Blog

Botox is the Fountain of Youth! Botox makes you look 20 years younger! Botox will solve all your problems! Who knew!

Well, the answer is, no one knew…because none of it is true.

Every new and exciting medical advance has its share of misconceptions. The hype grows just as the popularity, new discoveries and new uses grow and gain greater success with the public. And Botox IS an anti-aging cosmetic phenomenom.

Botox injections are painful. Botox is too expensive. Really?

Not real at all. Just as the benefits of Botox wrinkle-removing injections are frequently exaggerated, so are the fabrications. So let’s examine the facts.

Botox is the brand name for a drug that is derived from Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that is usually associated with food poisoning. In large doses it causes paralysis. But for its cosmetic purposes, Botox is so diluted and administered in such small doses that it is completely harmless.

As for interfering with natural facial expressions, let’s add a few expressive exclamation points to our response – it doesn’t!! The Botox treatment consists of a series of tiny injections placed directly into the muscle that is contracting (frowning, furrowing, glowering) and creating the wrinkle. It does not affect other muscles or nerves.

Botox blocks the nerve signal to that muscle and relaxes it to soften it. With each subsequent treatment, the wrinkle returns but is much less severe since the muscle is being trained to relax.

Painful? Hardly at all. Of course, it always depends upon the area being treated. But Botox is most often used on frown lines, between the eyebrows or across the forehead where the sensitivity is considerably less than the lips or neck area. At any rate, the discomfort is minimal.

And too expensive? Actually, Botox is probably the least expensive of all the anti-aging procedures available. With the cost as low as $9.00 per unit and, perhaps, 30 units for the average frown line treatment, why wait?

When we talk about the “fabulous fillers,” everyone knows we’re referring to the most popular non-surgical “face lift” alternatives in the beauty industry today. Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and Radiesse.

For hollows and folds, deep wrinkles and strategically placed “lift and firm” areas of the face, these derma fillers have revolutionized the industry.

But, over time, ultra-skilled physicians and experienced practitioners have discovered new and exciting ways to expand the use and take full advantage of the benefits these drugs have to offer. Just as BOTOX, the granddaddy of all wrinkle and line erasers, is now used for so many other disorders – like migraine headaches, muscles spasms, etc. – facial fillers are serving double-duty, as well.

The non-surgical nose job, chin or cheek augmentation and jowl camouflage are a few of the procedures gaining the most popularity in dermatology offices from New York to L.A.

In a matter of about 15 minutes, with the artistic touch of a top-notch practitioner, the right amount of volume can be injected to correct a surgical rhinoplasty (nose job) or to simply re-shape a nose or to diminish the appearance of a bump, etc.

The average cost of a nose job, in the U.S., is in the range of $5,000 – $6,000, depending upon where you live. Could go considerably higher; probably not much lower. Pain and down-time is also considerable.

As for the results, the good news and the bad news is the same. If you love it, it’s yours forever. If you hate it, it’s yours forever.

For the non-surgical nose job, the good news is that the cost is in the range of $800 – $1,000. Depending upon the filler of choice, the results could last up to 12 – 14 months and adjustments can be done immediately.

Derma fillers – Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and Radiesse are truly the modern miracles of cosmetic dermatology. Sags and bags and hollows and folds – gone in about 30 minutes with results lasting up to a year. Or more.

No surgery, no prolonged down time, no bandages no drains, no anesthesia, no drastic damage to your financial well-being.

So if you are growing more and more critical about “the face in the mirror” and less and less satisfied with letting Nature take its course, this might be the perfect time to pursue the possibilities.

But first, ask, read, learn, compare and then consult with, at least, two different practitioners, to find the best physician for your personal concerns and priorities. Then, ultimately, they will advise you as to which products will be most successful in achieving the results you want.

But, right now, you can start with a short summary of the most popular “fillers” available today.

Restylane, Juvederma and Perlane all contain hyaluronic acid, a natural compound already produced by the body to add fullness to the skin. Simply stated, these products, when injected, into the skin, interact with the body’s water to create volume to the underlying tissue. Dissolve wrinkles, “fill out” hollows, relax folds, lift and smooth, miraculously.

Radiesse does not contain hyaluronic acid but contains another natural ingredient found in our teeth and bones. So, along with the others, it will be easily accepted by the body without need for allergy testing.

While all the products are used to add volume, soften wrinkles and re-sculpt areas that have altered with time, each has its own subtle specialty, consistency and length of efficacy. Don’t be afraid to ask your physician about these differences and why a particular product is selected for your procedure. Be engaged, have fun, enjoy your beautiful transformation.

By the way, just as Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and Radiesse have similar uses, they also share similar side effects, which may include, soreness, swelling, redness and bruising. Most effects may be covered with makeup and are greatly diminished within one or two days and usually disappear within one week.

During treatment, numbing creams are often applied but most people do feel mild to moderate pain, from the injections, especially around the more delicate lip area.

But the results are instant (even with some swelling) and they are dramatic. Any brief discomfort is immediately forgotten as you marvel at the new “face in the mirror”…yours, but a good five to ten years younger! Smoother, clearer, prettier. Fabulous. Why wait?

Your “first” is always special, right? Whether it’s first love, first dance, first puppy, first day of school, first job or any first in a lifetime of new experiences. Everything that follows may be wonderful, but there’s only one that can be first.

And that phenomenon holds true in the world of cosmetic dermatology and the eternal search for that Fountain of Youth. We’ve talked about many fabulous changes and advances – modern miracles, actually – in the non-invasive treatments, procedures and products of this “Golden Age of Beauty.” And they are miraculous.

