compared to 2.0 points with the conventional hyaluronic acid method, but both treatments were beyond the 0.5-point cut-off needed to declare the drugs as clinically relevant and statistically significant. Twelve months later, there was an average 1.7-point improvement in both treatment groups.

Developers of the drug caution against too much excitement just yet; there is still more time needed to do longer follow-ups on patients to ensure the long-term safety of the treatment. Five-year data collected in Europe currently supports the safety of polyacrylamide hydrogel. But if you are one of the many people looking for non-surgical solution to facial wrinkles, keep looking toward this new developing treatment option.

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How Well Do You Know Botox

Who would have thought that modern medical scientists could tame a substance once called “The most poisonous poison on earth” and harness its power to use for goodness? The miracle of controlling Botox, also called Dysport in the United Kingdom and Ireland has resulted in the successful treatment of voice tremors, urinary incontinence, prostatic disease and even depression. The cosmetic applications extend even further, Botox can help control underarm perspiration, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, lift the eyelids and make lips look fuller. So, what was once seen as a terrible poison is now a miracle drug.

Some people are concerned that Botox injections will give them a glazed, expressionless face, but at the hands of a skilled and realistic practitioner, that’s not likely to happen. Certified and expert physicians who use Botox for cosmetic purposes understand how the cells in the face toned to age and relax over time, and use Botox to work with the body’s natural weak spots, providing a firmer resistance. Properly applied, a patient won’t look fake, plastic or expressionless at all.

Another common misconception about Botox is that it’s toxic. True, it’s derived from a toxic substance, but before being approved for cosmetic purposes, it goes through a rigorous safety process that ensures it’s diluted and that the final injection isn’t strong enough to hurt anyone. In fact, most drugs are derived from toxins. In small amounts, they’re used effectively to treat diseases and disorders. In large amounts, though, they’re dangerous.

Belladonna is an example of this. A relative of the potato plant, Belladonna has been used over the centuries as an aphrodisiac, a poison and as a cosmetic eye drop. Today, ophthalmologist use a formula derived from Belladonna to dilate the patient’s upils for an optometric examination. Once dilated, the doctor can see the retina clearly. So any substance that can be called toxic, can also be diluted in order to work with the body instead of against it. “Everything in moderation,” so the saying goes.

The best thing a client can do, when considering whether or not to use Botox or Dysport, is to discuss the matter with a physician who’s informed and trained in using Botox effectively. When there are so many misconceptions and misconstrued information floating around, it’s no wonder that some of the people who would benefit the most from Botox injections may be afraid to pursue the matter.

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Treating Frown Lines and Facial Wrinkles

Frown lines around your mouth or forehead can make you look tired and older than your age. However, there are methods for preventing and eliminating these wrinkles.

Skin maintains its elasticity with the natural substances of collagen and elastin. However, your body produces less of these chemicals with age and your skin has a harder time staying taut and bouncing back when stretched. Think of a worn-out rubber band that is too stretched to return to its original size. The aging process is made worse by factors like sun exposure and smoking. With years of repetitive movements like frowning, laughing, and squinting, frown lines form.

To prevent frown lines, protect your skin from the sun. Wear large sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Make sure to reapply sunblock often. Wrinkle creams are good for both treatment and prevention since they nourish your cells and help replenish your depleting collagen. Look for lotions and creams that contain retinol or vitamin A, vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid to moisturize. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids can also help to remove or exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal more youthful skin underneath. For an effective and relaxing solution, facial massages may actually help prevent frown lines. A massage stimulates blood flow to the area, and exfoliation reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. If you’re concerned about wrinkles on your entire body, use oils like coconut or almond oil to keep skin soft and well-hydrated.

Diet can also be a factor that affects the health of your skin. Foods that contain antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids are known to affect the firmness of your skin. Instead of processed foods, go with fruits and vegetables and drink ample water.

Once you have the wrinkles, though, it is difficult to reverse the curse. One of the most popular treatment options for frown lines is the use of Botox. Botox injection can almost immediately reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and it lasts for months. Similar treatments include fillers like hyaluronic acid, collagen and calcium hydroxylapatite. Surgical brow or forehead lifts are more expensive, but they last for years. Less extreme treatment options include non-surgical procedures like chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing.

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Remote Prescribing Podcast now Available

The latest Cosmetic Courses podcast is now available to listen to.

In the 13th episode, Adrian Richards talks to Ron Myers about Remote prescribing.

The issue of remote prescribing has been much in the news recently- with both sides of the argument being well represented.

Some believe that it is sufficient for a doctor or dentist to discuss individual cases with nurse practitioners and prescribe accordingly.  Others argue that the doctor should physically see and assess each patient.

Ron Myers from the consulting rooms discusses the following issues in the podcast:

  • The current legislation on Remote prescribing
  • How the governing bodies view Remote prescribing
  • How and when the issue is likely to resolve itself
  • His advice to Nurses using remote prescribing services.
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Interview with Ravi Jain of Riverbanks Clinic

Ravi Jain is well known in the UK aesthetics industry and the owner of the Riverbanks Clinic which won the prestigous clinic of the year award in 2009.

In this interview Ravi discusses:

  • His reasons for changing his career path from a GP to a full time Aesthetic practitioner
  • His advice on how to set up a successful clinic
  • Tips on how to survive the recession
  • His thoughts on how to constantly improve quality within your practice
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Microdermabrasion and Chemical peels

Microdermabrasion and Chemical peels are two very common skin rejuvenation techniques. Although they can both treat acne and signs of aging, it is helpful to understand the differences between the two procedures before consulting a medical professional and investing in a treatment.

