How Botox works could reveal diabetes secrets

Featured Article
Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 28 Jul 2013 - 1:00 PDT Current ratings for:
How Botox works could reveal diabetes secrets

Understanding the proteins that are targeted by the cosmetic drug Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) could lead to breakthroughs against type 2 diabetes, according to researchers at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.

The researchers are using new microscopic techniques on Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptor (SNARE) proteins with an aim of discovering how insulin is regulated and how this can change in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Botox targets SNARE proteins, preventing them from helping the muscles contract. But the proteins also exist in the beta-cells of the pancreas.

The research team plan to observe the SNARE proteins within the beta-cells of the pancreas, which help the beta-cells release the insulin by attempting to stabilize blood glucose levels.

The researchers say type 2 diabetes can develop in people who have long-term obesity, when the beta-cells are unable to cope with long-term high glucose levels and secrete less insulin. They add that this process means the beta-cells lose both mass and function, but the reasons for this are unknown. This is what the researchers will attempt to find out.

The organisation of SNARE proteins in a cell. The position of SNARE proteins is shown in purple with vesicles ready for release shown in green. Photo credit: Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh

Dr. Colin Rickman of the Heriot-Watt University told Medical News Today:

"The idea is that we want to look at these proteins and look at how they are arranged on the membrane, what they are doing, how they are interacting, and how they change the diabetic's history."

"Nobody has ever done this before," Dr. Colin Rickman added. He told MNT:

"The interesting angle is that we are going to use microscopy, which allows us to see the individual molecules in the cell.

Normally you just see a cell, but you can't see the individual proteins in the cell.

These techniques allow us to see tens of thousands of these molecules in the cell and look at how they are interacting and what they are up to."

Depending on the final results of the research, he says that the work could lead to new methods of diagnosing diabetes, and even lead to ways of preventing it through early risk identification.

Dr. Colin Rickman said:

A small cluster of SNARE proteins pinpointed using super-resolution microscopy. Each spot marks the position of an individual molecule. Photo credit: Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh

"Type 2 diabetes is usually caused by overconsumption of food and lack of exercise. People can live with obesity absolutely fine, until they reach that tipping point. But nobody really knows why the cells go through this tipping point.

"This research could enable us to understand how these processes are arranged and how it changes them to diabetic conditions.

"We could then use that as an assay to find out whether people are in danger of developing type 2 diabetes."

The team has already started preliminary investigations, analyzing the proteins and how they are arranged, but the biggest part of the study is yet to come in terms of analyzing different proteins and cells types and discovering the general principles of how they change.

Dr. Colin Rickman adds that further results will be ready by the end of this year and the full study should reach completion by the early part of 2015.

Written by Honor Whiteman

Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today Visit our diabetes section for the latest news on this subject. There are no references listed for this article. Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

MLA

Whiteman, Honor. "How Botox works could reveal diabetes secrets." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 28 Jul. 2013. Web.
29 Jul. 2013. APA

Please note: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.

posted by ralphla54 on 28 Jul 2013 at 9:41 am

A new FDA approved diet pill called Belviq just went on the market. Belviq make people more likely to succeed with weight loss since they feel full more quickly and it reduces food cravings. People who take Belviq with diet and exercise were 2 times more likely to lose 5% body weight and 3 times more likely to lose 10% body weight than the people who just did diet and exercise alone. The label states that if you do not lose 5% of your body weight in 12 weeks then consider stopping. Those that do respond in 12 (about 45% of patients) weeks go on to lose over 10% of their body weight in one year. Losing 22 pounds for a 220 pound person is life changing. So 45% of those taking Belviq lose significant amount of weight.
Belviq has a second mode of action to reduce blood sugar which may end up preventing diabetes in many cases. Diabetics and pre-diabetics who took Belviq, REGARDLESS of weight loss, saw their blood sugar numbers drop by double digit percentages. IE HbA1c -0.9 to -1.2 and fasting glucose feel -27. The cost of medications to reduce HbA1c levels exceeds the cost of Belviq. (seeArena's BloomDM phase III trial) These reductions in diabetic symptoms plus the weight loss at the same time makes Belviq a medical bargain.

| post followup | alert a moderator |

'How Botox works could reveal diabetes secrets'

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For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.

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View the original article here

How Botox works could reveal diabetes secrets

Featured Article
Main Category: Diabetes
Article Date: 28 Jul 2013 - 1:00 PDT Current ratings for:
How Botox works could reveal diabetes secrets

Understanding the proteins that are targeted by the cosmetic drug Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) could lead to breakthroughs against type 2 diabetes, according to researchers at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.

