May 2009 Blog Archive
Friday, May 29, 2009
Botox Credit Card
For those of you fearful about spending extra money on cosmetic
enhancements, you need not fret. A Botox Cosmetic Card is emerging onto the
market, and going even more plastic than before. The Botox Cosmetic
Benefits Card is being offered to patients who have already used the
facial-filler and will give them monetary perks for their next visit.
Newsweek column said, "I suppose if a smoother face is your idea of a
reward, why shouldn't "reward points" be able to buy you one? Not everyone
wants a set of BOSE speakers or an espresso machine."
This just further validates the fact that Allergen and Botox have become
some of the nation's strongest brands.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Stroke Victims and Botox
The FDA has approved Dysport the Botox rival in wrinkle-removal, however the
FDA has delayed approving Botox injections for upper limb spasticity. Allergen
hopes that Botox-use for non-cosmetic ailments will soon surpass its
cosmetic use in profits. However surpassing the $1 billion a year sales in
cosmetic use for Botox seems shocking especially as we are in the midst of a
downturn.
Reuters said, "It is also counting on neurology uses for Botox to help shore
up cosmetic sales that have been hit hard by the recession. Allergen said
the FDA indicated it must first review the company's proposed Risk
Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for the medicine before approving it for
the movement disorder common to stroke sufferers."
The FDA has asked Allergen for complete documentation and evidence from its
clinical studies for therapeutic use of Botox. If the FDA did approve the
use of Botox for spasticity, it would be a huge boost for Allergen, as the
recession has adversely affected its cosmetic sales.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
How young is too young?
We live in an era where Botox injections are common enough that mothers and
daughters talk about it freely and openly. But at what point in time did a
mother think it was appropriate to allow, nay encourage and fund, her
daughters anti-wrinkle injections? If the purpose of Botox pricks is to
achieve youthful looking skin, why is an already youthful teen getting such
injections? Dermatologists, reporters and other mothers alike are staunchly
scrutinizing this mother's decision to give her daughter Botox.
News.com.au reported, "For her 18th birthday, (Margaret King) bought her
(daughter, Jodie) Botox injections to get rid of the 'wrinkles' on the
teenager's forehead. 'Jodie's forehead is like mine - she gets pronounced
lines when she makes a facial expression. I knew Botox would solve the
problem.' This was, in fact, a couple of years ago, and Jodie is now hooked
on Botox and planning her first nose-job."
Personally I have nothing against Botox; in fact I promote the use of
cosmetic facial fillers for women and men, generally baby-boomers to look
and feel younger. However, when twentysomethings and teenagers begin to
dabble into injections it warrants a serious cause for concern.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
FDA Approval for Botox-Rival Dysport
The dreaded day for Allergen (the makers of Botox) has come today with their
rival Dysport getting FDA approval. It has been granted permission to be
used in the market for cosmetic and therapeutic use. Dysport has been used
in Europe for years now, so we'll see how the US responds to the
wrinkle-remover, especially die-hard Botox affecionado's including those who
stuck with injection even during the economic downturn.
The Washington Post said, "A day after approving Dysport, the FDA issued an
order that Dysport and Botox must now carry the most stringent kind of
warning labels. These alerts must explain that the material has the
potential to spread from the injection site to distant parts of the body,
with the risk of such serious difficulties as problems with swallowing or
breathing. Requiring that a drug package carry a box with bold-face risk
information -- a so-called black-box warning -- is one of the strongest
safety actions the FDA can take. It's usually reserved for medications known
to have serious or life-threatening risks, such as antidepressants."
Botox has been in use for cosmetic purpose for nearly two decades now even
with regulations and sanctions against it's use or warnings. 2.5 million
people flock to their local dermatologist for pricks that remove aging lines
and bring back their youthful charm.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Email Diagnosis
The European dermatology industry may be in for a facelift with the advent
of email referrals. Cutting costs is touted as the biggest trend in most
businesses at the moment, and cosmetic dermatology is not immune to
balancing budgets. The medical industry may be in for a new innovation to
limit costs while also reducing costs for patients. Some General
Practitioners are emailing skin ailment photos to dermatologists as a means
of getting quick feedback for treatment.
US News and World Report said, "Using Web-based technologies could be one
way of keeping a lid on medical costs, which have been raising as the
population in Western countries ages and the demand for referrals to costly
specialists increases."Teledermatologic consultation successfully enables
general practitioners to treat patients they would otherwise refer to a
dermatologist," the authors conclude."
