Botox for Stroke Victims

Many people think that Botox is mostly a procedure for people who want to look younger and reduce the amount of wrinkles on their face, but lately it has proven to be a great way to help many other people, including stroke victims. One of the biggest proponents of Botox therapy is Henry Wrinker, the former Happy Days actor.

Wrinker insists that Botox could have given his late mother a much better quality of life if she had been given Botox treatments in her later years. To help get this message out, Henry Wrinker has teamed up with Allergan, Inc. and several patient advocacy groups. Two of these groups are the highly respected Brain Injury Association of America and the National Stroke Association. Together, they are launching a worldwide campaign to bring awareness to the miracle of Botox.

Henry Wrinker decided to become an advocate for Botox as soon as he learned about the benefits of this powerful neurotoxic protein. He explained that his mother died 8 years after experiencing a stroke in 1987. If she had been given Botox treatments, he is sure that her life would have been better and longer than it was.

He said that the most painful part of the last 8 years of his mother’s life was that all of her joy and zest seemed to vanish. She had always been an extremely active woman, but after the stroke, she just seemed sluggish and lifeless. The new Botox treatment is like a gift to the world that previous generations never got to experience. Wrinkler urges people to check out the information for themselves at openarmscampaign.com.

Wrinkler says he has been actively involved with stroke victims and is absolutely amazed by the immediate results they see in their life when they get a Botox treatment. He says it can change lives. One example he likes to point to is a 37 year old mother who had been completely crippled and helpless from a stroke for more than a year. A few days after getting Botox injections she could dress herself for the first time and hug her family.

Wrinkler says that the most important thing about any new therapy is assessing the truth of its claims. He was skeptical at first and needed to see it for himself. Now, he is completely convinced, and that is why he has decided to dedicate his life to spreading this wonderful news around the world.

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Botox Misconceptions

From the time Botox was introduced into the market, the number of patients requesting Botox injections has rapidly increased. The popularity of the Botox injection reflects not just its effectiveness, but its versatility and safety in treating several aesthetic and medical conditions. Botox is a protein mostly known for its ability to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, but Botox injections are commonly used to treat hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating in the palms, feet and underarms, strabismus, eyelid spasms, and to reduce neck pain and stiffness. Botulinum neurotoxin, known to the public as Botox, is produced solely by the pharmaceutical company Allergan, and although its name includes the word toxin, there are no toxic side effects from using Botox.

Misconception: Botox injections are highly toxic

A common misconception about Botox is that it is toxic. In fact, Botox has no none permanent side effects. All side effects related to Botox injections are minimal and temporary, and are confined to swelling, headaches and short-term allergic reactions. However, these side effects are common for a majority of drugs, including aspirin and cough syrups. Drugs that contain toxins are commonly used in medicine to treat several medical conditions. Digoxin is a toxin based drug derived from plants and it is commonly used to treat several arrhythmia inducing heart conditions. Drugs such as Lignocaine uses toxins derived from sea anemones to stop the acceleration of multiple sclerosis. It is also used to treat heart irregularities and is widely used as an effective topical drug for treating multiple forms of skin inflammation. The term toxin does not on its own imply a dangerous ingredient. It is the form and amount of toxicity in a specific drug that produces poisoning. Botox is derived from botulinum toxin which can be poisoning, but the amount used in a Botox injection is extremely low and thus does not have the ability to produce poisoning. This is very similar to the administration of vaccines. Vaccines carry an extremely low amount of pathogens or protein toxins to prevent or treat several medical infections. The injection of Botox is confined to a specific muscle and does not leak into the surrounding area. Although all drugs carry some risk, Botox has proven to be very safe. Ultimately, just like any medical treatment, Botox must be performed by a trained medical professional to ensure proper administration.

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Botox And Microdermabrasion

Botox and Microdermabraison are both said to combat the signs of aging, we delve into this frther to see the benefits of each and the suitable candidates.

