Depression:

According to Medical News Today.com, “Some studies have indicated that Botox used for aesthetic purposes can help people with mental illness. A study published in Dermatologic Surgery found that treating clinically depressed patients with Botox on the frown lines of their faces actually got rid of their depression.” A trial was conducted on major depression and Dr. Eric Finzi and Dr. Ericka Wasserman found that when they used botox to treat frown lines on the face, the botox actually removed the depression as well.

According to Wasserman and Finzi, “Major depression is sometime resistant to drug therapy and psychotherapeutic treatment approaches.”  10 people were tested for depression and after two months 9 of the people in the trial no longer had any depression.

Medical Problems and Eye Twitching:

Surprisingly Botox is aiding patients with diseases not just cosmetic repairs.  At Mohammad Ali Parkinson Center, Botox was used to provide relief for its patients with Parkinson. “Botox is the most powerful nerve toxin known to man and it’s dramatically improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s,” says Guillermo Moguel-Cobos, MD, Movement Disorder Neurologist at the Center. “For this type of treatment, it’s a miracle drug.”

Botox is also used as a medical treatment for eye twitches and more. It was a Canadian ophthalmologist, Dr. Jean Carruthers, who first noticed the cosmetic effects of Botox. A patient of her had undergone Botox injection treatment for an eye twitch. When Carruthers saw her patient after treatment commenced, she noticed a significant reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. Soon after, she began to study the use of Botulinum Toxin Type A as a cosmetic treatment option. It is still used today as a method of treatment for a wide variety of muscular control ailments including bell’s palsy.

Botox was shown to aide patients with Bell’s Palsy according to the Melbourne Brain Research Institute (BRI).  Bell’s Palsy is a type of paralysis which affects the facial nerves.  In the past shock therapy was used with little results.  Again Botox is being used for other than removing wrinkles.

Botox’s Hidden Dangers

An overdose of Botox can be very dangerous. As with any drug, overdoses are extremely dangerous at any level. It may take several weeks for the effects to wear off also.  It is possible to be overdosed on Botox, and those who find themselves addicted to the treatment may come up with very creative ways of endangering themselves. The results of such an overdose vary from person to person, and could include (but are not limited to) rash, swelling, anaphylaxis, muscular paralysis in the injection site, nerve damage and more. With quick response after a suspected overdose, an antitoxin can be used.  Doctor’s supervision is a must during this time also.

Like all drugs, Botox can be mismanaged and sometimes the patient can become addicted to the injections.  As it is relatively inexpensive and easily injected, the possibility still exists.  It is always best to be under a doctor’s supervision to avoid any overdose or becoming addictive to this medical wonder.  Botox is approved by the FDA which does not mean it is necessarily alternative to a facelift or other cosmetic surgery.

When undergoing a face lift without surgery, such as the Thermage technique, you may experience mild discomfort and redness can occur. The side effects are temporary and usually do not last long. Thermage is a natural facelift that is much less expensive than facelifts, costing usually around $2,000. A facelift ranges in price and could cost anywhere from $6,000 to $25,000. A face lift also means the patient has to undergo anaesthesia, which means there are some risks involved.

Besides a face lift or a crf face lift, another option is a life lift face lift. This is method is considered to be a “mini face lift,” though it is not one of the non surgical face lifts. It is less invasive than the more traditional face lift procedures. A lifestylelift removes fat and removes wrinkles and fine lines. The recovery time is also shorter than a regular face lift. A lifestyle lift is performed while the patient is under anaesthesia. But, what is gaining popularity are the natural face lifts, specifically non-surgical facelifts, like Thermage. The basic information you will find is that face lifts are intense procedures and it may be better to opt for a natural face lift rather than a face lift with threads. Many people receive satisfactory results from natural facelifts, while spending less money and time.

Thread lifts are starting to replace facelifts.

Thread lifts were originally designed to help men and women avoid the dangers of cosmetic surgery options such as the facelift. A traditional facelift can be very dangerous, and costly as well. Thread lifts are considered to be significantly safer, but still pose risk factors of their own. In this article, we will briefly discuss some of these dangers and potential side effects.

