Having It Done At the Mall?

Allergan irons out the wrinkles
OCRegister - Orange County,CA,USA
... NEWPORT BEACH – The latest anti-aging treatment from the makers
of Botox won't ... Last week, Domino received a free injection of
Juvederm, a facial filler that ...

Love the New Lips! From the Mall?
New York Times - United States
... Even when they are supervised by doctors, these spas often
convey the message that a Botox injection is no more a medical
procedure than a bikini wax. ...

Senior Citizens May Find New Use For BOTOX

Senior Citizens May Find Botox Not Only Helps
Wrinkles but Knee ...
SeniorJournal.com - San Antonio,TX,USA
... And, these old guys may soon be turning to Botox – not to
smooth their wrinkles but to ease the pain with an injection
in their prostate. Read more... ...

Allergan Stocks...

Cramer's 'Mad Money' Recap: Fleeting Beauty Stocks
TheStreet.com - USA
... Allergan makes the wrinkle-fighting injection Botox, and Medicis markets Restylane, an injectable gel for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. ...

A New Reason for Botox?

HEAD-TO-TOE MAKEOVER - Chisel out a perfect body
Jamaica Gleaner - Kingston,Jamaica
... Botox injection for frown lines in the forehead, crow's feet at the eyes, lines around the mouth and the chin. Dr. Gajraj advises ...

Why Are Facial Brighteners Replacing Wrinkle Creams as Women's ...
Business Wire (press release) - San Francisco,CA,USA
... we all know someone who's been injected with Botox(R)(a) or had some ... Unfortunately, no injection, scalpel or filler can bring back the radiant glow of youth. ...

New Trial For Headache Pain
WKRC 12 - Cincinnati,USA
... Botox is an injection which paralyzes the surface layer of the skin. In this study it will not just be used where wrinkles appear ...

Elixir Of Youth
Express Healthcare Management - Mumbai,India
... Botulinum exotoxin type A is available in the market as Botox from Allergan. ... 50 per cent and around 30 units are required, at multiple injection sites," says ...

Not Just for Women...

Shave off years, with a little help
Los Angeles Times - CA,USA
... Dr. Andrew Da Lio, assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at UCLA ...
The number of men getting face-lifts and cosmetic eyelid surgeries...

News About Botox Injections...

Wrinkle creams: Your guide to younger looking skin
MayoClinic.com - USA
... If you're looking for more dramatic results, a dermatologist can recommend medical treatments for wrinkles, including prescription creams, Botox injections or ...

Cosmetic surgery is big business
Bizjournals.com - Charlotte,NC,USA
... growth in nonsurgical procedures such as injections, dermal resurfacing and microdermabrasion -- it noted that several alternatives to botox and hyaluronic ...

Botox injections may relieve pelvic pain in women
Reuters.uk - UK
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In women with chronic pelvic pain due to pelvic floor spasms, Botox injections seem to reduce pressure and relieve some of the pain ...

Botox and Plastic Surgeons...

New look: Plastic surgeons add to festival colours
NDTV.com - New Delhi,India
... erase any sign of tension. A botox injection takes a couple of minutes and costs about Rs 10,000. ''Botox is fast catching on people ...

News About Post-Op Recovery...

Colorado Cosmetic Surgeons Provides Clients With The Latest ...
PR Web (press release) - Ferndale,WA,USA
... Williams of Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery have announced they will be offering the use of ON-Q for many of their breast augmentation and tummy tuck procedures. ...

Greenberg Dispells the Myths...

Dr. Greenberg's Myths about Plastic Surgery Dispelled
LongIslandPress.com - NY,USA
• After eyelid surgery, you won’t be able to close your eyes when you go to sleep. • When you have liposuction, the fat is going to go somewhere else. ...

About What's Available and News Updates

What Types of Cosmetic Surgery Are Available

Cosmetic surgery comes in many forms. What follows is an attempt to cover some of the more popular types. It is in no way exhaustive. As with any type of elective surgery, there may be many options available to the individual. Options range from the type of procedure, technique used, and not just the physician themselves. Each option carries its own attendant risks. As such, they should be reviewed carefully with a qualified physician.

