HEALTHY LIVING TIPS

/>Botox has made a huge splash in the health and beauty market because of its ability to erase and minimize wrinkles. The stunning success of the BOTOX solution has had beauty enthusiasts lining up to receive their wrinkle treatments. Are botox treatments safe? After all BoTOX is a protein toxin produced by clostridium botulinum bacteria. This is the first cousin to the deadly botulism bacteria.

Botox has been safely used by opthamoligists for over a decade without any serious side effects being reported. This drug has actually been around since the early 1960’s. Originally it was used as a treatment for crossed eyes. The manner in which botox works is that it is injected into the muscle where the wrinkles appear. When the botox is injected into the muscle the frown lines, crow’s feet and laugh lines temporarily disappear. I stress the use of the word “temporary” because a botox treatment normally lasts about 3 to 6 months. Botox treatments were approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment of muscles that produce frown lines.

Botox injections have quickly become the fastest growing cosmetic procedure and are anticipated to be used on over 4.5 million patients in 2006. They are more popular than breast augmentation. Current botox patients report that after several treatments that the effects of this wrinkle cure last much longer. It is important to note that Botox is ineffective for fine wrinkles because fine wrinkles do not appear because of facial expression caused by facial muscles. On the flipside, the one negative of botox treatments is a slight and temporary drooping of the eyelid. At the present time this appears to be the most important side effect of botox treatment.

While botox has been safely used by millions of patients, it is recommended that pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding their babies as well as patients suffering from neurologic disease should never use botox.

Botox treatments do not work for everyone. However, over 90% of patients who have been surveyed are extremely happy with this procedure. This temporary cure for wrinkles has created quite a bit of excitement in the health and beauty field. This procedure is administered by qualified plastic surgeons. The average cost for a simple botox treatment is about $200 – $400 for each area that it is applied to

By: Harald Anderson

About the Author:

RESTYLANE ALTERNATIVES

Who would have thought that something that is supposedly poisonous could have so many people clamoring for it?

Skepticism proven wrong

When botox hit the market, many were skeptical on the effects of these newly developed chemical. A protein complex made from a bacterium called clostridium botulinum, many feared that the chemical will have the same effect on the skin as it has on the body. For those who do not yet know, botox come from the same toxin that can cause food poisoning in humans.

It turned out to be quite effective and a huge huge success especially in the cosmetic surgery business. It is also being used to relieve pain in muscle areas of people who have has chronic pains. Its is actually so effective that people who were normally confined to their homes because of the pain now live normal lives.

Popular alternative

Since botox inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a chemical responsible for the contraction of muscles in various parts of the body, it is primarily used to clear out wrinkles and frown lines in the face through injection in the areas of concern. The effect of the drug can last for several months. Only small amounts of the toxin are however used for these cosmetic procedures. Too much use of the toxin can produce disastrous side effects.

In 2001 alone, almost 1.6 million Americans have had botox injections in different areas of their bodies. This is a significant increase from 2000’s figures. In fact, botox injections are even more popular than the immensely popular breast enhancement and breast augmentation procedures.

Botox parties

The procedure has become so popular in fact that people even organize parties and social events just for the occasion of injecting botox. This is actually part of the marketing campaign that has gained botox injections so many followers. Women (and men) who regularly inject botox for maintenance get together in small gatherings and simultaneously inject botox. Outsiders especially those who have not yet tried the drugs but are interested can join the party.

Abuse and overuse

One of the growing concerns in the industry is the potential abuse of the drug. Although botox is basically a prescription drugs, there are unqualified people who are distributing the medicine. And because the drug must be injected again and again to maintain its effect, there is also the danger of the drug being overused or for people to over-apply thinking that it will lengthen the effect of the drug.

Injecting too much botox or accidentally injecting it on the wrong area can cause droopy eyelid muscles, a condition called ptosis. This could last for several weeks. Other side effects that botox have are headaches, respiratory infections, flu-like symptoms and even nausea. Some people will also experience pain on the area where the botox was applied as well as redness and swelling. There will also some muscle weakness around the area where the botox was applied.