1. The threads can break. If the threads break, the whole point of the lift becomes apparent, as the skin will fall back to its original position. In addition, the barbs on the threads can become stuck in the skin, causing extreme discomfort. This is rare, but still possible.

2. The threads can be seen. The last thing that a patient spending thousands on a thread lift wants to hear, but there is a slight chance that the threads will become visible. Threads can also become bunched up, and this can be somewhat painful to the patient.

3. Infection can occur. If the threads get infected, they will have to be removed. Since the patient is responsible for paying for the procedure, this can mean a lot of money with nothing to show for it. Very few insurance companies will cover a procedure that is strictly cosmetic, meaning that the whole bill goes to the patient. Infection can be mild, moderate, or severe, and can require medication and/or hospitalization at times.

4. There can be scarring after a thread lift. This is especially true for older patients, but is rare nonetheless. The process of inserting the threads and pulling the skin to its proper place can leave minor (or very rarely major) scarring on the patient.

5. Patients can see no difference. One of the more common complaints among thread lift patients is a lack of results for the cost. While many expect a drastic difference, many thread lifts offer minimal results, as they are designed to be subtle changes.

These are just a few of the many hazards presented by thread lifts, but, overall, they are still much safer that traditional facelift procedures. There are many remedies at home that can work almost as well, but cost vastly less than either procedure. Talk to your doctor to learn what is best for you, given your individual medical history.

Before you decide on a thread lift, make sure you understand all of the possible thread lift results.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a fibrous protein. It is a key factor in connecting and supporting various bodily tissues, such as skin, bone, muscles, cartilage and tendons. Collagen even has a presence in our teeth. There are more than twenty-five different kinds of collagen required for our bodies to function properly. We are most familiar with collagen in relation to our skin.

Collagen and aging

As we age, our ability to produce collagen is hindered. Our biggest concern with this hindrance is not the many life-changing diseases that can be caused from it, such as brittle bone disease, but with wrinkles. Perhaps because this is the most aesthetic, most visible, result of slowed collagen production, we are more concerned with finding ways to help increase this production rate. Hence, the marketing of collagen injections and creams.

Collagen properties

The importance of collagen is that it has valuable medical properties. It has been used to help aid the healing process in severe burn victims, as well as used in skin graphing and in cosmetic procedures to help reduce the appearance of scars. In combination with vitamin C, collagen can also be a key factor in reducing a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke.

The funny thing about those creams available at your local drug store, the ones that claim to increase collagen levels, is that collagen cannot be absorbed through the skin. If you’re looking to increase your levels of collagen in order to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, you’d best to check into collagen injections, which can be administered to just about any part of the body.

Restalyne Fountain of Youth – Local 6 News Orlando with Dr. Roger Bassin – Funny blooper videos are here

Can fruit really make your skin look younger?

There’s an old myth behind using cucumbers to help rejuvenate the skin around the eyes. This is one natural ingredient still commonly used in many facial treatments and spa sessions today. Years ago, it was believed that cucumbers had rejuvenating properties, that they would help remove dark bags and crow’s feet. As science has progressed, this theory has been disproved, but we did manage to discover that putting cucumber’s over one’s eyes is actually great for helping relieve dry, itchy eyes.

Composed of 90% water, cucumbers are great natural cooling systems. Their shape allows them to be stay in place on the eyes. Because of the water content, they are very cool against the skin and make for a great moisturizer. The silicon content also helps reduce the appearance of bags, but most certainly not remove them. Here are some ailments in which cucumbers have been shown to be extremely helpful for the eyes.

It’s definitely worth a try if you suffer from sore, red, itchy and dry eyes. Cucumbers are made of mostly water, but can also be pretty acidic. Keep your eyes closed tightly, and in case you find yourself sensitive to these acids be sure to have a something nearby to rinse your eyes with.

Is the cost worth the risks?

More people turn to Botox and similar forms of liposuction or plastic surgery each year, often with little or no research into the actual cost beforehand. The cost of Botox is normally determined by a few factors, depending on the person and individual situation.