Breast augmentation: this essentially involves the use of a prosthetic device to change - usually increase - the size of an individual's breasts. Over time, advances have been made in the type of prosthetic used since the 1970s. However, all employ a type of silicone shell filled with a solution that is then implanted. The solution itself consists of either saline or a silicone gel. Regardless, as in the past the risk of the implant's rupture remains. However, this risk appears to have been greatly reduced. Yet, follow-up checkups are required to ensure this.

The main techniques used for this procedure are sub-glandular, sub-fascial, and sub-muscular. In addition, there are variations on these techniques based on the incision used by the surgeon. The types of incisions are Peri-Areolar, Infra-Mammary, and Axillary. Each technique and type comes with its attendant pros and cons. In the end, a lot will depend upon the individual themselves and the surgeon's preference.

Botox, also known as Vistabel or Dysport, is the brand name used for botulin toxin type A. It is used in injections, most popularly for removing lines. Since it is an injection, and is normally performed in an outpatient setting, with no anesthesia required, it is quite popular. However, since its effects are not permanent, follow-up injections are usually required. Botox is considered a prescription drug. As such, it should be performed by a qualified physician.

Botulin toxin type A comes from bacteria. After it has been processed, it works by interfering with nerve impulses, amongst other things. It has only been in the last few years that, it has come to be recognized for its cosmetic function. These range from the appearance of severe frown lines between the eyebrows, excessive underarm sweating and spasticity.

Liposuction involves the removal of deposits of fat from the body. Technically, the procedure goes by the names of Lipoplasty or Suction Lipectomy. More popularly, it's known as body contouring. It is not considered an alternative to weight loss. However, it's used when normal diet and exercise have not worked to reduce these deposits.

The main techniques used are basic liposuction with a fluid injection, tumescent liposuction, use of stitches, super wet liposuction, ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL), power assisted liposuction (PAL) and external ultrasound assisted liposuction (XUAL or EUAL). A local or general anesthetic may be used depending upon the technique.

There are many considerations prior to undergoing the procedure. Issues include the elasticity of the skin around the area to be treated, and the general health of the individual. Exclusions include having diabetes, heart and/or circulation problems and/or any medication that affects the healing process. The main type of medication to be aware of are anticoagulants.

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News Updates

How Things Work: Botox
CMU The Tartan Online - Pittsburgh,PA,USA
... The FDA has warned that a Botox injection is a medical procedure and it should be performed in a proper, medical setting, where an emergency situation can be ...

Procedure Erases Deep Wrinkles
Click10.com - Miami,FL,USA
... "I went there with the intention of a Botox injection and he told me about this new procedure and we went forward with that," Oates said. ...

Another Kind of Story... Part II (FYI) and News Update

All There Is About Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is, technically speaking, epilation by laser or with the use of a special light. Besides the body, certain types of laser hair removal may safely be used to reduce facial hair as well. The laser (or light) of a particular wavelength is used to cause damage to dark elements in hair follicles. These elements are referred to as chromophores. They can be artificially produced or naturally occurring.

Today, most techniques target naturally occurring chromophores, in particular, melanin. Melanin gives colour to both hair and skin. Of the former, there are two types: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin gives a brown or black colour. The latter gives a blonde or red colour. Since the dark matter in hair follicles are the target, only the former - darker - type of hair is suitable for this procedure.

While laser hair removal became a commercial cosmetic procedure about 10 years ago, it has been experimented with well before then. In fact, medical lasers have been used to remove dark spots, acne scars, other types of skin blemishes and even tattoos. The point about laser hair removal is that, it's not permanent. In fact, in countries like the U.S., the FDA prohibits the advertisement of FDA-approved laser treatments to be described as a method of "permanent removal". Hence, use of the term "permanent reduction" or laser hair reduction to describe the procedure.

A more realistic description of laser hair removal is the "permanent reduction" of hair. It should be noted that, it's sometimes required to have multiple sessions of laser treatment over a certain period of time to achieve this goal. There is also no guarantee that ALL of the hair in the area treated will be reduced. To actually guarantee genuine permanent hair removal is to risk genuine scarring.