Contraindications

Although botox is available to all people, there are some who are allergic to the toxin. So it is best that one consults a physician first before applying the drug. Although there has never been any studies or research on the effect of botox on pregnant women and on nursing women, medical people err on the safe side and just prohibit the drug.

By: Robert Thatcher

About the Author:

RESTYLANE ALTERNATIVES

rare to hear a patient say…’my Botox seems to be wearing off earlier than usual’…or…’I had Botox but it didn’t seem to work’. Some few patients even suggest that they may be immune to Botox or that they are becoming resistant ot it. Many physicians and even manufacturer reps say that such immunity is impossible. But is it? Is immunity to Botox real?

First and foremost any drug, no matter what its mechanism of action, poses the potential of diminished effectiveness with repeated use. The most classic example is that of antibiotics. (although this really represents resistance of the infecting bacteria not necessarily how the body responds to it) But immunity or developing an immune response to a toxin, an unnatural molecule that the body may eventually recognize as both foreign and harmful, is particularly likely. While I hold most responses on the internet as not a source of absolute scientific information, there is too many patient responses on many different websites that claim a lack of response after injection or a dramatic dropoff in effectiveness after a period of years of successful use. (most common) While some, if not many, of these may be the result of using overdiluted or old Botox or from poor injection technique, all of them can’t be completely drug or injector-related issues. Resistance to serotype A of botulinum toxin (Botox and Dysport) has been reported in some physician series but the incidence is quite low. (usually less than 1%) The point is…it has been reported in professional medical journals in large patient series. Anectodal statements by some physicians such as ‘I have never seen it’ and the like does not count as scientific evidence. Never having seen it does not mean it doesn’t exist. Most of us have never seen a platypus in the wild either, but we know they do exist.

Once you develop Botox immunity, what can you do? There is no absolute answer to this uncommon problem. Perhaps waiting a period of time ( 6 months to a year?) before trying repeat Botox is one option to see if your immune response lessens. The other option is to use a different serotype, type B (Myobloc), and see if you get a response. In theory, different serotypes have slightly different molecules so your immune response may be quite specific to type A only.

Whether someone can be completely immune to Botox, without PRIOR injections, is a different matter. There would be no natural immunity to Botox since most of our immune systems have never seen the molecule before. When a first-time patient of mine calls and tells me they have had no response, actual examination everytime demonstrates that they actually have had a response it is just not as profound as they thought it to be. This is an issue of managing expectations and dosing, rather than some natural resistance to the drug.

By far, the most common patient experience in my practice with Botox is that patients actually develop a somewhat lesser need with Botox over time. After three or four treatments, many patients find that the Botox seems to ‘last longer’ and they may only need injections twice a year as opposed to every three or four months. This is not because the patient has developed greater sensitivity to the drug but because they have most likely ‘retrained’ their expressions. which are learned movements anyway. Once you have not moved or have less movement of any muscle for a long enough period of time, you may have inadvertently retrained your expressions to some degree.

Acquired Botox immunity is a real but uncommon event. It usually presents in the patient who has had Botox for multiple treatments, after a year or two, with a diminished response to a proven dose or sometimes as no response at all. Botox resistance without prior exposure is more likely an issue of expectations and proper dosing rather than a natural immunity.

By: Dr Barry Eppley

About the Author:

RESTYLANE ALTERNATIVE

BOTOX cosmetic injections are a reasonable alternative for those desiring to improve their appearance without going for the surgical option. BOTOX cosmetic injection is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for reducing and preventing wrinkles appearing on your face. Further, it has been approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) as a safe treatment.

An Effective Treatment for Removing Wrinkles

BOTOX is Botulism Toxin Type A, a purified form of protein, which is directly injected into the specific muscles on your face to remove your facial wrinkles. When Botulism Toxin Type A is injected in a particular area, the muscles there cannot twist for a specific time period, and the wrinkles in that area temporarily go away, thus giving your face a smooth look. Apart from removing wrinkles, BOTOX treatment has proven to be a very effective remedy for treating various medical conditions. 

