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Cosmetic Procedures In Elderly Women Skyrocket

With the advent of plastic surgery, and alternative procedures that do not involve surgery, wealthy women started the war against aging. As time has progressed however, technology has gotten much better, and as a result, these procedures have become safer, more appealing, and more affordable. As such, more and more people have turned to new procedures such as face-lifts and Botox injections.

Though some use cosmetic procedures just to enhance their own image and try to look better, people are starting to use it to turn 50 into the new 30. Recent studies and new polls suggest that the amount of women approaching old age, and seeking cosmetic procedures to delay aging, has come close to doubling in recent years. These studies also suggest that with more advances in the cosmetic field, these numbers will only continue to rise.

Many celebrities that have fallen from their pinnacle of beauty, are also now seeking these cosmetic treatments. Although not an intended effect of their procedures, due to their high amounts of public exposure, these celebrities serve as walking advertisements for the cosmetic surgery industry. Many people that idolize either these people, or beauty, may seek out these treatments solely because the people they look up to find them to be fine.

Some people may question why a women would want to change her natural body in the first place, but the answer is actually pretty obvious. Where sees 50 years ago, aging was tolerated as a natural part of life, the modern media now portrays aging as something bad and ugly. As women get older and experience menopause, their bodies start changing in ways that are now considered to be unattractive. They then seek out these cosmetic procedures, not only to make themselves look more attractive in society’s eyes, but also to improve their own self-esteem.

Though many question the ethics and morals of plastic and cosmetic surgeries, their benefits to society are obvious. With many famous figures acquiring new looks through these measures, they provide inspiration for common people to go out and get them to. Because of society’s misconstrued views of aging, plastic surgery is as psychological as it is physical, helping older women both look better, and improve their confidence in themselves. As these procedures become safer and more affordable, there is no doubt that the number of people seeking them will only continue to rise, and their benefits to society will be enjoyed by more and more people.

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New and Improved: Plastic Surgery Reconstructed

It’s all over the tabloids.

Celebrities uncovered who need “a little work done.” Or have had said “work” done in an obvious manner. Or, worst yet, the ones who looked better before.

Plastic surgery. With the “education” that the tabloids give us about it, should we even wonder why people hesitate to permanently correct their flaws?

However, researchers and healthcare professionals are discovering many new and exciting factors about nutraceuticals and the cosmetic surgery industry. Not only are botox and plastic surgery safer than they used to be, but they also produce better results. Your risk of coming out looking like a goldfish is not only greatly diminished, but the procedure itself is healthier for you than it has ever been.

The Methodist Hospital reports through a recent study that dietary supplements of zinc and phytase prior to Botox®, Dysport®, or Myobloc® injections increased the effectiveness 93% of the time. 44 patients who had not responded positively to botulinum toxin injections were once again being treated for a blepharospasm condition, a rare form of eyelid spasms, hemifacial spasms, and cosmetic wrinkles. Each of the patients took zinc and phytase for four consecutive days prior to surgery, and 41 of them had more success than they did the first time.

Before the plastic surgery, the patients took 50 mg of zinc citrate, along with 3,000 PU of phytase and 10 mg of zinc gluconate or placebo supplementation. The researchers evaluated the patients based on their individual experiences with cosmetic surgery prior to taking the dietary supplements as a baseline.

As a result of this remarkable study, Dr. Charles Soparkar, an oculoplastic surgeon at The Methodist Hospital, is offering a zinc and phytase supplement to his patients. “Surprisingly, the results showed in more than 90 percent of the patients studied, the zinc/phytase combination improved responsiveness to treatment of blepharospasm using the same amount of botulinum toxin as previously used,” said Soparkar. “The toxins seemed to have greater effect and last longer. Potentially, this could mean using fewer toxins, offering patients financial savings, greater safety and more consistent results.” Dr. Soparkar will present this dietary supplement at the American Society of Opthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery’s 41st Annual Fall Scientific Symposium on October 14 in Chicago.