Many people fear the inevitable sagging and wrinkling of the skin that comes with aging. Not only does the appearance suffer, but it’s a daily reminder that the body is no longer improving. Suddenly, after all the hard work of becoming the fully mature body we were meant to be, the body does a complete reversal and decides to decline instead. Add in the fact that the end of the slow decline is death and aging becomes less about appearance and more about terror.

It’s no surprise that many people choose to undergo cosmetic procedures to hide the hints of aging that remind us of our unpleasant decline. It makes good sense. Other excellent reasons to have procedures such as botox or Microdermabrasion include stress reduction, improved appearance, and a return to youth, if only in the mirror.

Botox

This decade old treatment lasts about six weeks and costs about £350 for one treatment. They’re considered to be safe and effective, though there are some nasty side effects that can accompany the treatment: Bruising, headaches, muscle weakness, and nausea, to name a few. Few people suffer from these side effects and there is an up side: Botox is often cited as a treatment for migraines.

Microdermabrasion

During this procedure, the top layer of dead skin is removed. This paves the way for new cells to be produced in the deeper layers of the skin. It’s not considered surgery and though treatments can be performed in a doctor’s office, they can also be performed in a salon or spa. The result is a rejuvenation of the skin and a happier person.

To describe the procedure a little further:

It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the face to receive a microdermabrasion treatment. The face, chest, or neck can take as long as one hour. Four to eight treatments are performed, with one to three weeks between each treatment. People can pay at much as £200 for a treatment or as little as £50. It all depends on where you choose to go.

The good news is that you won’t have to go under anesthesia and you’re not going to suffer any pain during the treatments. Microdermabrasion is so harmless that it’s sometimes called a lunch-time peel. It won’t disrupt your routines or cause you to suffer for weeks. The most it will do is turn your skin pink for one to three days.

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Botox:Not Just for Celebrities Anymore

Botox injections, once a shameful secret among celebrities, is now becoming commonplace. In fact, it’s not just the elite or mega-wealthy who opt for specialty beauty treatments these days. In an article for the Yorkshire Post, Dr Paul Charlson, who works as the medical director of a specialist clinic near Brough, in Elloughton, was quoted as saying “Over the past year I’ve seen a marked increase in the number of people asking for this treatment. ” He goes on to say that “it’s not just image-conscious women who want to enhance their looks and turn back the clock by appearing younger in this way, men are keen to do the same.”

According to Charlson, clients who seek these treatments have high profile careers, or work in the public eye. These everyday celebrities are people like judges, members of the clergy, reporters, comics, public speakers and even people who give a lot of presentations at work. What began as a medical treatment to help puff up droopy eyelids that interfered with a patient’s vision, to stop abnormal muscle twitches or spasms or to prevent excessive sweating is now a common way to hide from mother nature and turn the clock back a few years.

One apprehensive patient was pleased that the procedure involved no bruising and that she left the office with nothing but teeny pinprick marks where the needles entered her skin. Thanks to a topical anaesthesia, however, she didn’t feel the injections at all. The Botox works slowly in the body, full effects are visible 3-5 days after the procedure. The results generally last a few months, but can last longer since clients may be able to retrain themselves to not use facial expressions that are making them wrinkle.

Some people are concerned about the safety of the procedure. Be sure to select a practitioner who is a member in good standing of the BACD. The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors ensures that its members are all registered with the General Medical Council and that they maintain ongoing education, to be sure they’re always working with the latest safety standards and scientific discoveries.

In addition to hiring a professional practitioner, patients should be sure that their caregiver discusses the procedure with them ahead of time and that they know what to expect every step of the way. Understanding what’s going to happen can prevent unhappy results down the line.

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Permalip ®:Revolutionary Lip Enhancement

Professional beauty experts contend that the key to a youthful appearance is the lips. If your lips are full and young-looking, other age-related flaws such as crows’ feet and frown lines become less noticeable in your overall appearance.

While such environmental factors as sun exposure adversely affect your facial features, the aging and thinning of your lips as you advance in years depends largely on your genes. You can prevent looking older than you feel by being proactive and correcting the demise of the thickness and plumpness of your lips. Additionally, if you are young but want more volume to achieve that ideal look of “kissability,” there are both temporary and permanent cosmetic fixes to give you the lips you desire.