The researchers are using new microscopic techniques on Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptor (SNARE) proteins with an aim of discovering how insulin is regulated and how this can change in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Botox targets SNARE proteins, preventing them from helping the muscles contract. But the proteins also exist in the beta-cells of the pancreas.

The research team plan to observe the SNARE proteins within the beta-cells of the pancreas, which help the beta-cells release the insulin by attempting to stabilize blood glucose levels.

The researchers say type 2 diabetes can develop in people who have long-term obesity, when the beta-cells are unable to cope with long-term high glucose levels and secrete less insulin. They add that this process means the beta-cells lose both mass and function, but the reasons for this are unknown. This is what the researchers will attempt to find out.

The organisation of SNARE proteins in a cell. The position of SNARE proteins is shown in purple with vesicles ready for release shown in green. Photo credit: Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh

Dr. Colin Rickman of the Heriot-Watt University told Medical News Today:

"The idea is that we want to look at these proteins and look at how they are arranged on the membrane, what they are doing, how they are interacting, and how they change the diabetic's history."

"Nobody has ever done this before," Dr. Colin Rickman added. He told MNT:

"The interesting angle is that we are going to use microscopy, which allows us to see the individual molecules in the cell.

Normally you just see a cell, but you can't see the individual proteins in the cell.

These techniques allow us to see tens of thousands of these molecules in the cell and look at how they are interacting and what they are up to."

Depending on the final results of the research, he says that the work could lead to new methods of diagnosing diabetes, and even lead to ways of preventing it through early risk identification.

Dr. Colin Rickman said:

A small cluster of SNARE proteins pinpointed using super-resolution microscopy. Each spot marks the position of an individual molecule. Photo credit: Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh

"Type 2 diabetes is usually caused by overconsumption of food and lack of exercise. People can live with obesity absolutely fine, until they reach that tipping point. But nobody really knows why the cells go through this tipping point.

"This research could enable us to understand how these processes are arranged and how it changes them to diabetic conditions.

"We could then use that as an assay to find out whether people are in danger of developing type 2 diabetes."

The team has already started preliminary investigations, analyzing the proteins and how they are arranged, but the biggest part of the study is yet to come in terms of analyzing different proteins and cells types and discovering the general principles of how they change.

Dr. Colin Rickman adds that further results will be ready by the end of this year and the full study should reach completion by the early part of 2015.

Written by Honor Whiteman

Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today Visit our diabetes section for the latest news on this subject. There are no references listed for this article. Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

MLA

Whiteman, Honor. "How Botox works could reveal diabetes secrets." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 28 Jul. 2013. Web.
29 Jul. 2013. APA

Please note: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.

posted by ralphla54 on 28 Jul 2013 at 9:41 am

A new FDA approved diet pill called Belviq just went on the market. Belviq make people more likely to succeed with weight loss since they feel full more quickly and it reduces food cravings. People who take Belviq with diet and exercise were 2 times more likely to lose 5% body weight and 3 times more likely to lose 10% body weight than the people who just did diet and exercise alone. The label states that if you do not lose 5% of your body weight in 12 weeks then consider stopping. Those that do respond in 12 (about 45% of patients) weeks go on to lose over 10% of their body weight in one year. Losing 22 pounds for a 220 pound person is life changing. So 45% of those taking Belviq lose significant amount of weight.
Belviq has a second mode of action to reduce blood sugar which may end up preventing diabetes in many cases. Diabetics and pre-diabetics who took Belviq, REGARDLESS of weight loss, saw their blood sugar numbers drop by double digit percentages. IE HbA1c -0.9 to -1.2 and fasting glucose feel -27. The cost of medications to reduce HbA1c levels exceeds the cost of Belviq. (seeArena's BloomDM phase III trial) These reductions in diabetic symptoms plus the weight loss at the same time makes Belviq a medical bargain.

| post followup | alert a moderator |

'How Botox works could reveal diabetes secrets'

Please note that we publish your name, but we do not publish your email address. It is only used to let you know when your message is published. We do not use it for any other purpose. Please see our privacy policy for more information.

If you write about specific medications or operations, please do not name health care professionals by name.

All opinions are moderated before being included (to stop spam). We reserve the right to amend opinions where we deem necessary.

Contact Our News Editors

For any corrections of factual information, or to contact the editors please use our feedback form.

Please send any medical news or health news press releases to:

Note: Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional. For more information, please read our terms and conditions.

