Saturday, May 30, 2009

Beware of Skin Signs of Illness and Disease - 12 Signs to Look For































































www.prweb.com
Leading dermatologist Dr. Joshua Fox warns that marks, blemishes, blotches and discolorations can alert to internal problems.

New Hyde Park, New York (PRWEB) May 29, 2009 -- While moisturizers and make-up, facial peels and Botox can make our skin look beautiful and young, sometimes the external skin discolorations, blemishes, blotches or other unsightly marks we seek to remove are actually signs of an underlying internal disease. And your dermatologist may be the critical first line of defense against serious illness such as cancer, lupus, high cholesterol, pulmonary and cardiac disease, among others.

"While many patients come to our offices searching for ways to look and feel more beautiful by removing or reducing unsightly skin lesions or discolorations, some of those marks may actually be a sign of an internal disease or illness," says Joshua Fox, MD, a leading dermatologist, founder of Advanced Dermatology and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology. It turns out that in scheduling regular visits with their dermatologist patients' are actually taking an important first step in managing their overall health. Dermatologists will recognize which skin marks can be resolved with cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or cosmetic surgeries and which require a visit to a primary physician or specialist who can treat the underlying causes.

Dr. Fox cited 12 examples of dermatological problems that may be the first signs of internal disease.

1. Xanthelasma, or flat, yellowish plaque on the outside of the eyelid, usually close to the nose. These non-cancerous blemishes are composed of fatty material and typically appear after age 40. One-third of patients with xanthelasma, which occurs twice as often in women as in men, have an elevated serum cholesterol level. When they appear in teenagers and young adults, xanthelasmas are almost always a warning sign of high cholesterol levels.

2. Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), or purplish rash on the stomach. This rash may signal blood cancer or lymphoma. It is not known what triggers TTP, but some factors that may play a role include pregnancy, cancer, HIV, infection and lupus.

3. Scaling skin, or loss of the outer layer of epidermis in large, scale-like flakes. This condition may be caused by illnesses including hypoparathyroidism (decreased function of the parathyroid glands); ringworm (a fungal skin infection); psoriasis (a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system); Kawasaki disease (an uncommon childhood illness that causes inflammation of the blood vessels), and toxic shock syndrome (a rare, often life-threatening illness, that develops suddenly after an infection and can rapidly affect several organ systems, including the lungs, kidneys and liver).

4. Severe psoriasis. A five-year study at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found genetic links between psoriasis, the systemic skin disease, and heart disease. The study showed that people, especially those under 40, with severe psoriasis are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease and death because they have higher than average blood cholesterol levels.

5. Follicular plugging, or inactive hair follicles. Particularly when found in the ears, this symptom can be a sign of lupus, an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation, swelling, pain and damage.

6. Raynaud's phenomenon, or cold hands and extremities. In this condition, the blood vessels in the fingers or toes tighten, severely limiting the flow of blood to the skin and resulting in the feeling of cold hands or feet. While most cases of Raynaud's phenomenon have no known cause, some people may develop Raynaud's as a result of a disease such as lupus, scleroderma, atherosclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

7. Cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, some cancers (besides skin cancer, or melanoma) can cause skin symptoms or signs that can be seen. These include: darker looking skin (hyperpigmentation), yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice), reddened skin (erythema), itching and excessive hair growth. In fact, skin changes may be the first sign of an internal malignancy. These signs of skin disease may appear before, with or after the detection of an associated cancer. In a patient whose cancer is in remission, these skin changes may be the first sign of the cancer recurring.

8. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin. Jaundice is a key sign of chronic liver disease.

9. Pruritis, or intense itching, along with dry skin and changes in skin color. These symptoms may be a sign of kidney or liver disease.

10. Pale or flesh-colored lesions on the backs of the fingers or hands; vitiligo, or depigmentation of the skin; or dull, red oval papules with small blisters. These skin marks may signal diabetes.