Temporary Cosmetic Enhancement

Temporary treatments to replace the youthful lip fullness that time begins to take away include such injection programmes as Botox and collagen. While Botox works beneath the skin to immobilize the muscles that govern your facial expressions, thus smoothing those wrinkles that become apparent when you frown or smile, collagen injections actually plump up your lips, filling in the lines just beneath your skin surface. The downside of injection treatments is that their positive effects last only 3-9 months, and then the treatments must be repeated.

A Permanent Solution

Permalip® is a new advance in the field of cosmetic surgery that offers a permanent solution to the problem of aging lips. The ground-breaking procedure utilizes a unique silicone implant to fill and plump your lips for a lifelong, beautiful smile.

The Permalip® implant, developed by U.S. cosmetic surgeons, is composed of a soft, pliable silicone solid. A proven procedure that developers have extensively tested, Permalip® has attained CE Marked approval for use in Europe. This permanent lip enhancement that will keep your appearance youthful without repeated treatments.

Unlike older implant treatments, the Permalip® implant is rupture-proof, will not bond with surrounding tissue, and will not harden or deteriorate throughout years of use.

The Procedure

It takes less than one hour under local anesthetic for your cosmetic surgeon to place your implant. You will retain no visible scarring, and you can feel confident knowing that the procedure is fully reversible and can be adjusted for size upon your request.

You will enjoy full recovery from the procedure within two weeks, and the beautiful results will keep you looking as young as you feel. Permalip® is truly revolutionary.

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Botox Largely Unregulated in UK

For over 5 years, the Expert Working Group on Cosmetic Surgery has been recommending to the Healthcare Commission that Botox use be more closely monitored. As Botox procedures become increasingly popular, greater numbers of patients are exposed to health risks by accepting shoddy, low-cost treatments from fly-by-night operations that don’t care what happens once the money is in their pockets and patient is out the door.

The government doesn’t accept that patient risk should be any of their concern. They have continued to decline the recommendation and instead ask cosmetic surgeons to regulate themselves. Under the current system, absolutely anyone can set up an office and administer the injections of Botox. Botox is a diluted form of deadly toxin produced by botulism-causing bacteria. The toxin tightens muscles under the face, paralyzing them. This has the side effect of reducing wrinkles.

Dr. Andrew Vallance-Owen, chairman of the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services’ Wirjung Group on Cosmetic Surgery and medical director of BUPA confirmed that cosmetic surgeons urged Parliament to bring regulation to the Botox industry.

Vallence-Owen stressed the importance of regulation. “We are talking about invasive procedures,” he said. “Botox is a prescription-only medicine and patient safety should be paramount.” He continued, “If things go wrong, some patients could be left scarred physically or psychologically for life.”

Vallence-Owen, for one, isn’t going to step back and let the procedure go unregulated. “Self-reulation is better than no regulation,” he said. “If we want the sector to maintain its success, we must retain patient confidence.” He maintains that if the industry doesn’t step up, then “these procedures will be less-regulated than ear-piercing.”

Health Minister Lord Hunt announced the UK plan for self-regulation of the Botox industry. “Cosmetic surgery providers have shown real commitment to improving levels of quality and safety in this area, and so, I have decided to ask the industry to take the lead in further improving standards.” Lord Hunt admits that the most the British government intends to do is keep open the possibility introducing “statutory regulation should it become necessary in the future.”

The Independent Healthcare Advisory Services have been given the responsibility in producing a set of standards for the industry. Sally Taber, speaking for the group, said they were ready for the task, but not willing, as nothing they could do compares to statutory regulation.

Jenny Driscoll, a health campaigner, concurs with the popular sentiment. “The government needs to step in now because, left to regulate itself, it’d be all too easy for the industry to focus on introducing multiple codes that will just end up confusing people.”

President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, when asked for a statement, said that the self-regulation mandate was “total nonsense.”