Because of this remarkable study, botox and plastic surgery are safer and more effective practices, building confidence in patients and allowing for safer and more effective results.

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The Botox Training Industry is Still Booming

The Aesthetic Medicine Sympsium is one of the only true courses that gives doctors and physicians alike a fantastic chance to be taught by board-certified dermatologists about the specific techniques and training requirements for injectable cosmetics. The injectable botox training is done in a legitimate, sterile medical environment and does not allow spectators giving doctors more free time for education.

The doctors that come to the Symposium can take a second look at the training they gain by using their 3 medical training DVD’s, which offer training on: botox instruction, dermal filler instruction, and microdermabrasion instruction. The DVD’s are hosted by the IAPAM’s member Dr. Marc Scheiner, who covers the aforementioned training regimens.

Each member who attends the Sympsoum will gain a total of 19 DVD’s relating to cosmetic practice. These will allow doctors and physicians alike to recall the training that they received whenever they see fit.

Scheiner heralds study classes like the IAPAM’s, mostly because they offer real, live injection patients to practice on. This, he continues, is necessary to build the confidence needed to start to immediately offer the procedures. Jennifer Lidner, another member of the IAPAM Symposium had this to say: “In order to perform Botox treatments well, one must understand the medication and how it specifically works. Physicians must know how to appropriately dilute the product and how to safely and effectively administer it. Training should provide an in-depth discussion of facial anatomy and how to evaluate muscle movements to decide on product placement. One must understand the details of how Botox interacts with the muscles, the natural variations of the musculature of the face, as well as how to achieve beautiful aesthetic results by decreasing muscle contraction in a designed and organized fashion.

Effective training programs, like the IAPAM’s Symposium should prepare doctors to effectively handle any adverse events from both a medical standpoint, as well as helping the patient to understand the situation. Marketing assistance is also very valuable, and good training seminars, like the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Practice Start-Up Workshop, discuss how to market services.”

The seminar has grown to be quite popular, and is growing equally with the demand by doctors for professional and knowledgeable training staff.

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Feel Happier Automatically with the Use of Botox

The use of the anti-wrinkle product Botox is said to help those feel better about themselves because they do not frown even when they are sad. This then feeds the idea back into their brains, and can help reduce the feeling of sadness. Theoretically, scientists claim that if a person can’t physically frown, the brain then feels as if there is nothing to be sad about- the equivalent of acting happy even if you are not, therefore tricking your brain into thinking you really are.

According to the study performed by the US Association for Psychological Science, it applies even for those who have received the Botox injection to stop wrinkles. These injections are a temporary solution that causes the paralysis of the muscles. It is done by tiny amounts of the toxin being injected into the muscles that are mainly responsible for frowning.

Research performed at the University of Wisconsin used 40 volunteers who allowed small doses of Botox to be injected into their foreheads. Afterward, the volunteers were asked to read from statements that ranged from happy, sad and angry, which they had already done before the treatment began. Those who received the treatment took more time to read off the more negative statements than before they had received their injections. David Havas, a researcher involved in the project, explained that while the time delay was small, it was significant, suggesting that a person’s brain can take longer processing the emotion found in the statement.

According to Mr. Havas, “There is an idea in psychology called the facial feedback hypothesis. Essentially, it says, when you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you. It’s an old song, but it’s right. Actually, this study suggests the opposite: When you’re not frowning, the world seems less angry and less sad.”

Another Research professor, Mr. Arthur Glenberg, also discussed the study. “Normally, the brain would be sending signals to the periphery to frown, and the extent of the frown would be sent back to the brain”, he stated. “But here, that loop is disrupted, and the intensity of the emotion and of our ability to understand it when embodied in language is disrupted.”