11. Painful erythematous (red skin) on the face, extremities and body. These symptoms, often combined with fever, malaise, arthralgias, myalgias and conjunctivitis in middle-aged women, may be a sign of Sweet's Syndrome, or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, Sweet's syndrome can occur with inflammatory bowel disease, bowel bypass syndrome and pregnancy.

12. Unusual freckling, especially in children. Children who develop unusual freckling, or light brown "café au lait" spots on the skin, measuring more than 5 millimeters in diameter, may be at risk for neurofibromatoses, a group of three disorders of the nervous system that cause tumors to grow around the nerves. The freckling can appear in adolescents and adults, as well, but are larger, measuring more than 15 millimeters across. Tumors begin in the cells of the thin membrane that envelops and protects nerve fibers, and often spread into nearby areas. The type of tumor that develops depends on its location in the body and the kind of cells involved. The most common tumors are neurofibromas, which develop in the tissue surrounding peripheral nerves. Most tumors are not malignant, but they may become cancerous over time.

"These are just a few of the internal diseases that may present initially via the skin," Dr. Fox says. "The skin is our largest and most visible organ. By examining your skin regularly, keeping track of changes to the skin and including a dermatologist in your regular schedule of physician check ups, you will be taking an important first step toward ensuring your overall health."

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Choosing your Cosmetic Surgeon


Choosing your Cosmetic Surgeon

You wouldn’t let just anyone repair a burst appendix, do a heart transplant, or operate on your brain; don’t let just anyone be your cosmetic surgeon either. Although a nose job or tummy tuck may be a bit less complicated than brain surgery,
it is still surgery and there still is the very real possibility that you could die on the operating table. You can be rest assured that this is very rare, but it is much more likely if you don’t work with a complete professional. More common are botched surgeries where you come out looking worse than when you went it. The bottom line is that you are paying a lot of money and putting your health in the hands of a stranger. It is important to take some time to pick the right person for the job.

Before you even begin to think about scheduling consultations, you should visit surgeons’ websites and talk to other patients. If you know friends who have had surgery by a certain doctor, ask what was good and what was bad about the process with that particular doctor. A website can give you a doctor’s bio as well as before and after shots. You should narrow down your list to three or four people who are highly qualified, with a top choices, a second pick, and one or two to be left on your list in case your first two choices do not work out.

Next, you should ask for a consultation. Almost all doctors charge a consultation fee of around $100, but most only ask for this single fee even if you come back with more questions later. If you use that doctor, some apply the consultation fee to the total fee of the procedure. Every doctor is different.

Even if you love the first doctor you visit, you should ask for a second opinion, especially if you’ve never had plastic surgery before. Plastic surgeons are like artists, and each will try to give you the look you want. You may think you love the first doctor…until you see someone else’s ideas! If your top two choices are highly qualified, you can avoid more consultation fees by choosing between them. If neither suits your needs, you can see more doctors. Remember, don’t settle for a doctor unless he or she is exactly what you want. You have to live with how you look after the surgery, so choose the perfect cosmetic surgeon to avoid anything going wrong with the process.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Macrolane and Vaser - Regain the Pert Bottom of Your Youth

Toyah Wilcox discussing Macrolane and Vaser performed by Dr.Comins


Surely it’s every woman’s dream - to regain the pert bottom of her youth. That was the goal for pop star Toyah Willcox who, at 50, has become the first person in Britain to have an injectable bottom lift - cosmetic surgery that claims to give definition to the buttocks. Toyah lives with musician husband Robert Fripp, 62. Here, SADIE NICHOLAS asks her if the £6,000 procedure was money well spent - or a bum deal.

To say that I am pro-cosmetic surgery is perhaps too strong. Yes, I had a facelift five years ago and I’ve been quite open about my desire to have a tummy tuck - at my age my skin’s losing its elasticity, so I believe more nips and tucks are inevitable.

But the reason I have cosmetic surgery is because I love my career. Having work done on your face and body goes hand in hand with showbusiness, because you have to ensure you look good for your age.

I accept that fact and don’t resent it, it’s just part of the job. In this business, most people have had something done, even though many don’t like to admit to it.