But in the hype and ballyhoo of the latest and greatest discoveries, let’s never forget the product that was FIRST. The product that lead the way for all the others to follow and flooded the waiting rooms with women – and men! –eager to enjoy the first promise of restored youth. BOTOX delivered on the promise.

Whether you have enjoyed many of the age-defying treatments of the day or this is your first introduction to the possibilities, BOTOX is the perfect beginning.

Convenient; no recovery time (do it over your lunch break and return to work!); mild, if any, side effects; virtually, pain-free; fast results; very affordable and stunning success for the first requirement – eliminating wrinkles!

And, by the way, while best known for removing frown lines, crow’s feet and other lines and wrinkles, don’t forget that BOTOX also has some wonderful “up-lifting”capabilities.

Strategically placed, by a skilled practitioner, a mini brow-lift may also be achieved. By subtly lifting your brow, a hooded eyelid also is opened, restoring a more wide-eyed, youthful appearance.

If you’ve been thinking about removing a few years from your appearance and adding a new fresh, vibrant and natural radiance – don’t delay. There’s never a better time than now for your first sip at the Fountain of Youth!

If one product performs two functions, both well, that goes into the “yes” column, twice; once for benefits, once for savings.

VIVITÉ® Daily Firming Lotion is a top-of-the-line, high quality skin care product and a double-action performer in the complete VIVITÉ® beauty regimen.

First, as its name implies, our Daily Firming Lotion tightens and tones your skin. Your pores are diminished, your skin appears polished and smoother. Applied in the morning, it helps prepare your skin for makeup; a fresher, clearer canvas.

But that’s only one advantage of our VIVITÉ® Daily Firming Lotion. Formulated with a unique 15% glycolic acid compound, one of the most effective Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids on the market, lines and wrinkles are reduced while your skin is generously moisturized and hydrated.

Applied at night, VIVITÉ® Daily Firming Lotion continues to work as the glycolic acid permeates below the surface level of the skin to boost your body’s own production of collagen. You awake to firmer, more supple skin. A more dewy, youthful appearance.

There are nine complementary products in the VIVITÉ® line. Applied individually, you will enjoy the benefits of each targeted formulation. But used together, in a carefully designed program of total anti-aging skin care, your results will not only be noticeable, they will be dramatic.

From day cream and eye cream to a nighttime renewal cream, from cleansers to toners, exfoliators and moisturizers to a lip plumper that wows them in L.A. – nothing feels better than renewing and repairing every telltale sign of pre-mature aging. And feeling fabulous.

Similar to the “discovery” of BOTOX, as a treatment for wrinkle reduction (originally used in the treatment of“crossed eyes”), Latisse (under the name, Bimatoprost) was originally used as a prescription treatment for glaucoma. But, once again, amazing side effects were soon discovered – incredible growth of eye lashes.

In fact, the statistics that were found, during the clinical trials for glaucoma, were rather amazing: in just 16 weeks, 78% of the participants had longer eyelashes; 106% had fuller lashes and 18% found their lashes, darker.

So, in 2008, the FDA approved Latisse for the purpose of darkening and lengthening the eye lashes. And, while it is not yet approved for additional purposes, it may not be long until very robust research also supports the use of Latisse for the eyebrows AND for balding, as well!

Once a day, morning or evening, apply one drop of Latisse to the base of your upper eyelids. Be careful not to use too much product and do wipe away any excess that touches your skin (you might experience a bit of darkening of the lid from contact with the Latisse). And do not apply to your lower lashes.

While a small brush is supplied with the product, you might want to use a very fine eyeliner brush, if you are more comfortable with your own beauty tools.

Some people see noticeable results within just 8 weeks but do be patient for the full growth and thickening between 12 – 16 weeks.

BOTOX is the Grand-daddy in the evolution of modern cosmetic dermatology. Hailed as the instant miracle-maker in the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles, BOTOX prepared and led the way for the facial fillers and other wonders that followed. And they are wonderful. Ask the millions of women – and men! – who use them. Frequently.

But while we delight in the magical disappearing acts of wrinkles and grooves, skin that sags here and hollows there and all the other premature signs of aging, we must also do our part.

Ours is the more mundane, but no less important, part. It won’t receive immediate applause or curtain calls. BUT – with time, with diligence and dedication, you will marvel at your smooth, fresh skin that glows with youthful vitality. For this is a whole new generation of skin care products, available for your daily use.

Like the BOTOX and Restylane, Perlane and full line of fillers, these products are high- tech, top-of-the-line and clinically-proven to restore your healthy, vibrant, younger-looking skin. Products like VIVITÉ® are specially-formulated to both rejuvenate damaged skin and protect it from further environmental and lifestyle stress.

But these are not your mother’s “face creams.” The unique VIVITÉ® line of products contain glycolic acid compound, one of the most beneficial Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHA’s) used in today’s quality skin care programs. Glycolic acid is a miracle discovery, within itself.

Able to penetrate to the cellular layer of the skin, glycolic acid stimulates the growth of the body’s own collagen and elastin fibers, lost in the aging process. This is what keeps the skin firm and supple and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Over time.

So with a glycolic compound concentration of up to 20% (compared to the usual over-the-counter 3 – 10%) and an extra infusion of an antioxidant to remove the damaging free radicals, a twice daily “date” with VIVITÉ® will, surely, put the beauty into the regimen! And the best part? It’s all up to you.

Come back soon and learn more about these unique products!