Ideally, the first thing the individual should do is to consult a qualified dermatologist. They should be able to advise on the suitability of the procedure. In any event, results will be most noticeable on light skinned individuals with dark hair. A lot more care will need to be taken, if the procedure is done on darker skinned and/or tanned individuals.

What you should be careful about

As noted above, one is well advised to avoid establishments that make false claims. The following are some of the more popular ones:

There is absolutely no pain or it's virtually painless. It is for many without needing any relief from the pain, but not for everyone.

The safe, permanent removal of hair. Again, the safe goal is hair reduction. Permanent removal is possible with scarring.

No re-growth of hair whatsoever. To date, there has been no real, genuine, qualified and objective evidence to support this claim.

It's "laser electrolysis" or "lasertrolysis". Hair reduction via electrolysis is completely different from reduction via the use of a laser. Both have their pros and cons, in terms of suitability and effectiveness.
In the end, it's best to consult a qualified dermatologist first.

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News Update

KT RAPS DRASTIC PLASTIC SURGERY
Glasgow Sunday Mail - UK
... She added: "Thankfully my collagen injection-esque lip allergy has given up the ... Scots star Lulu admits having had Botox but ever-youthful pop queen Madonna ...

Another Kind of Story...

Laser Hair Removal and Me

This is about my first experience with laser hair removal. It was... well... memorable. I hadn't done my homework. I'd gone to a cheap place that was on my way to work. It was a small shady looking clinic. They called it laser electrolysis. Money was the issue at the time. It was almost half the price of some of the others I'd glanced over. Unfortunately, it shouldn't have been the driving issue. Consequently, I regretted it dearly. The people there said, it would be painless and a sure thing. Permanent hair removal for good. Looking back, I realized how important it was to have consulted a qualified dermatologist first and foremost. In several weeks, the hair had grown back.

By the time the hair had grown back, the thought of going through it all again had nearly vanished. It wasn't until chatting with a friend over coffee, did it come back. She told me about how she'd found a good dermatologist. She had some skin and hair problems that'd been nagging her for a while. Regarding the hair, her dermatologist mentioned the option of laser hair removal, which came in two main types. One involved the actual use of a medical laser. The other type involved something called a xenon flash lamp. While it wasn't a laser, it essentially did the same thing.

As she was telling me all this, I brought up my own horror story - made me feel really naive. She told me that, there was no such thing as permanent hair removal, nor was it completely painless for everyone. Her own experience had been pretty good. She'd just had her last laser session. Experienced almost no pain at all. In addition, having fair skin and dark hair, had made her an ideal candidate, amongst other things.

So it didn't take me long after hearing this, to seek out my own dermatologist for a consultation. It took me a while, but it was well worth the effort. It was explained to me that due to my relatively darker skin tone, I'd have to be extra careful. She also gave me a more informative summary about laser hair removal.

Anyway, by the end of the following month, I'd booked my first session for the procedure. It hurt a little bit, but it was nothing like the first time. Plus, the staff there were really kind and happy to answer some of the questions I had.

Three months later, I finally managed to get rid of that unwanted hair.

Making a Decision and News Update

Factors in Deciding on Cosmetic Surgery

Various forms of cosmetic surgery exist today. All have the aim of altering the physical appearance of an individual. An implicit - sometimes explicit - part of this alteration, change or transformation is the individual's image of themselves as well;  not only how they see themselves, but how they see themselves seen by the people around them. For this reason, there are two elements at stake in cosmetic surgery: the physical and the psychological.

Valid advertisements of cosmetic surgery do not represent themselves as the be all and end all. They allow the individual to understand that it's a complex process with many factors to consider. Even a simple goal like having a smoother stomach, can become complicated by the various procedures available. Even then, the range of techniques. In the end, a consultation is always recommended, with a review of the various options available. As well, the attendant risks. What follows is an attempt to acquaint the reader with some of the issues regarding the procedures available. It does not explore what - if any - legal restrictions there may be depending upon where the procedure is done. For example, in Canada, there are can be regulations regarding the use of silicone in prosthetic devices, namely breast implants. The reader should also try to acquaint themselves with whatever follow-up or check-ups are necessary after the fact.

