How Botox Fits Into Cosmetic Surgery's History

It's actually pretty remarkable how much Botox has impacted the world of cosmetic improvement. From just barely being among the top ten procedures fifteen years ago, to being the uncontested number one procedure in 2011, Botox procedures happen nearly 3,000,000 times each year! Here's a great infographic that illustrates some of the trends in cosmetic surgery since 1997, but it also demonstrates how Botox fits into the picture. It's interactive, so you can alternate between years to visualize just how much the cosmetic landscape has changed over the years.

Cosmetic Surgery Since 1997 | Infographics

Botox News

The world of Botox is never a dull one, so there are always new developments and headlines concerning the wonder injection. Here are two things in particular that has Botox treatments in the news:

The curative effects of Botox have been known to stretch far beyond just clearing the face of unsightly wrinkles. In many patients, Botox is used to treat hyperhidrosis (abnormally profuse sweating), particularly through a series of injections in the patient's underarm. Recently, the FDA approved the use of Botox in treating overactive bladders: something that roughly 33 million American men and women suffer from.

Attribution: oranje

An overactive bladder can contract too often or without warning, forcing a person to urinate more frequently than usual. This kind of urinary incontinence can be uncomfortable and, frankly, rather embarrassing for many people; the Botox injections aim to correct this activity through relaxation of the bladder. As when injected into a person's brow region, Botox relaxes the tissue that it comes into contact with; when the bladder has been relaxed by an injection it is less likely to tighten unexpectedly and cause the person to urinate.

Oral medications have been prescribed for this condition before, however Botox offers a solution to the problem for people who are otherwise unable to take these drugs. Allergan - the producer of the FDA certified Botox treatment - hopes that Botox's new-found utility will be responsible for more than 10% of its earnings next year.

In other Botox-related news, the FDA has deployed notifications to 350 physicians across the country warning them against an unlicensed Botox treatment that is circulating in the American medical community. These practices were warned that they had potentially received unapproved medications, some of those being unapproved versions of Botox.

Attribution: TschiAe

These alleged impostor treatments are being imported from a pharmacy called Canada Drugs and could possibly endanger patients if it is used in a treatment. The reason that makes these drugs of concern, is that they are not regulated by the FDA, and the amounts of active ingredients in the medication might not be consistent with what the FDA deems appropriate for authentic Botox treatments.

Physicians are understandably concerned about the notifications, but still relieved that the imitation medication was caught this soon. Many doctors want to make sure that they know exactly what kind of medications their practice is dispensing to its patients; the warning about the unlicensed drugs could potentially save them a lot of trouble in the future. 

This should be a warning to anyone who is bargain-hunting for Botox. You want to make sure that your treatment is affordable, indeed, but you shouldn't compromise on the quality of your injections just for the sake of saving some money. Make sure that your medical practitioner only uses FDA-certified Botox by asking him or her during a consultation. You should never cut corners when it comes to your new face!

Sweat Ruining Your Look - Hyperhidrosis

A medical condition, hyperhidrosis happens when a person sweats more than the normal rate. Usually, when one is suffering from hyperhidrosis, the sweating is unpredictable and can even happen even if the temperature isn’t that high. In fact, people suffering from this condition can start sweating even if it is really cold.

What causes this strange ailment? Isn’t sweating normal?

Sweating is a way for the body to regulate its temperature and in most cases, sweating is perfectly normal. People sweat more when it is hot though and this also happens when one engages in strenuous activities such as forms of exercise. Sweating is also a response to certain occurrences that can lead to nervousness, anger, embarrassment or fear. For example, some individuals would sweat before they speak in front of a lot of people while others would sweat if something is worrying them.

However, when you start sweating for no reason at all, it may be time to talk to a physician because there might be something wrong with your sweat glands or something even worse.
People who have overactive sweat glands have hyperhidrosis. This ailment usually affects the armpits, the feet and the hands. Although the sickness can be ignored, it causes distress for most who suffer from it regardless of the severity of the ailment.

According to statistics, around 3% of the population suffer from hyperhidrosis but only 40% of those suffering from the condition go to a doctor to get it treated. There are no particular causes of hyperhidrosis but it has been found to run in families. Although the ailment can be a standalone disorder, it can also be a signal from the body that there is something wrong with you healthwise. Conditions that result to a sweating overdrive include acromegaly, anxiety-related conditions, cancer, use of certain substances, heart disease, glucose control conditions or disorders, lung diseases, Parkinson’s, menopause, injury in the spinal cord, stroke, infections such as Tuberculosis, and Pheochromocytoma.

There are tests that can be done to diagnose this ailment and this includes starch-iodine test and paper test.
Treatment for hyperhidrosis includes the use of strong antiperspirants. Antiperspirants plug the body’s sweat ducts making it possible for sweating to be controlled especially in the underarm. Medication is also prescribed to individuals with this condition and the most common drugs used as anticholinergics such as Robinul. There are side effects though so it is best to discuss this with your doctor. You should also note what you are allergic to to ensure that you are eligible for using certain anticholinergics.

There are also other FDA approved treatments that you and your doctor can opt for. This includes iontophoresis or the electrical procedure of turning off the glands in the body responsible for swearing. This treatment is the most effective to date when it comes to excessive sweating on the hands and feet. This is not a one-time treatment though because you would have to undergo several 10 to 20 minute sessions to get your sweat glands to “turn off”. Botox is another FDA approved treatment for hyperhidrosis. It is a good solution for those who have severe underarm sweating. Small doses of the toxin administered into the underarms can block the nerves that cause sweating. Albeit temporary, the nerve block can last for months.

If you have questions about Hyperhydrosis we recommend contacting the good people at Oceanview can help answer them. Located right here in Frisco, their medical weigh loss spa offers many options for men and women including those that suffer from hyperhydrosis.

It's All About Radiesse

When it comes to removing fine lines and facial wrinkles, finding an injectable that works well with your skin type and skin tone. Whether you are consider Botox or Juvederm you may want to look into Radiesse.

Radiesse is applied under the skin with a small needle. Local anesthetic cream is applied to the area to make the procedure more comfortable. The Radiesse has a higher viscosity than Hyaluronic fillers so you achieve more dramatic results that will last longer than other injections.

Azure Med Spa of Frisco, TX is one of the few med spas in the Collin County area that features the Radiesse injection. If you are looking for Radiesse in Frisco, Azure Med Spa will take care of you.