Despite being the same weight and size, a ten, that I was in my 20s, my shape’s changed as I’ve reached my 50s.

During the past two years I’ve noticed that my bottom has begun to sag, developing a telltale crease and losing definition where it meets the tops of my legs.

Of course, it can be disguised with clever support knickers, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m not happy with the shape. I don’t go to the gym, but I do lots of hill-walking in the Worcestershire countryside and I’m fit and active.

But, no matter what, time and gravity still have an effect on even the slimmest, fittest of women. So, when I heard a new laser treatment was being launched in the UK, which claims to tighten and tone the skin and is described as the surgical equivalent to doing hours and hours of exercises in the gym, I began researching it on the internet in earnest.

I learned that the procedure called VASER (vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance) Hi Def is suitable for use on the stomach, chest, bottom and upper thighs and, amazingly, takes less than two hours to perform under local anaesthetic and just a few days to recover.

And it’s a considerable advance from the more traditional nip-and-tuck treatments for a saggy bottom such as the rather barbaric bottom implants - where silicone pouches rather like those used in boob jobs are inserted into your buttocks - and the old-style liposuction, which involved inserting a long, thick rod into the fatty areas and sucking stuff out with quite considerable force.

On TV I saw women who were black and blue after liposuction and couldn’t sit down for weeks. So I was relieved and enthused to read that VASER Hi Def involves inserting a fine ultrasound probe - a titanium rod about two to three millimetres thick - into the fatty areas of the stomach, chest or buttocks under local anaesthetic.

The ultrasound waves emitted from the probe liquefy the fat and an equally tiny suction tube is then inserted and used to suck out as much of the fat as possible. Any liquefied fat that doesn’t get sucked out will be excreted with normal bodily waste.

Apparently this process allows a surgeon to sculpt the specially selected areas, almost carving fat away from around the key muscle groups to create a highly defined physical shape.

The tiny probe allows him to be very precise about exactly where he removes the fat from, which is how he can create such definition and why this treatment differs so much from other methods of liposuction.

Of course, if you believe the blurb, it all sounds wonderful, but I know that if you’re going to enter into cosmetic surgery then you need to do your homework, researching the treatment and the surgeon until you’re absolutely certain of the merits of both.

Hours of internet searching revealed that VASER Hi Def is already a hit in the U.S. and manufacturers and practitioners claim it yields astonishing results. I was convinced enough to arrange a consultation with Dr Mike Comins at The Hans Place Practice in Knightsbridge before Christmas.

He is the only doctor to offer the treatment in the UK, and only the second in Europe. Here’s what happened next ..

DECEMBER 18, 2008

I arrive at the Hans Place Practice feeling excited about meeting the man who may be able to reverse the signs of ageing on my bottom.

Dr Comins inspects my derriere and tells me I already have amazing muscular strength for someone who doesn’t go to the gym. He also says that I’m the perfect patient for VASER Hi Def treatment.

It should be performed only on those who are fit and healthy but seeking more definition, and not on those looking to it as a quick-fix means of shedding lots of weight or inches, although it is suitable for those with smaller, stubborn areas of fat resistant to weight loss.

Dr Comins explains the procedure exactly as I read about it on the internet - and also says he would recommend injecting a thick synthetic gel filler called Macrolane - a similar version has long been used to fill facial lines - into my upper buttocks, which he would then manipulate with his fingers to restore shape and volume.

I have endless questions for Dr Comins, such as how much the procedure might hurt, what pain relief I’ll be given, whether the gel can change shape due to sitting too much (he assures me it won’t), and if my bum will end up looking bigger, or just more shapely. It’s already big enough.

He gives reassuring answers to all of my questions and tells me the whole operation will take between one and two hours. Although I’ll be able to leave the clinic straight away afterwards, he warns that I’ll be sore for the first two days.

Pain frightens me, but I remind myself that he’s a man and they have a much lower pain threshold than women.

The procedure will cost around £6,000, but it will be a small price to pay to get my old bottom back. I can barely contain my enthusiasm and book to have the procedure done on January 15, also booking four days off work, just in case he’s right about the soreness.