General vs. local anesthetic

If a general anesthetic is used, it is usually performed in a hospital setting. There are certain risks associated with any kind of procedure involving a general anesthetic. Regardless, a hospital stay is normally required. In contrast, a local anesthetic usually carries fewer risks and hospitalization is not required.

In-patient vs. out-patient

For the in-patient, a hospital stay is in part meant to ensure that any potential complications that can arise from the procedure can be dealth with immediately. As well, the individual will likely require a certain amount of rest and recovery in a hospital setting. In contrast, the out-patient can go home after the procedure should no complications arise. Regardless, having a qualified physician performing the procedure in a sterile, controlled setting is critical.

The health of the individual

The individual should be in good general health. Procedures like liposuction and tummy tucks are not meant for the purpose of weight loss as much as what's known as body contouring. Also, pregnancy can be a factor in precluding one from most procedures.

What you should avoid

Smoking a few weeks before and after the procedure. This is because smoking affects the blood's circulation and can hamper the body's ability to heal.

Excessive exercise, dieting and heavy physical acitivity after the procedure. Again, this can affect the individual's ability to recover. The former two should also be avoided prior to the procedure.
Certain types of medication can also seriously affect your ability to recover. For example, anticoagulants should be avoided if undergoing liposuction.

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News Update

New Study Shows BOTOX(R) Injections For Treatment Of Spasticity ...
Medical News Today (press release) - UK
... treatment with botulinum toxin type A (or BoNTA, marketed as BOTOX(R) by ... Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin for the treatment of wrist and finger ...

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All About It in a Nutshell...

Cosmetic Surgery in a Nutshell

Cosmetic surgery, like other forms of elective surgery, involves a physical change to one's appearance. Also known as plastic surgery, there are two kinds: cosmetic and reconstruction. The latter involves returning an individual's sense of self after some form of injury and/or illness. The former allows the ability to overcome the physical characteristics one was born with. In a way, the former represents the forefront of how changes in technology can allow changes to the human body.

This surgery comes in all types, from the use of prosthetics as in breast augmentation and liposuction to non-invasive forms of surgery like laser hair removal or even laser correction of the eyes to eliminate the need for eye glasses.

None of this comes without a price however. Besides financial concerns, it remains the responsibility of the individual who will undergo such surgery. For this reason, they do need the support of those around them. This is the kind of support that not only affects their decision, but their ability to assimilate the surgical changes to the body.

In the case of surgery for cosmetic - as opposed to reconstruction - purposes is the issue of aesthetics. Those around them need to understand the significance societies place upon appearance. How the appearance of someone can alter how they are perceived not only as a person, but as a human being. Surgery for aesthetic reasons, provides people with the opportunity to overcome stigmas associated with their appearance. However, what remains most important is that it's a choice.

Many - perfectly valid - arguments have been presented to the contrary regarding surgery for cosmetic purposes. However, the fact remains that human beings have been altering their appearance for quite some time now.

Cosmetic surgery is significant, not only for what it can achieve, but because it's a choice made by the person undergoing it. It's a personal decision about one's own body.

Another consideration for the individual, outside of their support system, is that they should do as much of their own personal research as possible into the different kinds of surgery available for each procedure. For example, the current surgical techniques employed and the potential legal restrictions, as is often the case with silicone prosthetics. In addition, weighing the pros and cons of each technique. Finally, the surgeon themselves. An initial consultation is always recommended, as with any form of elective surgery.

All There is to Know and More...

All There is to Know About Botox Injections

In general, Botox is the brand name for a botulin toxin type A, of which there are subtypes. The type B variety (BTX-B) is known as Neurobloc in the E.U. or Myobloc in the U.S.A. Both are employed in medical and/or therapeutic purposes. Botox itself is more popularly known for it's non-surgical cosmetic function. It is also known as Vistabel in the E.U. and Dysport.