The Areas that can be Treated Using BOTOX

•    Frown lines

•    Forehead creases

•    Crow’s feet (around the eyes)

•    Glabellar lines (between the eye brows)

•    Neck bands on the underside of the chin

•    Wrinkles surrounding the upper lip

Get Instant Results

Most of the patients considering Botox injections for wrinkles are sure to see positive results in a matter of days, usually within 10 days. No recovery time is needed as it is a non-surgical treatment option. Patients can return to routine activities immediately after the treatment. The effect usually lasts between 3 to 6 months, but, repeat injections are often required to maintain the desired results. Slight redness and swelling in the treated area, minor bruising, nausea, and headache can occur after BOTOX treatment.

Before you decide to have BOTOX wrinkle treatment, make sure that the physician you choose is well-experienced and talented in this area.



By: Spero Theodorou

About the Author:

ALERTNATIVE TO BOTOX

Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) has been used for over 15 years in the cosmetic surgery industry as a popular treatment for facial wrinkles. Indeed, it has become the most popular procedure, in the world, with 6 million Americans treated last year, alone. It derives from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which can be harmful when present in high doses and is the toxin that causes food poisoning. However, small dilute quantities can be injected safely under the skin to act as a muscle relaxant.

How does it work?

Botox is used to treat lines and creases by injecting small amounts into the facial muscles. Normally, chemicals released by nerve cells in the face cause the muscles to tighten, leading to frown lines. Botox blocks these chemical signals causing a slight weakening of the muscle contraction and a smoothing of the skin’s appearance. Contrary to popular belief, skillfully applied Botox does not paralyze the facial muscles completely, just relaxes and reduces their response.

What can Botox do for me?

Botox treatment can reduce the appearance of frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crows feet around the eyes. It can also be used to treat creases around the mouth. When performed properly it should have a gentle relaxing effect while still allowing natural expressions like smiling and frowning. Botox treatment will not reduce lines caused by sun damage and may not be fully effective on very deep creases. Is it safe?

A course of Botox injections is a well established and recognized treatment that is considered to be safe when carried out by a qualified practitioner. There are, however, some groups of people who should not use Botox. These include pregnant and breastfeeding women and anyone suffering from a disease that affects the nerves or muscles. Certain medicines can react with Botox and you should consult your doctor if you are taking antibiotics or drugs to control heartbeat irregularities, Alzheimer’s disease or myasthenia gravis (a chronic autoimmune disorder). If you are known to be allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox or if the area to be treated is infected, you should not have the treatment.

What happens during treatment?

First the surgeon will discuss your medical history and assess which areas of your face to treat. A series of small injections will then be directed straight into the facial muscles using a fine needle. You will not need an anesthetic as the injections cause very little pain. The whole procedure should be completed within a matter of minutes.

How quickly will I recover?

As soon as the procedure is completed, you will be able to return to normal activities. Some patients report a slight headache but this should soon pass. Sometimes you will be advised not to lie down for 3 or 4 hours after the procedure as this can encourage the Botox to spread to other areas of the face. You should not rub the treated area for the same reason. Botox usually takes 3 to 7 days to take full effect, after which time visible improvement in facial lines should be noticeable. Your normal facial expressions should still be present. The beneficial effects of Botox usually last for 3 to 6 months.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects of Botox treatment are usually mild. Some patients experience a slight headache for the first 24 hours after injections to the forehead area, especially after their first treatment. Mild bruising of the injected area can also occur. In very rare cases, excess Botox can cause droopy eyelids, a condition known as ptosis. This is unlikely to occur when the treatment is carried out by an experienced cosmetic surgeon and will gradually correct itself as the Botox wears off. If you do experience drooping eyelids, you should tell your consultant. Although very unlikely, a small percentage of patients may suffer an extreme adverse reaction to Botox. You should seek medical help immediately if you experience difficulty in swallowing and breathing or develop a rash.