JANUARY 14, 2009

With less than 24 hours to go until I return to have my wondrous bottom surgery, the nerves kick in. In fact, I’m more anxious than I was before I had my facelift five years ago.

Why? Well, I’ve never been in favour of liposuction - which the VASER treatment is - in any form as it always looks so brutal when you see it on TV.

I’m also a little worried about how much pain I might be in afterwards, even though I’m not squeamish. And I’m concerned that in opting for the injections to ’shape’ my bottom, it may end up with too much volume and look bigger than when I started. A big bum is not what I’m after.

I have a terrible night’s sleep, with fears whirring through my mind. My husband, Robert, isn’t overly keen on the idea of cosmetic surgery because he already thinks I look good.

But he knows he won’t stop me from having it done, so opts to be fantastically supportive instead.

In a bid to minimise any bruising, I’ve been using herbal arnica cream on my bottom and taking arnica tablets for the past week, as they are both recommended to reduce bruising.

I did the same before my facelift and had very little bruising compared to most patients.

JANUARY 15

I’ve always been known for being outspoken and flamboyant. But I have my vulnerable moments, too, and right now, as Robert and I arrive at the clinic first thing in the morning, that’s how I feel.

I don’t take surgery lightly. I’m nervous and I need Robert with me. The clinic is white, clean and very unlike a hospital as it’s so comfortable and friendly. A

fter signing the pre-operative paperwork, I strip to my underwear and Dr Comins marks the areas of my upper thighs and bottom that he will work on.

He’s going to make tiny incisions on my lower buttocks into which the probe will be inserted and from where he can work on melting the fat in my upper thighs and lower bottom.

This will give more definition to the shape by removing fat from around the muscles.

Then he’ll finish by injecting the filler into the top of my buttocks to make my bottom more pert.

I’m taken into theatre where my bottom and thighs are sterilised with an iodine solution as I lay face down on the operating table. The anaesthetist gives me a sedative to relax me.

Then Dr Comins injects local anaesthetic into the areas he is going to treat, including a spot in the centre of my lower back, immediately above my buttocks.

He advises that the following day I should expect to see lots of fluid oozing from this entry point as the anaesthetic makes its way out of my body. As the sedative takes effect, I drift off to sleep and the next thing I know it’s an hour later and the procedure is complete.

Apparently, I woke up at various points during the operation, but I don’t remember any of it.

There are two tiny incisions on each buttock where the VASER wand was inserted. Dr Comins has put dressings on them and a pad over the spot where the anaesthetic was injected to absorb any liquid that seeps out - and lots does for the next 24 hours.

I’m also fitted with a corset which will compress the area and help prevent any little lumps forming as it heals. I have to wear it for two weeks round the clock and for a further two weeks either during the day or at night.

As I have a drink in the recovery room, Dr Comins gives me a five-day course of antibiotics to guard against infection, plus strong painkillers.

Just an hour after the procedure is completed, Robert and I bid farewell to the clinic and head home.

On the basis of this 100-mile, two-and-a-half hour journey, I would advise anyone having this procedure not to spend long in a car immediately afterwards.

I am sitting down, although leaning to one side to rest more on my hip than my bottom cheek and I feel every single bump and dip in the road: it’s excruciating.

But as soon as we are back at home, the pain subsides. In bed at night it’s impossible to sleep on my back as my bottom feels so sore. So, I adopt the recovery position and refrain from sitting down - perching instead on my knees or leaning on my side - over the next five days.

There’s a tiny bit of swelling but nothing too much and I just wear comfortable clothes over the support corset.

JANUARY 17

I’m astonished to wake up and find I’m hardly sore at all. Neither does my bottom appear swollen. Robert has been astounding throughout and changes the dressing on the anaesthetic entry point on my back, which is wet with leaked liquid.

We both inspect the results of my surgery in the mirror. He says my bottom looks fantastic and wonders whether he should have the same treatment on his stomach.

I tell him he doesn’t need to as I really don’t think physical appearance has the same importance for men as it does for women.