Innovation during economic hardship is the key to overcoming the recession.
Not only does this permit patients to save some money, but it allows doctors
to jump straight into treatment as opposed to wasted time and money on
face-to-face diagnosis.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sap for Sunspots
Researchers may have found a sap from a common weed that has the ability to
treat sunspots before the damaged skin turns into cancer. Nearly half of
all Caucasian adults are said to develop sunspots in their lifetime, many of
which may one day turn into skin cancer. Dermatologists are hoping to
stifle the progress of damaged skin to cancer while also brining about
awareness.
The Brisbane Times said, "Brisbane-based pharmaceutical company Peplin says
it hopes to have a drug on the US market in two years after its clinical
trials confirmed an old wives' tale about the effectiveness of using radium
weed to fight skin cancer."
Patients in the study had slight redness and irritation, but researchers are
optimistic about the prospect of this new treatment. With summer around the
corner, raising awareness for prevention and treatment is essential to
better skin health.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Botox Youth
The Botox craze has been around for years, from baby boomers to desperate
housewives, the wrinkle-remover is a hit amongst most older demographics.
But in recent months the facial-filler has attracted a more youthful age
group - the twentysomethings. Many women in their twenties are getting
Botox injections as forms of prevention for wrinkles, but it leaves many
wondering is Botox really a viable option for preventing wrinkles?
Oklahoma news, NewsOk said, "Mention Botox and images of aging celebrities
may come to mind. Increasingly, people in their 20s are becoming concerned
about aging and wrinkles. Edmond dermatologist Michael John says he has seen
an increase in younger patients. "They are becoming worried earlier because
it's in the news," John says. "They talk about different products for
wrinkles, and that makes people interested."
The youth demographic is still not the most lucrative for demartologists,
baby-boomers with more disposable incomes and necessity to remove wirnkles
are considerably more lucrative. Especially considering they have been loyal
to Botox for years on end.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Commercialize It
Over the course of the past year it has been made evident to me that the US
should do more to promote awareness for skin cancer. During the Spring and
Summer seasons, Australia and UK are two countries that openly discuss and
show the dangers of skin cancer and the sun. Wildly obscene footage is
shown of cancer's eating away at people's skin, and how much of it stemmed
from hours on end beaching and sunbaking during the hot summer months. So
why don't we have such sobering commercials on our television? Are we
fearful of the truth?
Personally, I feel that such vivid and frightening footage can not only aid
in awareness among older demographics but young adults may be swayed to wear
sunscreen or take more caution when in the sun for extended periods of
time. Both countries also have commercials for lung cancer and binge
drinking funded by the government.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Cricketers and Skin Cancer
All first class cricketers in the UK will now have mandatory skin cancer
checks and tests. The new initiative is hoping to prevent skin cancer and
bring about awareness amongst athletes worldwide. Skin cancer rates have
been increasing over the years with cricketers who are constantly playing in
the bright sun in the summer months.
Sky News reported, "Around 400 county players will undergo tests for the
disease, which is now the most common form of cancer in the UK. The PCA
organised the programme after check-ups on one in seven county cricketers'
revealed potential melanomas. The PCA's assistant chief executive, Jason
Ratcliffe, said: "Every first class player will get a 20-minute check from a
visiting nurse."
Hopefully this will begin to raise awareness among other sportsman as well,
in the US, Australia and globally in fact. Athletes are great candidates
and people to boost testing and education awareness.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Pale the New Black
This summer pale is the new black. For those of you hoping to bask in the
glory of bronzed beached bodies, it may be a wise choice to think twice
before baking and tanning. The Academy of Dermatology is recommending that
sunscreen with at least SPF 15 be applied continuously whilst in the sun. Some
tips have been outlined and presented by today's New York Times article
about UV rays.
The NYT said, "Use a shot glass full of lotion (or an ounce) on your body;
two coats of spray since it's hard to detect missed spots. Apply a sunscreen
15 to 30 minutes before exposure, because some take time to become fully
active. Ultraviolet A rays can pass through window glass, so office workers
with the luxury of a view should take precautions. Reapply after swimming,
toweling off, sweating or every two hours, if you miraculously don't
perspire at the beach."
If you're starting your sunbathing regiment of beach, bikinis, boardies and
surfing remember to keep in mind the tips highlighted above, as skin cancer
has the ability to attack people of all ages and skin tones.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Luscious Lips
Angelina Jolie lips are touted as some of the best and most sought after.