What are the advantages of using Botox?

Since its initial introduction, Botox treatment has quickly gained in popularity and is consistently one of the most requested cosmetic procedures. It is a relatively safe treatment for most people with few documented reports of serious complications. The treatment is very simple and quick and almost painless. Because no general anesthetic is required, recovery time is rapid with little or no side effects. The results of the procedure are fully reversible over time as the muscle weakening effect of the Botox eventually wears off.

Individual Botox treatments are relatively cheap and, as the effects last for 3 or 4 months, do not have to be repeated too often. Some patients find that after several sessions, the time between treatments can be increased to about 6 months.

Where should I go to get Botox treatment? Once you have decided to have Botox treatment it is important to choose the right cosmetic surgeon to perform the procedure. Botox has a proven track record for safety and good results but only when carried out by a reputable practitioner. Choose a fully qualified surgeon who has already carried out many Botox procedures. Look for a clinic where the surgeon is willing to carry out an initial consultation so that you have the chance to ask any questions and thoroughly discuss the implications of the treatment. A good cosmetic surgeon should always be happy to give you lots of information and may be able to show you photographs of past clients and the results of their treatment. It’s also a good idea to ask around your friends for personal recommendations.

What else is Botox used for?

Although Botox is most well known as a cosmetic procedure for the reduction of facial lines, it is also used in the treatment of several medical conditions. Botox can be used to reduce muscle spasms and twitching of the neck or eyelids. It has also proved successful in the treatment of excessively sweaty armpits by blocking the chemical transmitters that cause the sweating. Depending on the reasons for treatment, sometimes the cost of Botox injections can be covered by medical insurance.



By: Barry Lycka

About the Author:

BOTOX ALTERNATIVES

Every day we get questions from patients asking about the way Botox Cosmetic is prepared and priced, and it is confusing until you understand the difference between dilution and units.

Botox Cosmetic is a vacuum-dried protein powder so it needs to be mixed with a liquid in order for it to be injected. The total “dose” of Botox in each vial is always 100 units but doctors mix different amounts of saline solution (water that has the same concentrations of sodium and chloride as the human body) with each vial depending on the intended use.

In some cases its beneficial to have more units in less liquid or a more concentrated solution. Men, for instance, need almost double the dose of Botox that a woman would need for each area treated, and using a more concentrated dose prevents the formation of ping pong ball-size lumps that would be seen with a larger amount of liquid. On the other hand, a lower concentration is useful when it’s advantageous to have the Botox effects spread out more, such as in the underarm area when used to prevent sweating, or when only a minute amount is needed with each injection, such as around the lips.

The total number of units injected during a treatment determines the degree and duration of effect more than the number of cc (the measurement of liquid). For example, whether a more concentrated or dilute solution of Botox is used, it takes an average of about 20 units to relax a woman’s frown muscles adequately for a full 3-4 months.

Think of it as taking either one 800 mg ibuprofen tablet vs. four 200 mg ibuprofen tablets. One seems like more medicine but the total dose and the final effect is the same with either choice.

There’s a lot of variation in how many units of Botox each person needs depending on the size and distribution of their muscles. In general, most women will need about 60 to 70 units to relax all three main areas (their foreheads, frown lines, and crow’s feet). Men usually need almost double that and I have male patients who get over 150 units with each treatment. Obviously people who are just starting to have moving lines need much less.

So how do you know what you’re paying for when doctors price Botox treatments differently? Doctors sometimes set their Botox prices by the area (frown lines or forehead, for example) instead of by the unit, based on the average number of units they usually use in that area. If as a patient, you have more than the average amount of muscle movement and need more than the average number of units, the provider will either lose money by giving you the number of units you need which is more than you’re paying for or he/she will use less than you need and your results won’t be good.