For women, I believe body shape and sexuality are intrinsic to our power, particularly at work.

Looking at my bottom in the mirror, I’m over the moon. It’s like looking at my bum and thighs as they were 30 years ago.

By melting away fat in all the right places at the tops and sides of my thighs, he’s cleverly reshaped them so that they run a smooth line to my hips with no lumps or bumps in between, giving the illusion of them being elongated, too.

He’s very subtly given my bottom some shape, which has the effect of making it look lifted and more pert without adding to its size. And my hips, which used to sit square to my waist, now look fabulous. I’m thrilled.

JANUARY 19

Last night I slept on my back for the first time and today I don’t feel any soreness. There isn’t even any hint of bruising.

A friend emails me to say that she’s desperate to book herself in for the same treatment having heard how pleased I am, but that her husband is totally against it.

Men can be very funny about cosmetic surgery.

FEBRUARY 2

It’s now over two weeks since the surgery and finally I can remove the corset. The little incisions have completely healed and I’m ecstatically happy with my new bottom.

I’m still a size ten, but my bottom looks better both in the buff and under my clothes. It’s leaner and more shapely.

Thankfully it doesn’t look bigger, as I had feared it might, just altogether more pert, as it was in my youth.

In April, I’ll return for a check-up with Dr Comins. He says the results of the surgery should last for three to four years, at which point I’ll have a top-up procedure.

I’ve spoken to him on the phone since my surgery about having a similar treatment on my stomach before I go on tour in September, too.

And, yes, I will consider going under the knife again after that, but for now I’m just happy to have my old bottom back again.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Laser Therapy Xtrac Excimer Laser ReLume Light

Vitiligo, Chronic Psoriasis & Stretch Marks....www.skinandlasers.com

What Is The Xtrac Excimer Laser And ReLume Light Device?

These technologies represent one of the newest great advances in laser dermatology. They emit narrow band ultraviolet B light and have been shown to promote re-pigmentation in those who have lost pigment in their skin. They have also been shown to improve chronic stable plaque psoriasis, and aged white stretch marks.

What Is Vitiligo And How Is It Treated?
Vitiligo is a condition where the human body inhibits the pigment producing process of the skin's pigment cells. A series of treatments can often lead to dramatic re-pigmentation of the skin. Pigment can also be lost in the skin after a variety of surgical procedures and traumatic accidents. Examples include the white scars after facelifts and aggressive facial laser procedures such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing. A variety of burns and other traumatic accidents may also lead to hypopigmented scars. We have researched the role of these treatments in the treatment for chronic stretch marks that have lost their pigment. Treatment is undertaken in a series of laser sessions. Improvement is the general rule. Occasional touch-up booster sessions may be required. Treatment is absolutely painless.

Can My Psoriasis Be Treated?

Psoriasis is a scaly skin eruption that often has a genetic basis. There are many different versions of psoriasis. Chronic, previously treatment resistant, plaque psoriasis may respond to a series of treatments. Treatment may be faster than most currently available treatments. Treatment is undertaken in a series of laser sessions. Improvement is the general rule. Occasional touch-up booster sessions may be required. Treatment is absolutely painless.



How Can I Fade My Stretch Marks With Laser Treatments?

Early red stretch marks can be improved with the pulsed dye laser. However, older stretch marks show both whitening of the skin (hypopigmentation) and thinning of the skin (atrophy). Although there is no treatment for the atrophy, a new and innovative treatment technique (the Xtrac laser and ReLume light source) has recently been developed for the treatment of the white skin associated with stretch marks. The laser emits short powerful pulses of ultraviolet light that stimulate the pigment-producing cells of the skin (melanocytes) to make melanin. The melanin results in a darkening of the white stretch marks and brings the stretch mark skin closer to the natural color of the surrounding skin. By decreasing the whiteness of the stretch marks and making the skin color more normal, the stretch marks become much less noticeable.


Although many “over-the-counter” remedies claim to remove or improve stretch marks, only the Xtrac laser and ReLume light source have been shown in clinical studies to improve the appearance of mature white stretch marks. Therefore, it is the only proven, FDA approved, treatment available for this common problem.