Women all over the world, yearn for the fuller and pouty lips, so what are
some of the available treatments to get that luscious look? There are a
number of options for lip augmentation, some less invasive, painful and
costly as others. But some women prefer the fuller enhancement.
The Examiner said, "There are many dermal fillers on the market. While some
work fine for filling facial wrinkles; many are not appropriate for lip
augmentation. Radiesse, which consists of microspheres of calcium
hydroxyapatite, works nicely for filling deep wrinkles. However, injecting
it into the thin lip tissue may result in lip nodules that can be painful
and unsightly. On the other hand, fillers composed of cross-linked
hyaluronic acid (Juvaderm, Restylane) are gels which usually work well for
lip augmentation."
Lip augmentation is considerably common and very effective to get that
Angelina Jolie look. Cosmetic procedures much like lip augmentations with
dermal fillers are becoming very popular for women young and old. So pucker
up!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Reprimanding Quick Fixes
We mentioned recently that the idea of do it yourself Botox and other facial
fillers had been gaining popularity in the US and abroad. Many women have
fall victim to the dangers associated with do-it-yourself kits. Cosmetic
fillers are meant to be applied by professional physicians and clinicians
only. Do it yourself kits are recipes for disaster and danger for the
person attempting to do it at home.
Sky News reported on a case saying, "What began as a lunchtime beauty
treatment ended up with general anaesthetic as a surgeon sliced open her
lower eyelid to cut away the leaching substance. Four surgeries and several
thousand pounds later she is still scarred. Her before and after pictures
tell a starkly different story to advertisements for the procedure, and
experts say her case highlights the potential dangers of cosmetic fillers.
Made of varying substances including hyaluronic acid and collagen extracted
from cows, dermal fillers - injected under the surface of the skin to plump
it up - are widely used in Hollywood."
Monday, May 11, 2009
Putting up a Fight
Less than a week since word has leaked about the arrival of a Botox
competitor, Allergen CEO and top executives are defending their product and
brand publicly. Last week Dysport became FDA approved in the US and will
soon be making an appearance in the cosmetic dermatology and wrinkle-remover
industry. The Orange County based company has relied upon Botox injections
as it's primary money-maker, and so a commercially viable competitor may be
detrimental to profit and reputation in a very fickle industry.
According to Forbes Allergen CEO said, "Each of these botulinum toxins
behaves in practice quite differently," Allergan Chief Executive David Pyott
said in an interview with the Associated Press. "We've said for quite a
while that switching from one to another is like saying 'I'm going to stop
speaking English and start talking to you in German.'" Pyott stressed that
Botox and Dysport are not interchangeable because the drugs are dosed and
injected differently."
Many are worried that the cosmetic dermatology industry will fall victim to
even more of a downturn, as many are cutting costs and the perks of their
previous expendible budgets. However some of the first reported cost-cuts
are with elective procedures much like facial fillers.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Spring, Summer and Skin Cancer
April brought us showers, May brings flowers and the summer months mean one
thing sun damaged skin. As summer lurks around the corner so too do it's
harsh UV rays. This summer don't fall victim to burns, blisters and
wrinkles caused by the sun. Instead take action in preventing skin cancer.
In light of the sunny months ahead Austin based dermatologists are offering
free skin cancer screenings.
CBS affiliate in Austin said, "When detected early and treated properly,
even melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer is curable. That's why
Austin doctors are offering up their free time to help save a life."
The screenings held on Saturday May 9th, are hoping to bring awareness not
only for the baby-boomer demographic but the twenty and thirty-somethings
who are continuously out in the sun and negligent of skincare and skin
health. Melanoma is a leading cause of death in the US.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Botox Alleviating Diabetes Foot Pain
For many diabetes patients, chronic foot pain is a constant reminder of
their debilitating disease. However, doctors in Taiwan are showing that
Botox injections to the top of the foot may dramatically ease the pain. For
years now dermatologists and researchers have been examining the different
uses of Botox besides of course cosmetic purposes.
Reuters article reported, "Moreover, 44 percent of the subjects had a
reduction of at least 3 points in their pain score within 12 weeks after the
Botox injections. An added benefit was that patients are able to sleep much
better after the treatment. Hu's team concludes that intradermal Botox
injections "are an effective and safe method of relieving diabetic
neuropathic pain in the feet." However, "the detailed underlying mechanisms,
optimal dosage, and precise course of therapy require further evaluation."