However, with the many dangers and risks associated with Botox injections, some wonder if it is worth it. There are many negative side effects possible with these injections, but, if done correctly, the results can be tremendous. So, is it worth the cost? You’ll have to decide for yourself, preferably with the help of a licensed healthcare professional.

In reality, the actual cost of a series of Botox injections varies based on the city, doctor, facility, and other similar factors. While experts say to expect a bill around the $450 mark, some cities may be higher or lower. For example:

As you can see, the cost of Botox relies heavily on what part of the United States you call home.

Botox is actually a bacteria, and can be toxic in large doses, although it has been used in the medical community for various cosmetic reasons for several decades. Botox is also used for treating conditions such as sweating (extreme cases), migraines/headaches, eye twitches, and vocal chord conditions effectively.

If you only have fine lines and wrinkles, the cost is definitely not worth the risk. Botox is designed to improve or eliminate deeper wrinkles/lines, crow’s feet, vertical and/or horizontal creases, and similar problems. It is virtually ineffective for the small stuff. So, before you consider Botox injections or other plastic surgery treatments, consider an at-home remedy first.

Collagen is important

Botox has become a very popular alternative for facelifts. It offers results in quick sessions and the treatments are relatively cost effective. By using injections to administer a serum made of Botulinum Toxin Type A in various regions of the face and neck, the muscles are essentially paralyzed and the skin becomes tightened as part of the chemical reaction that takens place within the body. This is what eliminates wrinkles.

It may sound appealing on an aesthetic level, but Botox can actually be quite dangerous if the needle is placed in the wrong hands. Botox has been known to cause death due to paralysis, which is most often related to too much toxin being injected into the muscles. However, since this product is used not only as a cosmetic alternative to invasive surgeries but also as a treatment for muscular ailments like blepharospasm (eye twitch), the side effects and dangers are not the same for each case.

Anyone who has any sort of infection in their ears, eyes, nose, mouth, throat, or other facial area should not consider Botox until the infection has entirely dissipated. Botox use while a person suffers with infection can result in a horrible reaction within the body. White blood cells are working against the infection, but are damaged or destroyed by the toxic injection. This makes it even more difficult for the body to destroy the infection, and often results in the condition worsening.

Unlike surgical options, Botox does not offer permanent results. Treatments are required on a regular, frequent basis. These costs can quickly add up, as the injections and time with the physician do not come cheap. The danger here lies in cosmetic treatment addiction, a mental ailment affecting a higher number of people all over the world all the time. It is important to remember what it is that makes Botox and remember that it has every potential to be harmful.

The vast majority of the dangers associated with Botox are associated with inexperienced practitioners. A good physician will ensure his patient is mentally stable and healthy, and will concern himself with the well being of his patient while delivering the cosmetic treatment. Botox parties are never a good idea, and in many cities around the world there are Botox clinics available that house licensed and experienced physicians to administer the injection.

What To Look Out For

Some of the common complications that come with Blepharoplasty procedures are blurred or double vision for some time after eyelid surgery. Other minor complications may include swelling at the corner of the eyelids and decreased sensation in the eyelid. Some patients may experience asymmetry in healing and scarring. You may also feel dryness, burning, stinging feeling in your eye(s). This could be controlled with administration of artificial tear eye drops. Some patients may experience excessive tearing. These complications are minor and usually temporary, and need no serious treatment.

A slightly greater complication is retrobulbar hematoma (an accumulation of blood under skin). This may occur straight after surgery. Blood accumulation under skin may heal gradually itself or it may need to be removed in some cases. Hematoma is more probable when eyelid surgery is performed in combination with other aesthetic facial surgeries, such as face lift, brow lift or forehead lift.

Scope Out Your Options

With more than 160,000 people going to get Blepharoplasty every year, the number of complications and cases of patients going blind has no doubt increased. Though Blepharoplasty is considered safe by most surgeons, the truth is that no type of surgery is ever 100 percent safe. With a plethora of natural alternatives out there, it’s an all-around better decision to opt for a product that won’t leave you blind for the rest of your life! If you’re still thinking about opting with Blepharoplasty, research it for yourself, and don’t forget to talk to your doctor before making a decision.

Thread lifts commonly replace the traditional facelift.