Is There Pain With Laser Treatment Of Stretch Marks?

There is no pain from the procedure. The most the patient feels is a slightly warm sensation. Over the first 24-48 hours, the skin in the treated area may turn a light pink as with a mild sunburn. The skin will then gradually darken after multiple treatments. There is no bleeding and no open wound so band-aids and other dressings are usually not needed.

What Are Expected Results?

It is important to remember that laser treatment of stretch marks does not make the skin look completely normal. The treatment makes the marks appear less noticeable but they are still present. Some patients have greater improvement than others. At present, it is impossible to predict what the exact degree of improvement will be for any given patient with stretch marks. However, virtually all patients show some degree of improvement in stretch marks that were untreatable in the past.


Tattos, Birthmarks, Age Spots and Melasma


How Do Lasers Remove Unwanted Pigments in the Skin?

Laser therapy is one of the most exciting treatments for removing unwanted pigments in the skin such as melasma, age spots, freckles and tattoos. Lasers work by emitting a specialized light that is passed through the skin and preferentially absorbed by its target, be it and unwanted hair, vein, or in this case, the unwanted pigment in the skin. The laser causes the pigments to break up and disappear leaving you with smooth clear skin. There are several lasers available that work remarkably well in treating unwanted pigmentation.

Which Laser Should I Choose?

Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York & New Jersey is proud to offer a wide variety of laser/light sources to treat unwanted pigmentation and tattoos. This allows us to treat the widest variety of patients and situations. Each option performs best for different types of patients and needs. Our doctors will assess the laser that is best for you.

What Can I Expect from the Procedure?

Most people describe the treatment feeling like a rubber band snap. You may be given a topical anesthetic cream to numb the area to be treated. Any discomfort can be eased with the application of cool compresses. After treatment, you can immediately return to your normal activities.

Will Insurance Cover the Cost?

Laser treatments of tattoos and pigments, like other cosmetic procedures are not usually covered by your insurance company. If you have any questions, it is best to talk with your provider.

How many Treatments will I need to fully remove the Unwanted Pigment or Tattoo?

Depending on the type of pigment in your skin, it can be gone in as little as one to two sessions. When dealing with tattoos, the average, professional tattoo requires more than 6-8 treatments, while amateur tattoos require more than 3-4 treatments, all spaced approximately at least 6 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin. The treatment of melasma is more complicated and may require the use of a variety of lasers, laser-like technologies and other treatment approaches.

Do All Colors of Ink Disappear Equally as Well?

No, dark (blue/black and green) and red inks fade the best. Purple may also respond. Yellow is very difficult to remove, although it may fade somewhat.

Can Unwanted Pigmentation Come Back?

Most unwanted pigmentary problems do not return. However, some birthmarks may recur after several months or years. Treatments can be repeated to achieve the desired results. Melasma may need ongoing periodic treatments.

Will Tattoos Completely Disappear?

In some cases, yes. Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished. However, it is very important to know that over 100 tattoo inks are in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink, how much was used, or how deep it was placed in the skin makes it impossible for the physician to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.



What Type of Post-treatment Care is Necessary?

Occasionally there will be pinpoint bleeding associated with the treatment. An antibacterial ointment and a dressing will be applied to the area. The treated area should be kept clean with continued application of any ointment given to you by your physician. A shower can be taken the next day, although the treated area should not be scrubbed.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Justin Timberlake morphs into the Dancing Breast Implant



For those of you who missed it this past weekend, Saturday Night Live including a pretty funny skit on the topic of plastic surgery. Guest host Justin Timberlake, dressed as a 34DD breast implant and armed with a boom box, starts a sing-off with a 5 lb barbell in a sidewalk turf war over the prime space in front of a plastic surgery center.

Each song and dance by Timberlake is based on a current pop hit, and addresses a different kind of plastic surgery, always ending with the tag "Bring it on down to Plasticville!"