On the other hand if you have less movement than most people, you’ll be given less units than average with pricing by the area but you’ll have paid for the average number. There’s nothing wrong with paying by the area but you should find out how many units are included in that price.

Another consideration in charging by the unit instead of the area is that there are so many new ways that Botox can be used that only require a few units, and it’s becoming a rarity for me to just treat a single area. I can lift brows, the corners of the mouth, smooth out a dimply chin, decrease smoker’s lines, stop those crinkly bunny lines on the nose or decrease a gummy smile with just a unit or two of Botox in the right places.

An unscrupulous provider may use fewer units than you need with either area pricing or unit pricing and it’s impossible for the patient to know since there may be the same number of injections. The difference shows up later when the relaxation is less than expected or the effects wear off within weeks. In the long run, your Botox treatments become more expensive if you have to have them repeated every 2 months or you may mistakenly believe that you’re just one of those people that are resistant to Botox. Almost no one is resistant to Botox if they get the right amount.

Beware of anyone offering Botox regularly for less than $10 a unit and make sure that he or she is listed on the Botox Cosmetic Physician’s Network website. Many Botox providers offering highly discounted Botox import their Botox at a discount from Canada but the product they’re getting may be as real as a NY sidewalk designer purse or it may be expired. It’s only a matter of time before the next disaster where people who thought they were getting American Botox find out that someone was cutting corners.

Doctors near the top of the Botox website list earn that place because they order so much Botox from Allergan here in the US and they have the most experience using it. Be safe by going with expertise.

Cynthia Elliott, M.D. is a board certified physician in Clearwater, Florida, whose practice is exclusively devoted to aesthetic medicine. She is an Allergan Platinum Level Botox Provider, a speaker for Juvederm, and an aesthetic laser trainer for other physicians. http://www.skinspirations-info.com



By: Dr. Cynthia Elliott

About the Author:

RESTYLANE ALTERNATIVES

BOTOX cosmetic injections are a true blessing for those who wouldn’t like to go the surgery way to diminish their facial wrinkles. BOTOX injection treatment aims at rendering inactive those muscles which produce wrinkles. Though only a temporary treatment, BOTOX injections offer the advantage of no downtime; daily activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure.

About BOTOX

BOTOX is the botulinum toxin type A in a much purified form. It is the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum that turns out this toxin.

BOTOX Treatment – The Procedure

With the help of a small, thin needle; the doctor injects minute doses of BOTOX into particular muscles. Individual treatment is done on the underlying hyperdynamic muscles. Care is taken to paralyze and weaken only those muscles which are the causative factors for wrinkles, furrowing and lining. The ultimate result is younger and less tired skin.

Factors like the facial features, the specific region being treated and the degree of wrinkling would determine the quantity of injections required for a particular patient.

Areas Effectively Treated

Areas which the BOTOX treatment can prove effective for include:

•    Crow’s feet

•    Glabellar furrow

•    Neck bands situated on the underside of the chin

•    Forehead lines

•    Wrinkles surrounding the upper lip



Short Term but No Severe Side Effects

The results of the injections are usually noticeable within a week’s time and would remain for 3 to 6 months after which repeat injections would be required. Complications and side effects like minor bruising, redness, nausea and headache are a possibility after BOTOX treatment. Severe side effects however, are rare. To minimize the incidence of side effects, it is of utmost importance that the patient gets the treatment done only by a professional doctor.

Though the FDA has only approved BOTOX cosmetic injections for improving facial wrinkles, this treatment promises great results in patients having migraine headaches, and too much armpit or hand sweating.



By: Spero Theodorou

About the Author:

LIFTSP BENEFITS

Anti aging Botox treatment helps to reduce the fine lines and wrinkles on your face, thus safeguarding your youthful appearance. This is an effective non surgical treatment procedure approved by the FDA.