Thread lifts are relatively new forms of plastic surgery that fall under the umbrella category of procedures known as rhytidectomies. In short, they are an inexpensive and “convenient” alternative to surgical facelifts, which intend to smooth and tighten a patient’s skin. These procedures generally take an hour to perform, which has gained them nicknames like the “lunchtime lift” or “weekend facelift.” How do they work? If you’re even a little afraid of needles, you may want to stop reading right now…

Thread lifts can be performed on almost any facial feature that has sagging, wrinkled skin, including eyelids, chins, necks and mouth corners. A doctor will make incisions in the skin of the desired area and insert threads attached to barbed sutures uner the tissue sutures under the tissue. The barbs grab onto sagging skin and facial tissue in strategically determined locations. At this point, the doctor molds your skin over the sutures, and periodically pulls the string to tighten your face. A full recovery can take 1 to 3 weeks, and many patients experience swelling and bruising.

The Dangers of Thread Lift Procedures

Many people are drawn to thread lifts because they are much quicker than a standard facelift, and the incisions are much smaller. They also come with a lower price tag. The average facelift costs $8,000 or more, while a thread lift is in the $4,000 range. With all of these incentives, a thread lift may seem like the ideal anti-aging procedure. But, much like every other cosmetic operation, they do come with a set of risks that should be considered.

The problem with thread lifts is that they are a new, developing procedure. Doctors can’t seem to agree upon the one best way to perform them yet, and therefore the results vary from surgeon to surgeon. In some cases, there is no noticeable change after the procedure, meaning the patient has wasted several thousand dollars. There is also a chance of disfiguring scars and suture migration (which will leave your face looking unbalanced). It is said that infections are rare, but there are documented cases of infections after the procedure that require surgical drainage.

Thread lifts are fast and cheap in comparison to their predecessor procedures, but that does not mean that it is without risks. Make sure you understand all of the possible complications associated with this and any other plastic surgery before you decide to pay for one. If you do decide to go through with the thread lift, make sure you have a physical evaluation performed by a doctor who is very experienced in the operation to find out if you are fit enough to make it safely through the experience.

How to find an anti-wrinkle product that works

We’ve all seen the commercials for creams, lotions, masks and other products that claim to reduce wrinkles and reverse the effects of aging. But do these products actually work? Many dermatology experts seem to think so, but not all of these products give equal results. If you are in the market for a skin care product that will give you smoother, younger looking skin, make sure you consider this information carefully before making an investment.

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of wrinkles. Aging and changes in hormonal balances are the most common reasons, but some of our choices when we are younger can speed up this process. Constant exposure to the sunlight causes collagen in the skin to deteriorate, which causes an unnatural buildup of proteins. This in turn results in the production of an enzyme called metalloproteinases that can in time cause wrinkles of the face.

Smoking tobacco products is also known to accelerate the aging process. Smoking causes blood vessels in the skin to get narrower, which results in a lack of oxygen and vitamins to the epidermis. Tobacco smoke (much like sun exposure) has damaging effects on your skins natural collagen. The longer a person smokes, the more oxygen depletion their skin will experience and the more wrinkles they will develop.

Choosing a Wrinkle Reducing Product That Really Works

Even if you have waited a long time to treat your wrinkles, there are safe and reliable ways to reverse these effects without the painful injections of Botox and Restylane. Face masks, for example, are a practical and affordable way to improve your skin. Finding a product that actually works can be daunting, but we have a few tips to help make your search easier. First of all, there are certain ingredients with proven anti-aging effects. Fruit and vegetable acids, such as stearic acid, help your skin shed old, dead cells. Retinoids are chemicals closely related to vitamin A that reduce fine wrinkes and speed up the process of growing new skin cells. Retinyl palmitate is an example of a common retinoid.

Still, nothing speaks better than true results. That’s why we recommend finding a face mask that has a long list of testimonials from past and current users, doctors, scientists and anyone else qualified to speak regarding the product’s effectiveness. Take these tips to heart while searching for the right topical solution. These products need to be used consistently to get continued benefits, but the results can be just as drastic as (and much more budget-friendly than) constantly using injection-based anti-wrinkle methods.