Friday, May 1, 2009

Dysport aka Reloxin FDA Approved | Botox Alternative


americanhealthandbeauty.com


NORTH DALLAS, Texas and PLANO, Texas, April 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The battle for beauty now goes wrinkle-to-wrinkle, as Botox's rival, Dysport(TM), has received FDA clearance and is expected to begin their challenge to Botox(R) sometime within the next sixty days. The arrival of Dysport(TM) into the U.S. aesthetics market is sure to spark heated competition not only between the two wrinkle treatments; but also between medical professionals soon to be promoting one over the other, and as alternate wrinkle reducing options within the same medical spa. Medicis, a U.S. aesthetics giant (known for their popular Restylane(R) and Perlane(R) facial fillers) will promote the Dysport(TM) brand as part of a U.S. sales agreement with the manufacturer, Ipsen. Adding Dysport(TM) to their dermal filler empire positions Medicis as a formidable foe to Allergan and their arsenal of beauty treatments (Botox(R) and the Juvederm(R) hyaluronic acid gel fillers).

Botox(R) by Allergan, with an excellent record of patient safety and reliable results, currently dominates U.S. aesthetics sales, remaining strong even throughout the recent economic downturn. The imminent emergence of their first U.S. rival; however, coupled with news of the FDA's stern ruling that Botox(R) must have stronger product safety warnings might be giving Allergan some cause for concern.

Physician injectors who have worked with both Botox(R) and Dysport(TM) have reported that while the two are relatively comparable, they sometimes prefer one over the other in certain facial areas, due to differences in the onset of results, and spread of effect. Dysport(TM) is decidedly faster-acting and has a greater 'spread' (giving a more 'natural' look); while Botox(R) tends to remain more localized, allowing for greater precision and predictability in the treatment area, but possibly requiring more injections in the course of a treatment.

Jeffrey Adelglass, M.D., F.A.C.S., a cosmetic physician and Medical Director of SKINTASTIC Medical and Surgical Rejuvenation Center of Plano, who is currently one of the largest injectors of Botox in North Texas and the U.S., says, "the major benefits of Dysport(TM) to the cosmetic patient will be that there are fewer injections, and treatments hopefully will last a little longer". However, Dr. Adelglass also stresses that knowing your cosmetic injector has the right credentials and training will be very important. "It is suggested that Dysport(TM) results might last up to a month or even two beyond that of Botox(R) -- which could be a real bonus as long as the outcome is what you wanted; if not, you'll have that much longer to live with the results."


What is Dysport?

Dysport is a protein extracted from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The protein was initially used for the treatment of motor disorders and various kinds of involuntary muscular spasms, including cerebral palsy. It was further developed to treat a wide variety of neuromuscular disorders, for which it is licensed in over 60 countries.

In New Zealand, Dysport now has registration approval under the Medicines Act for the treatment of frown lines and for excessive sweating under the armpits.

Side Effects?

Along with its desired effects, treatments can cause unwanted effects. This does not happen very often. The most common side effects are temporary soreness or mild bruising around the injection site. Some people may experience a slight headache that lasts for several hours after treatment; it is safe to take a mild pain killer to relieve this.

In a very small percentage of cases there can be a complication called "ptosis" (a drooping eyelid) which may last a few days or up to 4 weeks. Rarely, an allergic reaction can cause a skin rash or "flu like" symptoms. Tell your doctor if you experience any troublesome side effects.

You should not have Dysport treatment while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or at all if you have a neuromuscular disease.

How is it used?

Tiny amounts of Dysport are injected directly into the facial muscles underlying the frown lines. It usually takes three to five small, almost painless injections between the eyebrows for an effective treatment. No local anaesthetic is usually required but if you are concered your doctor can numb the skin over the area before injecting. You can expect treatment to take around 10-20 minutes.

Over the next few days, the muscles gradually relax. You probably won’t notice it happening – you’ll just become aware that you can’t contract your frown muscles. But because you can still blink normally and raise your eyebrows, you will not look unnatural. Rather, you can enjoy a more youthful appearance while maintaining a natural expression.