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Critics Slam New Crackdown on Cosmetic Surgeries

Surgeons across the UK are lining up to criticise a new government initiative, backed by medical regulators and the cosmetic industry, which seeks to clampdown on cosmetic surgeries such as Botox. The government is seeking to ensure that consumers have access to credible facilities to receive cosmetic procedures by listing clinics with qualified staff and appropriate facilities. Critics however have said that the measure does not do enough to stamp out “rogue” providers of cosmetic procedures.

Currently the Care Quality Commission, which oversees medical treatment in the UK, has no control over procedures like Botox injections. Roughly 5,000 facilities across the UK provide these cosmetic procedures to over 200,000 patients a year. As a result, the procedures can be provided in places like beauty salons where the staff have no formal training in medicine, dentistry, or nursing. If the procedures are wrongly-applied they can cause health problems and good hygiene is needed to reduce the risk of infection.

The new initiative seeks to provide qualified clinics and professionals with a “Quality Assurance Mark” that will be backed up by a timetable of regular inspections. The initiative would establish a list of clinics that have qualified staff and clean facilities for consumers to choose from to ensure they receive proper treatment.

Cosmetic injections are designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and the industry has experienced a 25% growth in the last year alone, making now the perfect time in the minds of many to tighten the regulation of the industry. Due to the growth of the industry, the government has recognised the need to regulate the procedures to safeguard patients. The programme has received an initial investment of 200,000 from the government to help launch the initiative.

Critics have slammed the new initiative though calling the plan an easy out for the government to wash its hands of industry regulation. A representative from Safer Cosmetic Surgery criticised the scheme stating that the only clinics likely to sign up for the programme are those that already meet the high safety requirements.

Supporters fired back though, believing that other measures contained within the initiative will serve to further prevent irresponsible providers from conducting cosmetic procedures. Supporters have said the “Quality Assurance Mark” will serve as an additional weapon for consumers against poor facilities and unqualified providers. The measure also seeks to make it harder for unqualified providers to get insurance coverage in hopes it will prevent places like nail bars and beauty salons from providing cosmetic injections.

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Plastic Surgery Decline – A Boost for Botox and Fillers

Women are not as eager to have cosmetic surgery as they once were as recent statistics show that procedures have declined by almost 20% in the previous year. Breast augmentation, facelift and tummy tuck procedures are not occurring as frequently.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that in 2005, 2.1 million procedures were performed whereas in 2009, 1.9 million were done. Surgeons feel the largest factor is the current economy. The luxury industry in general has suffered a blow as consumers exhibit more frugal behavior. Health insurance in most cases does not cover the cost of rhinoplasty or breast augmentation and procedures typically run thousands of dollars.

In the last ten years, the cosmetic surgery industry experienced a surge. Procedures once procured by celebrities and the affluent were being acquired by women of lower class status. The topic was commonly discussed in various forms of media and popularized by such TV shows as Nip/Tuck and Dr. 90210. Reality TV shows, The Swan and Extreme Makeover chose everyday citizens to undergo head to toe transformations to the delight of the viewing audience. These shows are no longer broadcasted.

In recent years, celebrities and others opting to have elective procedures have been the subject of ridicule and gossip. Procedures are scoffed at as being too noticeable or individuals are accused of being addicted to personal appearance and cosmetic surgery.

Heidi Montag, a reality show actress, received criticism from peers, the public and family when she admitted to undergoing 10 cosmetic procedures within a year. Miami Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hall believes that society’s desire for luxurious excess is coming to a close. People are exercising common sense when it comes to surgical cosmetic procedures.

Though cosmetic surgery is declining, non-surgical procedures are on the rise, which may merely reflect a more conservative choice in treatment. Botox injections, filler injections and laser treatments are less expensive, quicker and patients forfeit long recovery times associated with traditional surgery. Individuals are opting for procedures that are less invasive.

Physicians are noticing cultural as well as economical redirection. The size of breast implants has reduced along with the economy. Washington plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Baxter cites that while at one time one third of his patients chose B cup sizes, currently one half of the patients choose the smaller size.

The industry now wonders what the long term effects will be. Opinions differ, but most concur that while individuals may opt for other procedures, the vanity of humanity will continue to feed the desire for change.

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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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