Botox – the Right Cosmetic Procedure

Botox is the purified form of botulinum toxin type A. The anti aging Botox treatment is carried out by providing minute dosages of Botox injections into particular muscles. Botox injections avoid contractions of the muscles that create frown lines and wrinkles. By conditionally stopping the muscle contractions, the natural and smooth appearance of the skin can be preserved. The number of injections required for the treatment may vary from one patient to another. The areas that can be treated by the Botox treatment include:

• Glabellar lines

• Crow’s feet

• Forehead lines

• Lines and wrinkles around the lips

• Neck bands

Cosmetic Procedure with Minimum Downtime



After the treatment, the patients can return to their daily activities within a short time. It is however, necessary to avoid heavy exercises, lifting heavy weights and massages around the treated area on the particular day. It is because these activities can stop the process of protein creation and affect the natural results of the treatment.

Cosmetic Treatment without Major Side-effects

Botox anti aging treatment is extremely effective as it can diminish even deep-set wrinkles within a short time. The normal treatment duration is about ten to thirty minutes. The direct results of the treatment can be experienced within one or two weeks and the effects will remain for 3 to 4 months. This largely depends on the treated area, nature of the muscles and many more. In order to preserve a natural and youthful look it is essential to undertake three or four treatments each year.

Although Botox is considered a safe treatment procedure, it might cause minor discomforts and side effects. These include sensation of pain in the injected area, headache, nausea, minor swelling, bruising and redness.

It is best to approach an experienced doctor for anti aging Botox treatment. This enables to avoid any possible complication or risk.



By: Dr. Christopher T. Chia

About the Author:

LIFTSP BENEFITS

DATELINE: COHASSET AND PLYMOUTH, MASS… South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts with offices in Plymouth and Cohasset, cautions consumers about “Botox Parties” where Botox injections are one of the highlights of the party.

 

Botox parties are very popular, especially with brides and their bridal parties who want to look their best on the “big day”. Botox is used to treat lines around the eyes, frown lines between the eyes, and lines on the forehead that often appear with age. Botox works by relaxing the muscles that contract to form these lines, creating a smoother appearance in the treated areas. Yet, there is significant health risk to those who receive Botox injections outside of a doctor’s office.

 

South Shore Skin Center warns consumers of the dangers of receiving Botox injections anywhere but a physician’s office:

 



The Botox used in a home setting or other non-medical environment may not be direct from Allergan, the makers of the highest grade of Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxin A) which is FDA approved. There is no guarantee that the solution being used at a party is even safe for injection.



 



If laboratory botulinum toxin is used, rather than Botox Cosmetic, systemic effects may occur as were seen in the case of the doctor, several years ago, who paralyzed several patients and himself by injecting high concentrations of veterinary grade botulism toxin. Individuals should check to be sure that the bottle says “Botox Cosmetic”.



 



If the Botox is not reconstituted properly and/or not kept refrigerated, it may become inactive.



 



If sterile conditions are not observed when reconstituting or administering the Botox, infection may develop. 



 



At a Botox party, there are no medical personnel on hand to assist in case of an immediate adverse reaction.



 



Administration of Botox by those who are untrained may not be done correctly. Improper placement of the Botox may result in brow droop. Other side effects include bruising, headache and lid droop.



“Although a Botox type of solution may be obtained outside of a physician’s office, we do not recommend using it. The risk of serious illness, adverse effects and infection is significant when a questionable solution of Botox is injected by those who are not qualified,” explained Dr. Richard Eisen, dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center.

 

He continued, “At South Shore Skin Center, patient safety is a priority. For anyone who is interested in receiving Botox Cosmetic, we recommend that you consult a dermatologist.”

 

Dr. Eisen is among Allergan Corp.’s national training staff in the use of Botox Cosmetic. South Shore Skin Center uses only the highest grade of Botox Cosmetic available, known as Botulinum Toxin A, which is an FDA approved, highly purified form of the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium made by Allergan, to ensure patient safety. Qualified medical staff who administer Botox Cosmetic at South Shore Skin Center are fully trained.

 



By: Steve Dubin

About the Author:

BOTOX ALTERNATIVES