In the 1950s, although experimented with much earlier, very small injections of botulin toxin type A (BTX-A) were used to decrease overactive muscle activity. In that same period, it was experimented with in cosmetic treatments. In 1989, in the U.S., Allergan Inc. got approval from the F.D.A. and named their drug Botox. Approval for its cosmetic use came in 2002, when researchers discovered is cosmetic effects.

Technically speaking, botulin toxin type A (BTX-A) is produced by bacteria. Once processed, its injection serves to interfere with nerve impulses, amongst other things. As such, it has come to serve many purposes in non-surgical cosmetic treatment, namely the removal of lines. However, its effects are not permanent, so future injections may be required.

It has been used to treat glabellar lines (the appearance of severe frown lines between the eyebrows), excessive underarm sweating, spasticity, muscle disorders, and even obesity. The study of other treatments using Botox remain ongoing.

Botox is usually considered a prespcription drug that needs to be administered by a qualified physician. For this reason, it's recommended that it be done in a controlled setting, i.e. a doctor's office. In this way, any possible immediate side effects can be monitored by the administering physician. For this reason, among others, so-called "Botox parties" are not recommended.

Apparently in the U.S., Botox is licenced for use in single-use vials. In other words, it's prescribed for use for a single person. The vials do not contain anything that can prevent contamination if repeatedly used for more than one person. However, this is how many individuals aim to lower the cost of the injections, besides undergoing the injections in a more social atmosphere.

Unfortunately, the consumption of alcohol in such an environment can defeat the purpose of the injections. After receiving an injection, it's recommended that the individual: not rub their face and stand up straight for several hours. Both are meant to prevent the Botox from moving outside of the targeted area. Here, one of the most commonly know side effects are droopy eyelids. This is because the muscles controlling the eyelids have become paralyzed. However, this side effect is normally considered to last only a few days.

Regardless, as Botox comes from a neurotoxin, much care must be taken with its use as in any treatment. You should also consult the physician regarding the required frequency of injections. This may be anywhere between four to eight months, but no less than three.

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News Updates

Stem Cell Technique To Arrest Urinary Incontinence
Science Daily (press release) - USA
... trials for urinary incontinence using the intraurethral injection of myoblasts ... University Of Pittsburgh Researchers Use Botox To Treat Overactive Bladder (May ...

Cheering for Morgan: Treatment for child's legs can't wait till ...
Weymouth News - Weymouth,MA,USA
... website: "The Botox softens the tissue so that the contracted muscle can be stretched in order to achieve greater range of motion.". "After the injection, a ...

New Study Shows BOTOX(R) Injections for Treatment of Spasticity ...
Yahoo! News (press release) - USA
... with botulinum toxin type A (or BoNTA, marketed as BOTOX® by Allergan, Inc ... Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin for the treatment of wrist and finger ...

Taking on Misconceptions...

Rejuvenating Effects of Botox Develop Psychological Dependence On ...
eMaxHealth.com - Hickory,NC,USA
Some psychologists believe that a person will flash a phony smile if the crow's feet near her or his eyes are removed by a Botox injection. ...

Lifestyle habits could lead to incontinence
Channel News Asia - Singapore
... And if both these remedies are ineffective, then surgical procedures like bladder distension or a botox injection to the bladder are performed," said Prof Lim. ...

Getting a Shot of Confidence...

Shot of confidence from Botox? No sweat
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette - Fort Wayne,IN,USA
... But even people without the condition are seeking Botox treatments in growing ... side effects may include: pain and bleeding at the injection site, sweating in ...

Cosmetic dentists seeks injection
This is Money - UK
MILLIONAIRE dentist James Hull is looking for a massive cash injection for his ... expanded into osteopathy and chiropody and will soon be offering botox treatments ...

Norfolk gets injection of beauty
Norfolk Eastern Daily Press - Norfolk,England,UK
... Specially discounted prices on a range of treatments from the increasingly popular Botox and facial fillers to semi-permanent make-up and manicures drew in ...