View the original article here

Should You Try Botox? What We Wish We'd Known Before We Did

From wrinkles to migraines to happy faces, women share why they jumped on the Botox bandwagon

By Jeannette Moninger - June 26, 2013

It’s not just Real Housewives and Hollywood stars who want to stay youthful. In 2012, a record-setting 6.1 million Americans (94 percent of them women) received Botox injections. While some turn to the procedure to fight migraines or excessive sweating, the majority simply want to look younger. Here, women reveal the good, the bad and the ugly truth they learned from getting Botox.

Beware the Dog Face
“I loved how Botox softened my crow’s feet, so I tried it for frown lines between my brows. The effects were great — until I cried (and I cry often out of joy, sadness, hormonal reasons, you name it!). My inner eyebrows stayed the same, but the lower sections moved down giving me a basset hound appearance. I am an emotionally expressive person, so I will not be repeating that procedure.” —Stacey, age 45

It Can Cure Your 'Anger' Problem
“The deep crease between my eyebrows always made me look angry even when I was in great spirits. Without that line, I look so much more relaxed and youthful—happy even!” —Tina, age 48

Your Face Might Spasm
“When my Botox started to wear off, it felt like my forehead was having muscle spasms and contracting my eyebrows up toward my scalp. Thankfully, these spasms weren’t noticeable to others, but the sensation (which lasted for days) was very strange and really annoying.” —Sarah, age 44

You’ll Start Seeing Wrinkles Everywhere
“Since starting Botox, I’m very aware of how wrinkly other people’s foreheads are. But I would never tell my friends that.” —Ashlie, age 21

This Is Not the Time to Bargain Hunt
“I once experienced significant swelling after going to an inexperienced clinician. Ask your friends who they recommend and make sure the technician is well trained.” —Marisa, age 51

You Need to Be Realistic
“Botox isn’t a facelift-in-a-bottle. As a registered nurse who has both given and received injections, I find that most women’s expectations are too high. Botox is great at diminishing mild to moderate facial lines and wrinkles, but it won’t help saggy skin or deeply-etched lines. A good clinician should outline the changes you can realistically expect.” —Beth, age 52

It Really Can Prevent Migraines
“Getting Botox for migraines is like being stung repeatedly in the head. Still the pain is nothing compared to an actual migraine. My migraines have gone from about 15 a month to half that. It’s a win-win: Less pain and fewer wrinkles!” —Kari, age 44

It'll Stop Drippy Armpits
“My underarms used to drip before I started getting Botox for excessive sweating. The twice-yearly injections — about 20 per armpit — are not fun, but the payoff is sweet smelling.” —Robin, age 51

You Could Get Hooked
“At first I didn’t think I needed Botox. Now I’m scared to stop because I love what it has done for me. I feel younger, prettier and more confident” —Melissa, age 35

It's Not Just for Women With Wrinkles
“When deep creases started lining my forehead at age 27, I knew they’d only become deeper and more noticeable with age. I use Botox not necessarily to look younger, but to ensure that I won’t look older.” —Michelle, age 30

Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

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The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

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Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here

There’s a Black Market for Botox & Other Things to Know Before Getting Injected

Botox might take years off your appearance, but before requesting your own injectable Fountain of Youth, make sure you know exactly what you're doing

By Kristin Booker - July 5, 2013

Botox Might Not Do What You Want It to
Many people confuse what Botox actually does with other age-fighting beauty injectables. “[Botox's] only benefit is to render a muscle weaker for 3-4 months. It doesn't fill lines, it just makes it harder to make the muscle contraction that creates the lines,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Misbah Khan, owner of M. Khan Dermatology in New York City. So will it work on those wrinkles around the mouth? “No. If you have smile lines [the parentheses around the mouth], you'll need a filler [like Restylane] to erase them.”

There's a Black Market
Many coupon services run deals for cheap series of Botox, and they’re probably all too good to be true. Before you buy into anything, know who and what you’re dealing with. “Do not look for the better deal. Make sure you know what’s going in your face. If it's too cheap, it may be acquired on the black market, or the Botox they’re using might be expired or about to expire," warns Dr. Khan.

You Could Have an Allergic Reaction
You may know that Botox is derived from the same bacteria as the toxin botulism, and while you absolutely cannot catch botulism from the use of Botox, there is a small chance that you could have an allergic reaction to preservatives and ingredients used. "Some reactions that have been reported include itching, rash, welts, asthma symptoms or feeling faint,” says Dr. Dennis Gross, founder of 900 5th Dermatology and creator of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. If you do have a reaction, call your doctor right away.

