Botox May Lose Effectiveness Over Time

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Dr. Neil Sadick

Perfect for frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles, Botox has been a favored wrinkle treatment since its FDA-approval all the way back in 2002.

Botox has also been approved for a number of non-cosmetic uses including urinary incontinence (overactive bladder), eyelid spasms, migraine headaches, strabismus (crossed eyes) and more.

But those relying too heavily on Botox might actually be reducing its effectiveness over time.

A new review published by German researchers in the Journal of Neural Transmission discovered that one in every 200 users develops antibodies (similar to how people become resistant to antibiotics) which counteract the effects of Botox.

Patients who used Botox for 10 years or more, or required larger doses, like those using Botox to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), spasms or other medical conditions, were the most likely to develop antibodies.

Other researchers who published in the British Medical Journal’s online forum also wrote that regular treatments with Botox “can trigger an immune response… which might lead to non-responsiveness to treatment,” as the injections are unable to freeze facial muscles.

Unfortunately, researchers can’t yet explain the immune response that occurs in some patients – but some believe it may partially be related to injection technique.

Others feel the phenomena could be explained by further studying the different mechanics of Botox and how it works within cells.

Are you considering Botox?

Resistance to Botox is rare – so if you’re considering treatment, it’s best to schedule a personal consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon. Following an exam and a discussion of your cosmetic goals, your doctor will be able to determine if Botox is the best treatment available for you.

Source: Daily Mail

Posted in Botox | Tagged | Comments Off

Tips for Reducing Large Pore Size

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Dr. Neil Sadick

large poresPores are microscopic openings at the surface of the skin. They provide a way for the body to flush out toxins, regulate body temperature and moisturize overly dry skin. We need pores to stay healthy and the average human face has thousands.

That being said, enlarged pores are a bothersome cosmetic concern for many people.  Fortunately there are a number of ways to treat large pores with lasers, proper skin care and other topical methods.

What Causes Enlarged Pores?

Pores may appear enlarged for a number of reasons:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Too much sun exposure
  • Increased oil production
  • Naturally due to age
  • Smoking

Dirt, oil and dead skin cells tend to collect around pores, making them appear even larger.

Switching Up Your Skin Care Routine

There are number of ways to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, starting with your daily skin routine. Washing your skin daily is vital to a healthy, vibrant complexion. Just make sure to use a mild cleanser and exfoliant so that your skin doesn’t become overly dry. The body responds to dry skin by increasing oil production, which could exaggerate the appearance of already enlarged pores.

Daily sunscreen is also important. Protecting your skin with an SPF of 15 or higher will prevent the rims of your pores from becoming thicker and enlarged. Depending on your skin, a combination of topical treatments may also be recommended such as retinoids, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid or benzoyl peroxides to further minimize the appearance of your pores.

Professional Treatments for Large Pores

If switching up your skin care routine simply isn’t enough, there are a number of professional treatments that may help eliminate large pores, including:

You will need to schedule a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist to determine which approach is best for your skin.

Posted in Lasers | Tagged | Comments Off

Your Laser Resurfacing Options

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Dr. Neil Sadick

It used to be that if you really wanted to look younger, you had to undergo invasive cosmetic surgery. But these days, modern advances have made it possible for you to target unwanted fine lines and wrinkles through laser resurfacing technology.

Laser treatment before and after can reveal dramatic results with less discomfort and less recovery time than traditional surgery.

So what are your options?

Non-ablative (non-wounding) laser skin resurfacing.

Laser energy is used to damage collagen beneath the surface of the skin. This process stimulates the growth of new collagen, which in turn tightens the underlying skin and improves skin tone and texture.

This technique requires a series of treatments. Prior to treatment, a skin numbing agent may be applied to minimize discomfort. Following treatment, the skin will be temporarily red and swollen, but most patients can resume normal routines right away.

Ablative (wounding) laser skin resurfacing.

Laser energy is used to destroy the epidermis (the outer layer of skin), while also heating the dermis underneath. This process leads to collagen destruction and eventual regrowth.