It is important to be careful when you have Botox injections, because you may get the opposite effect. Botox injections in the bottom part of the face may prevent smiling, making a person feel sad, according to research done by Barnard College in New York

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Botox Injected Practitioners Half Days Training

Botox, made from Botulinum Toxin, is a protein generated by a bacterium. When administered in minute doses, it paralyzes muscles by blocking messages sent from the brain to the muscles. Traditional medicine uses it to treat uncontrollable muscle spasms and cosmetic medicine uses it as a beauty treatment. As a beauty aid, it smoothens out wrinkles from 3 to 6 months, and it only takes a half-hour to complete.

Unfortunately, due to its efficacy in facial rejuvenation and its profitability, the Independent Healthcare Advisory Service (IHAS) has cautioned that numerous medical firms are allowing employees to inject Botox into the faces of patients after only some rudimentary training, consisting of injecting oranges. In fact, staff members like administrators, are injecting patients after only a few hours of training. Moreover, many of the trainers have no medical background or qualifications.

The IHAS warns that this lack of proper regulation is putting patients at risk. Botox injections are even being given by hairdressers and beauty therapists, who are storing the Botulinum at the wrong temperature. These unhygienic conditions are causing medical complications. In Britain, one million people get Botox or facial filler injections, and 1 out of every 20 clients suffers complications, with those injected with Botox suffering droopy eyelids and those injected with facial fillers developing lumps under the skin.

A famous example about complications arising from improper treatment is the story of actress Leslie Ash. After a liquid silicone lip injection by a plastic surgeon at the house of a friend, the silicone set around the muscles creating a disfiguring “trout prout,” which surgeons have not been able to remove.

In an attempt to sort out the mess, the IHAS has launched a website called treatmentyoucantrust.co.uk that exclusively lists those who are medically qualified practitioners trained to provide injections. This industry-regulated website is also backed by the Government.

Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen, a surgeon and the Chairman of the IHAS Working Group, which is responsible for the website said, “We are appalled by the sheer volume of bad practice within the industry but there is also a lot of good clinical practice and we are convinced that the great majority of providers are 100 per cent behind improving patient safety.”

However, the website is regarded with skepticism by Niger Mercer, a consultant plastic surgeon and President of The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, who said, “It is evident from the information circulated by the IHAS to the profession that the scheme is being used as a marketing tool, its regulation appears rudimentary and their ‘Quality Mark’ is not recognised by the British Standards Institute or any other regulatory body. “

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Secretive About Botox

Although an estimated 2.6 million Americans receive Botox treatments every year 75% of patients are secretive about it. In Britain, secrecy about treatment runs high as well, with 72% of women and 81% of men not saying a word about their treatments. Usually, when complimented on their improved appearance, patients make up a cover story, sometimes attributing their sudden youthfulness to the use of a sunblock or a moisturiser.

In a recent survey in southern California, plastic surgeons estimated different percentages to the level of secrecy. The average estimate is about 45%.

Dr. Edward Domanskis, a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, estimated it to be from 60% to 70%. Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, a plastic surgeon in Beverly HIlls, approximated it to be about 60%. Dr. Val Lambros, a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, guessed it to be from 30% to 40%. Dr. John Di Saia, a plastic surgeon in San Clemente and Anaheim, reckoned it to be less than 10%. And Dr. Michael Persky , a plastic surgeon in Encino, made an educated guess at about 15%, with 99.9% for celebrities.

Doctors are asked to keep the treatments a secret. Patients ask doctors to only call them on their mobile phones within a certain time frame. Women might only come for treatments while their husbands are out of town on a business trip to allow for enough time for the bruising to heal. Some of these women get all their treatments done all at the same time. Others spread them out; for instance, lips one month, Botox the next month, and so on.

Sculptra, a new, slow-acting dermal filler, is especially popular with secretive patients. During their research, the manufacturers learned that a certain population wanted gradual, rather than a sudden improvement in their appearance. Consequently, doctors usually ask patients if they would prefer a slower transformation in their features. With Sculptra injections, it may take from 6 to 10 weeks for the full effects to show. For secretive patients, this is a perfect solution. However, the effects of Botox and other even fillers are also easy to hide. According to Dr Val Lambros, “If you fill nasolabial folds it’s pretty easy to hide, but more advanced uses of fillers in other parts of the face, like around the lower lids can bruise and be harder to hide. Of course the chance of bruising is higher the more you want to avoid it.”