Do not be overwhelmed by the term microdermabrasion. To break it down, the procedure is just a light abrasion of the top layer of the skin. Most people look to microdermabrasion to treat acne and other surface blemishes. The procedure propels micro aluminum oxide crystals at the skin to exfoliate the surface and rid the skin of dead cells. This also clears out dirt particles and blemish-causing elements. Some microdermabrasion treatments use a technique without crystals, but this is the most common form. Because this procedure affects the top layers of skin, it’s considered to be generally safe. Some patients may have redness on the skin for a few hours after the procedure.

One drawback to microdermabrasion is that is only temporary. Treatments usually only last a few months before the effects wear off and patients must undergo the same procedure again. If your skin concerns are more surface-level in nature, though, this may be a good option for you. Although more intensive treatments last longer, they can often irritate the skin. If you suffer from whiteheads, blackheads, or just dull skin, then irritating the skin may actually cause more problems.

Chemical peels are usually more intensive, but the same treatment techniques can be applied in different depths depending on your needs. Some chemical peels have a very fast recovery time, while deep peels may require months of healing. This often depends on the skin conditions the patient wants to treat. Like microdermabrasion, chemical peels can treat acne and freshen up dull skin. Deeper peels, however, can also improve the look of wrinkles and photo-aging.

The peel treatment uses chemical solutions to actually intentionally damage the skin, but in a controlled manner. Different chemicals affect the skin in different ways, and several peels may be required to reach the desired result. Peel procedures are safe and commonplace, but deeper peels may require anesthesia and the monitoring of vital signs. If this worries you, then it may be wise to start with microdermabrasion. Chemical peels can last for years. Patients will need to have repeated procedures eventually, but maintenance is much easier than with microdermabrasion.

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Can Botox’s Smoothing Effect Be Socially Hazardous? Experts Disagree

A study carried out in the US by psychologist David Havas and colleagues from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Arizona State University and the University of Chicago has had UK newspapers crying out that Botox injections will cause friendships to fail. The study’s conclusions suggest that using Botox procedures to effectively “freeze” the muscles that cause lined foreheads and crow’s feet will make users’ faces respond more slowly to bad news, giving the impression that they are indifferent or lacking in sympathy. Yet according to leading UK health website the study may be flawed and its conclusions should not give consumers cause to worry that Botox will destroy their relationships.

The study consisted of recruiting 41 women from cosmetic surgery clinics to participate in a test that involved reading 60 sentences on a computer screen. The women, who received $50 towards the cost of their procedures as compensation, took two tests–one just before their Botox treatment, and the second two weeks afterwards. Both times they read 20 happy, 20 sad and 20 angry sentences, pressing a key on the keyboard to indicate when they had finished reading each sentence.

Analytical techniques such as regression analysis were used to cancel out the effects the position of the questions in the tests, the emotions they were designed to express, and possible anxiety about the Botox procedures. The overall result of the study was the finding that although the time for reading the happy sentences remained unchanged, participants took approximately 0.2 to 0.3 seconds longer to read the sad and angry sentences after their Botox treatments. Drawing on earlier research on both animals and humans, the study’s conclusion was that Botox’s paralysing effect on facial muscles was hindering emotional processing, particularly if the paralysed muscles were the ones usually used to express the emotion in question.

NHS commenters have pointed to several flaws in the study, including the small size of the sample and the fact that previous studies have not shown for certain that reading time is an indicator of the effectiveness of emotional processing. In addition, no research was done to assess the popularity and/or sociability of the study participants, or to independently assess their facial expressions as they read the questions. It seems likely, therefore, that UK newspapers were jumping to unwarranted conclusions when they deduced that Botox use could ruin friendships.

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Use Juvederm to Cut Down the Signs of Aging

If you have tried more wrinkle cream and treatments than you have wrinkles on your face, it is easy to get frustrated with a lack of results. Some creams are gentle on your skin but show no real results. Other treatments are so abrasive and have so many bad side effects that it is not even worth the risk. But before you give up hope, consider trying a proven product used by dermatologists worldwide: Juvederm. Juvederm gives you younger looking skin instantly and lasts for up to a year, but it is still gentle and safe. Other products claim results, but Juverderm’s clients show them.

Juvederm is an injectable clear, water-based gel containing hyaluronic acid, a type of chemical found naturally in the body. There are no animal components involved in the manufacturing of the drug, so you do not need to worry about allergies. Juvederm increases the elasticity and smoothness of your skin while revitalizing the skin’s cells. It is a natural product that will not give you a “plastic surgery” look!

Using a very fine needle, the gel is injected into the mid to deep dermis layer of your facial tissue to add volume. The injection is performed slowly and only requires a small amount of the product, and then the skin is massage to distribute the gel evenly. In total, the procedure takes around 15 minutes, and you can see instant results.

Juvederm is an FDA-approved drug with a low risk of side effects (less than 1% of people tested showed side effects). You may experience slight redness, pain, itching, or swelling at the injection site. In addition to your face, you can use this product as a filler for wrinkles around your cheeks, forehead, hands, and mouth. The drug is easily available online or through an extensive network of professional providers.

The Juvederm results last up to a year, and the process can be repeated. Why spend money and time on facelifts or microdermabrasion therapies when they can cause you risk and discomfort? Fill out your wrinkles and go back in time to a younger you!

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