Treatment is completed at a surgical facility and requires a numbing agent or anesthesia. Following treatment, the skin will be raw and swollen for a few days – and a full recovery will take about two weeks. Results are often dramatic and can last for several years.

Fractional laser resurfacing.

This approach uses the same laser technology of ablative and non-ablative laser technology. This difference is that fractional lasers emit tightly spaced columns of laser energy over broad areas of skin. Less damage occurs and healing time is minimized. The final results are comparable to more traditional approaches, but several treatments may be necessary to achieve desired results.

Are you interested in laser skin resurfacing? Contact us to set up a personal consultation. You’ll have the chance to look at laser treatment before and after photos and discuss your candidacy for treatment.

Posted in Lasers | Tagged | Comments Off

4 Beauty Tips for Spring

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Dr. Neil Sadick

Spring is finally here, which means warm summer weather is just around the corner.

As the days get longer and the temperature begins to rise, it’s important to update your beauty and fitness routines. Check out some of our favorite springtime tips below:

Don’t Forget About Your Skin

There’s nothing like feeling the warm sun on your face after a long, cold winter. But as you’re enjoying the extra vitamin D this spring, don’t forget to put on sunscreen. Too much unprotected sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging and skin cancer – so be careful. Remember to slather on SPF 30 or higher before you head outdoors.

Take Your Workout Outdoors

Even when the weather’s beautiful, it can be hard for most of us to get outside and enjoy it. One of the best ways to make the great outdoors apart of your daily routine is to switch up your daily workout routine. Instead of hitting the gym, head outside. Just remember to take the same precautions you would inside – warm up and stay hydrated.

Drink Plenty of Water

As the weather starts to heat up, it becomes easier to get dehydrated. Up your daily water intake this spring and you’ll see improvements in both your fitness and beauty. Staying hydrated will give you the added boost you need during a hard workout and it will give your skin a nice, healthy glow.

Time for Cosmetic Enhancement

Spring is one of the best times of the year to get cosmetic enhancement. Most of us still have some paid time off to burn from work and it’s still cool enough to cover up during recovery. If you’re interested in more invasive procedures, it’s also a good time to take care of them so you’ll be ready for a full reveal come beach season.

Source: Surgery.org

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Posted in Aging | Tagged | Comments Off

Grooming Tips for Men: Back Laser Hair Removal

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Dr. Neil Sadick

back laser hair removalBack hair. It’s one of the biggest grooming nuisances for men – especially with beach season just around the corner.

Fortunately, back laser hair removal has made the process a whole lot easier.

What is back laser hair removal?

Laser technology is one of the latest trends in hair removal. During treatment, a concentrated beam of light is aimed at the unwanted back hair. The light is then absorbed by the hair’s pigment (color), which damages the hair follicle – delaying future growth.

How Long It Takes: Each treatment session will take less than an hour, but eight treatments or more may be needed to achieve desired results.

Best Candidates: Generally speaking, laser hair removal works best on patients with light skin and dark hair. However, there are certain lasers that may still work regardless of your skin/hair color combination. Your cosmetic surgeon will be able to point you in the right direction.

Final Results: Once a full series of treatments is completed, results will be long-lasting, if not permanent. Annual touch up appointments may be necessary to maintain results.

A few things to keep in mind before treatment

  • Multiple treatment sessions will be needed. Hair grows in indeterminate cycles. And for laser hair removal to be effective, hair needs to be caught in the growth phase.
  • Treatment may be a little uncomfortable. Depending on your natural pain tolerance, lasers hair removal can feel like a mild pinch or the snap of a hot rubber band. Your cosmetic surgeon may use a numbing agent to minimize discomfort.
  • You won’t be beach ready immediately following treatment. Post-laser breakouts are common because laser hair removal leaves the hair follicles open for a few days. Using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream is a good way to prevent blemishes.

Are you interested in laser hair removal? Contact us today to set up a personal consultation.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Posted in Lasers | Tagged | Comments Off