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The Cosmetic Treatment Registry

Amid growing concerns over cosmetic treatments being done at inappropriate settings, the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS) is launching a voluntary register of injectable cosmetic treatment providers for botox and dermal fillers.

After its start in the early 90’s for cosmetic purposes, Botox has continued to be in use by people from all walks of life, such as celebrities and regular folk. It works to reduce wrinkling when people make facial gestures by paralysing nerves in the upper face. Dermal fillers on the other hand, fill in imperfections on the lower face and can also produce a lip pout or bigger cheeks.

Despite undoubted risks, many still continue to turn to these treatments. Currently in the UK, there are over 5,000 providers carrying out nearly 200,000 treatments each year. Some of the fillers offer temporary solutions, while others are permanent. With so many providers, it’s about time more regulation was put in place for the safety of consumers.

The new register requires treatment providers to pay registration and annual fees, in addition to promising a face-face consultation with all clients prior to any treatment. Providers must also ensure that the treatments take place in a safe and sterile environment by either a doctor, dentist, or registered nurse. The IHAS has yet to disclose where the collected fees will go and how they will be put to use.

Though some say it’s an attempt by the industry for self-regulation, heavy criticism has already started coming from plastic surgeons. A recent poll of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons concluded that only 4% would consider signing up. However, the consensus is that a separate set of new European regulations that are being discussed currently are said to likely be more robust and not disguised with other small changes not as widely known.

This registry begs the question for both providers and consumers, is it really worth it? The providers profit off consumers who wish to attain immortality in looking young, but the technical process for providers to keep their business in accordance with the law now seems quite tedious for the upkeep of such practices. Though it is pro-consumer by demanding more in standards, the future looks dim.

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Most Dentists Favour Offering Botox In Their Practices

Botox training has become extremely popular and widespread amongst dental professionals. No longer accepted just among the Hollywood elite, average people have begun to see Botox’s benefits and use it themselves. When surveyed, nearly two-thirds of dentists don’t see any ethical problems with adding cosmetic Botox to the list of services they provide.

After all, dentists are very experienced in performing injections on a daily basis. Most dentists are also extremely knowledgeable about the anatomy of the entire head and neck area. With appropriate training, it is a small leap for dentists to begin incorporating Botox treatments into their daily practice.

The survey, which included 144 dental professionals, found that 62% not only accept Botox, but dermal fillers as well. Only 31% feel that it would be inappropriate for dentists to offer these cosmetic procedures in their practice. A mere 7% favor limiting the availability of Botox in dentists’ offices to therapeutic procedures.

Survey results not withstanding, there are as many opinions on the use of Botox as there are dentists. One dentist in general practice supports the idea, stating that the Academy of General Dentistry supports education and training for dentists in the administration of Botox. A cosmetic dentist from Kuwait makes the point that Botox is right at home in a dentist’s office, as it can help to correct a gummy smile. A prosthodontist agrees, recommending Botox for the treatment of TMJ.

One dentist in Minnesota advocates dentists as the most appropriate medical professionals to deliver Botox injections. Dentists have extensive training in head and neck anatomy, making them quite capable of performing the procedures. Perhaps even more importantly, dentists have a tendency to be somewhat artistic, as they deal with patient’s appearances every day. When dealing with aesthetic adjustments, this is an extremely desirable quality in a practitioner.

Despite the overwhelming numbers of dentists who approve of the use of Botox in dental practice, a good number of dentists dissent. Among this group, there seems to be a feeling that dentists should stay within their expertise and allow others to do the same. An oral surgeon in Florida feels this way, remarking that dermatologists and plastic surgeons do not attempt to perform complicated dental procedures.

Fortunately, the allowance of Botox treatment in dental offices is a personal choice. Dental professionals can decide on an individual basis whether or not to incorporate it in their own practices.