Many studies show that Botox injections have perks like decreasing the pain
in migraines, sweating problems and now foot-pain relief. Hopefully as more
time and research shows there will be many more benefits and uses for Botox.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Facial Yoga
Adios plastic surgery? Is there a new kid in town? Facial yoga has taken New
York by storm, and taking over your wrinkles. Of course invasive procedures
like facial fillers and plastic surgery can remedy your age lines and bring
back that youthful charm, but for people who are aiming to save some money
during the recession and look younger without the hassles of surgery, facial
yoga may be your wisest choice.
Reuters said, "At a recent class in Manhattan's wealthy Upper East Side,
yoga instructor Annelise Hagen teaches several facial exercises designed to
stretch and tone facial muscles. Hagen recently released a book, 'The Yoga
Face: Eliminate Wrinkles with the Ultimate Natural Facelift.' She said she
developed a workshop using facial yoga because women wanted to look their
best, "but they weren't really thinking about how to exercise their facial
muscles." She said facial muscles become weak and flabby and need regular
workouts and circulation to reduce wrinkles."
The same principles as yoga apply to facial yoga, to rejuvenate and increase
movement and strength in the face muscles. This aids in tightening the
muscles and the skin, which can help clear wrinkles. Now this is not the
end all of ways to remove wrinkles, but in times like these, it is a good
way to prevent wrinkles and even help you if you do use facial fillers or
Botox.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Rosacea Treatments Advancing
A new study has emerged onto the cosmetic dermatology market about rosacea
and treatments for the skin ailment. The study has been published in
University of California, Irvine's Journal of *Drugs in Dermatology*. The
study has shown that a topical lotion has found to have positive effects on
treating rosacea, a skin problem that is generally treated with oral
antibiotics which are said to have long term side effects.
PR News Wire said about the study, "The 12-week, open-label study concludes
that Pyratine XR(TM) (0.125% furfuryl tetrahydropyranyladenine) improved
skin barrier function and the appearance of erythema (redness) and lesions
(pustules and papules) associated with mild-to-moderate rosacea during 12
weeks of treatment. According to study data, Pyratine XR(TM) produced a
progressive decrease in the symptoms associated with rosacea, with an
overall clinical improvement in 80% of subjects, including reduction of
redness and lesions."
* *
Many in the industry including people plagued with redness and rosacea are
thrilled at the prospect of the new treatment. The product has and
promising results but is still in its preliminary stages of experimentation.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
New Kid in Town
Here ye, here ye! A new anti-aging drug has emerged onto the cosmetic
dermatology market. According to reports, Dysport the new kid in town will
be made available to the public in 60-days. Just last week the FDA reported
that such wrinkle-removers were likely to have some form of side effects;
however Dysport has been approved with sanctions and safety warnings.
Forbes said, "Despite recent FDA warnings that botulinum-based products
could spread beyond the injection site and lead to botulism poisoning,
nearly 2.5 million Americans had Botox injections in 2008 for cosmetic
reasons, *Bloomberg* said. For medical use, Dysport was approved to treat a
neck-twisting disorder called cervical dystonia, the news service said."
Some industry observers have warned that Botox users are loyal to the brand
and safety associated with Allergen's wrinkle-hit Botox. Meaning it may be
tough for avid users to switch to a new competitor. However, Dysport makers
are hoping to attract a new breed of cosmetic dermatology fans, or simply
pose themselves as a more cost-efficient or more reputable brand.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Technorati Claim
Technorati Profile
Friday, May 01, 2009
FDA Stiffens Botox Laws
The FDA have ordered warning labels onto Botox and other anti-wrinkle
injection drugs. The warning has come out only one day after the FDA
approved a possible Botox rival Dysport. The more stringent laws have come
on the wake of possible new entrants into the cosmetic dermatology realm.
Similarly the number of cases reported about people using do-it-yourself
kits has increased and many are falling victims to the dangers of misusing
or abusing Botox injections.
The New York Times said, "Requiring a drug to carry a box with bold-face
risk information - a so-called black-box warning - is one of the strongest
safety actions the F.D.A. can take. Black boxes are typically reserved for
medications known to have serious or life-threatening risks.
Antidepressants, for example, carry black boxes warning of the increased
danger of suicidal thoughts and actions. The F.D.A. said it would also
require makers of injectable toxins to send doctors letters warning of their
risks and to produce a medication guide to be given to patients at the time
of injection."
What many people fail to realize is that Botox and other anti-aging
treatments are in fact botulinum toxins which if not injected properly or
mistreated can cause serious damage to your health.
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