January 2009 Blog Archive
Friday, January 30, 2009
Skin Cancer Awareness
In recent months I have noticed the constant circulation and awareness about skin cancer all over Australia - a country which has a virtually non-existent o-zone layer. Aussies, like most dermatologists of the world are constantly aware of the dangers of their sun. A culture based on sport, sun and beaches it is bound to be difficult to lather on that SPF 30 every few hours, but if they can do it so can we. From TV commercials and campaign ads that highlight the dangers of tanning and getting burned, Australia is filled with people who are completely aware and actively take care of their skin health. Granted it may be urgent and vital to do so here, it still speaks highly of the Australian government who spends millions yearly trying to raise awareness about the dangers of the sun.
Schools even enforce the rule that all children must wear hats or they cannot play on the playgrounds, likewise sportsman douse themselves (visibly) with layers and layers of strong zinc sunblock. So America, maybe we should take a tip from our Southern Hemisphere mates and start raising awareness about skin cancer in the US.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Iron Out the Wrinkles
The Cosmetic Physicians Association of Australasia released a report today in the Sydney Morning Herald urging Botox users to take caution and abide by guidelines laid out by physicians and the national guidelines for injections. The discussion arose after research has been done about pregnancy and botox use - in 2005 a case was found which may be linking botox injections in a pregnant woman to the child's deafness and blindness.
CPSA Dr. Gabrielle Caswell said, "Botulinum toxin should not be prescribed to pregnant women and we advise our members to strictly follow these guidelines. Botulinum toxin has a long history of efficacy and a robust safety profile, however there are some circumstances, such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding, glaucoma and neuromuscular disease where it is not an appropriate medication."
It is critical that an aura of caution and responsibility be taken prior to receiving anti-aging facial fillers like Botox. Also it is important to know that the CPSA has said the woman with the child with birth defects was being injected numerous times during the 1st month of her pregnancy, which is why potential patients who are pregnant should speak to their physicians prior to treatment.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Headaches, Wrinkles and Now Tears? Oh my!
The UK Telegraph is reporting that a British woman suffering from a rare condition called "crocodile tears" has been cured by Botox - yes Botox injections. Patricia Webster cries uncontrollably as she eats a meal, and would stop sobbing once she finished eating. The report gives a brief description about what crocodile tears are, "Nerve fibers which should be used for salivation become damaged and regrow into the lacrimal gland, situated under the eye, which control tears. Consequently sufferers cannot help but cry when they chew and swallow food."
Typically we consider Botox to be used for wrinkle removal and anti-aging, however in recent years researchers have found many other uses for Botox pricks - including alleviating the pain of migraine headaches and now possibly even helping people who suffer from this crying syndrome. Now the 58-year-old mother of 3 can actually go eat out with friends and family without sobbing her eyes out. Likewise she showed her enthusiasm when saying, "But it works and it means I can wear eye make up and face the world again."
Monday, January 19, 2009
No Downturn for Quick Cosmetic Fixes
Before the inauguration party kicks in, don't forget your Botox injections! USA Today is reporting that in lieu of the soon-to-be President Obama's inauguration festivities, people are lining up by the droves for Botox. And I thought people were scrounging for money in the midst of the recent global financial crisis, this just proves, beauty is not a cost you can afford to cut.
The USA Today article says, "Washington, D.C.-area cosmetic dermatologists, and skin experts in other major cities, say despite the sagging economy, requests for quickie cosmetic fixes, such as Botox and microdermabrasion, have picked up during the last few weeks as people pretty-up for inaugural fetes"
The report later said, that in recent months cosmetic dermatologists were feeling the brunt of the economic downturn, reporting major losses. DC dermatologists should be happy with the turnaround during inauguration time. So forget-a-bout the popping bottles of dom, get a prick of botox!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Botox®'s First Competitor
In the next couple of months it is rumoured that the FDA may be approving the first competitor to Botox®. The new kid on the block is called Reloxin, however it's not so new in other parts of the world. For years now Reloxin has been used in Europe and South America.
According to MSNBC News which recently reported about the new anti-aging drug, "Clinical trials say it lasts longer, about five months. But those clinical trials are paid for by drug companies, so it will be up to the FDA to decide what claims Reloxin can make over its competitor, Botox®. Doctors say they expect it to be a bit cheaper than Botox®."
As we fall deeper and deeper into financial ruts, cheaper beautifying tips and procedures may soon become the norm. Who knows, maybe even more popular than traditional pricier treatments?
Friday, January 09, 2009
Skin Cancer on the Rise
Melanoma rates are said to be increasing in the United States. The US News and World Report said research shows that skin cancer rates are rising, especially in older men. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology has completed the research and is now urging Americans to take better care and screening measures to prevent melanoma.
US News said, "Melanoma rates are going up among all socioeconomic groups, which is a marker for access to physician care, and across all levels of tumor thickness, which is a marker of severity of this disease, Linos noted. Among men age 65 and older, the rates of melanoma have reached more than 125 cases per 100,000 men."
With such alarming figures it is vital that people holidaying in summer seasons take caution in properly protecting their skin with sun-block and getting checked and screened by a dermatologist regularly.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
eBay Stiffens Botox Advert Laws
eBay has agreed to toughen up laws against illegal Botox advertisements on it's website. There was nearly 300 illegal advertising of the product in just under a week of screening the site. Reports say that many of the unlawful advertisements were done by 16 companies, most of which were unaware of the legality issues surrounding their ads.
"Adverts offered discount vouchers for Botox treatments and encouraged people with 'introduce-a-friend' offers. Others included celebrity photos and made claims such as 'restores the look of youth and vitality'."
The Advertising Standards Authority made the news about these illegal ads. They were worried because the ads did not display the any correct information about Botox, it's side effects, types of treatment and consultations with a professional.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
New Uses for Botox
Generally used for cosmetic enhancements, wrinkle ridding and anti-aging, Botox maybe used for medical purposes as well. Recent studies show that Botox may be used for alleviating eye muscle spasms. Botox has been said to benefit relieving migraines, however widespread use for migraines has not been implemented yet.
"The FDA has confirmed that diluted Botox can strengthen weak muscle spasms, which are the source of involuntary eye twitches. When Botox is injected to the eye muscles, the chemical relaxes the muscle. This decreases tension and prevents it from involuntarily moving."
Much like basic upkeep with using Botox to get rid of wrinkles and aging lines, to maintain this benefit, injections every few months are necessary.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Joan Rivers and Botox
Joan Rivers has written a book about her years of plastic surgery and cosmetic dermatology endeavors. From Botox and facial fillers to breast augmentation, Rivers has long been open and humorous about her cosmetic enhancements. The book titled "Men are Stupid...and like Big Boobs" is a detailed guide with a witty comedic twist to plastic surgery and dermatology. Released on New Years Eve, Rivers gives a number of personal anecdotes and stories from her own procedures.
In an entry from the book Rivers comically says, "Why do you need to have enormous trust and faith in your doctor or dermatologist (or, as I like to call him, your beauty facilitator)? Easy. If you buy a dress and then decide it's hideous, you can return it. But if you get bum Botox Cosmetic injections, you're stuck with the Kabuki mask-like face for months. A bad hair cut is temporary; a nose job could be forever. Your choice in doctor or dermatologist is perhaps the only time in your life when you must get it right the first time."
Jump into the new year with Rivers' book and some tips for beautifying and getting rid of those wrinkles.
|
|
|