Botox Training for Dentists at Cosmetic Courses

If you are a dental professional considering a facial aesthetic courses then please contact our friendly and informative team who will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have.

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The Anti-Aging Industry Continues to Grow

The cosmetic enhancement industry has seen rapid growth over the past ten years. The sheer number of images that we are exposed to of people receiving treatment to fight the effects of aging is staggering. You see them in movies, television, and magazines. As a matter of fact, a study conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons predicts that the number of cosmetic procedures undergone each year will have grown by an amazing four hundred percent between 2005 and 2015. A large part of the reason for this is that injections have been replacing more invasive surgical procedures such as face lifts. Injections are both less expensive and offer almost no downtime in comparison to surgical procedures, making them a very attractive option.

Recently, a panel discussion on the future of cosmetic enhancements was held in Toronto, where many of the city’s most respected plastic surgeons, cosmetologists, and dermatologists met to discuss some of the latest changes and the future of the industry. Dr. Sheetal Sapra, director of dermatology at the Institute of Cosmetic and Laser surgery says that back in 1990, nearly all of the cosmetic work that was conducted in Canada was performed by plastic surgeons. This has changed quite drastically. Now only about twenty percent of the work that they do is surgical in nature.

The reason for this change is something called combination therapy. Combination therapy is the use of several different facial injections in combination with one another to receive the desired cosmetic effects. Some of the treatments that may be undergone include Botox, which is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes the muscles of the face, causing them to relax and allowing wrinkles and creases in the face to smooth out. Other treatments such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane contain within them synthetic fillers that help to rejuvinate a sculpt the skin. These fillers include hyaluronic acid and collagen, which are natural proteins produced by the body that help keep tissue healthy. They may also include artificial chemicals that help give form to the face. Other treatments include laser treatments which can be used in order to remove brown spots or rosacea from the face. Fractional tightening is another option which can be used in order to smooth wrinkles and creases, improve the texture of the skin, and fight acne scars.

Dr. Stephen Mulholland, one of Canada’s most respected plastic surgeons, claims that about sixty minutes of work and three thousand dollars is enough to take five years off of somebody’s face today.

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Increase in Botched Plastic Surgeries

Cosmetic treatments and surgery seem to be recession proof with people still being very interested in turning back the clock. But, there is a fear that with the lack of regulations being so immense just about anyone can set up shop. A rise in bungled non-surgical cosmetic treatments has been reported recently, and cases are popping up at an alarming rate in courts.

Even with the recession, it is estimated that these procedures have grown in popularity by nearly 25% in the last year. There were about 5,000 facilities in the UK practicing around 200,000 procedures, in total, over the last year.

These non-surgical procedures are carried out with lasers and injections and should be performed by well-qualified medical professionals. However, the truth is, this is not always the case. This equipment can be easily obtained by non-medical personnel and anyone can open a salon and offer these services.

Typically, clinics using high-powered lasers must be registered with Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, but these cosmetic treatment facilities are not being regulated. The Independent Health Advisory Service has also failed to regulate the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, and these treatments are causing most of the problems.

With no regulations being issued, the people practicing these procedures are doing so without proper training. They are practicing with nothing but an interest in making their money back on the very costly equipment they have purchased. This leads to an interest in quantity over quality, and people get hurt.

If these high-powered lasers are used at an inappopriately high setting clients can be severely burned. Clients are being left with burns resulting in permanent scarring. If the victims of these bungled operations are lucky, Clients are being left with burns resulting in permanent scarring, but the deeper burns are there for life. This irreversible damage can lead to severe psychological distress for the client.

If you are considering a cosmetic treatment, do your research. The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors has a list of licensed facilities which offer these treatments. Doctors practice under a code of ethics and are required to give you a realistic assessment of how cosmetic procedures may help you. Furthermore, if anything were to go wrong during a procedure, an investigation could be held through the General Medical Council. If this investigation found the physician to be negligent, he/she could lose their license. Please protect yourself.

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