An Unskilled Injector Might Leave You Lopsided
“If the Botox is injected wrong in any part of your face, you may have a lopsided appearance,” says Dr. Gross. “Just remember that there is an artistry involved in the technique, so be sure your physician is highly experienced and skilled at administering it.”

Overdoing It Could Lead to Drooping—or Worse
“Drooping of the eyebrows can happen even in the best of hands; it can occur if too much is injected in one place,” says Dr. Khan. And if you’re already using Botox, over-application could make it worse. “Overuse of Botox can cause the muscles to become so weak that they can't support the flesh.” The results can look unnatural, and even worse, be painful. “If too much Botox is applied during a neck rejuvenation, it can cause the side of the face to droop, or in some cases the muscles that hold the neck up weaken to the point where you can't swallow or hold your head up."

Speaking Up Can Divert Disaster
You might think that you really, really want Botox no matter the small risks, but the pursuit of beauty is never worth harming your health. As with any other procedure, you should always disclose your full medical history before sitting in the chair. “Make sure to tell your doctor about all of your muscle or nerve conditions, as you may have an increased risk of serious side-effects, including difficulty swallowing and/or breathing,” cautions Dr. Gross. “Also, inform your doctor of any surgery plans, weakness of forehead muscles, recent injections, or medicines you are currently taking.” Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, L’Oréal Paris Consulting Dermatologist adds one more caution to that list: “Be sure to disclose any autoimmune neuromotor disease like myasenthia gravis.”

Results Are Not Instant
“It takes about three to seven days to show the full effect, and results will last about four months,” says Dr. Gross. And those results vary, depending on the depth of your wrinkles. “If you start Botox treatments just as fine lines are beginning to appear and continue them as you age, you can prevent select expression lines from forming at all,” advises Dr. Gross. Patients who already have pronounced lines may see benefits in a bit more time, “It takes a few days to see results, and a full two weeks to see the full effects of a Botox treatment,” explains Dr. Khan.

Botox is Not Painless
Although getting Botox is not particularly painful for most patients, since there are needles involved, you can’t expect to feel absolutely nothing when getting injected. “During the procedure, you can expect a slight pinch from the needle. There are numbing creams available in topical and aesthetic forms,” says Dr. Gross. Dr. Khan is also known to use ice to numb the area for people who have a low tolerance or phobia of needles.

Aspirin and Fish Oil Don't Mix With Botox
“We tell our patients to stop using aspirin products up to a week before a treatment because they are blood thinners,” cautions Dr. Gross. "Discontinuing the use of aspirin the week before will help to keep bruising down. Also, we tell our patients to stop using fish oils a week beforehand because they also promote bruising for the same blood thinning reason.” Of course, always discuss changing the dosage of medicine with your primary physician beforehand.

Hair-Drying Is Off Limits Right After the Procedure
“There’s no lowering of the head for two hours post-procedure,” says Dr. Gerstner. “No yoga, no bending over, no blow drying your hair, no tight hats, no napping. In other words, heads up!”

It Might Cure More Than Wrinkles
If you have excessive underarm or palm sweating or suffer from serious migraines, talk to your doctor about using Botox to cure these ills. It's been proven to diminish or stop excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis, and to reduce the severity of migraines too—but don’t try tacking either treatment onto your cosmetic visit. You’ll need to book separate appointments. One quick tip: always take a quick peek at the box. “Botox meant for cosmetic purposes will say ‘Botox Cosmetic’ on the packaging,” says Dr. Khan. “Botox for medical purposes will say that on the package.”

A Happier Look Might Actually Improve Your Mood
If you’re prone to frowning, “eventually those muscles strengthen in that formation, which means it takes much effort to smile and look happy. When Botox relaxes those muscles, you look happier, which can really improve your mood and confidence,” says Dr. Gross.

Kristin Booker is a contributing writer on iVillage. Follow her on Twitter andGoogle+.

Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.

The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

On Instagram

Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here

Should You Try Botox? What We Wish We'd Known Before We Did

From wrinkles to migraines to happy faces, women share why they jumped on the Botox bandwagon

By Jeannette Moninger - June 26, 2013

It’s not just Real Housewives and Hollywood stars who want to stay youthful. In 2012, a record-setting 6.1 million Americans (94 percent of them women) received Botox injections. While some turn to the procedure to fight migraines or excessive sweating, the majority simply want to look younger. Here, women reveal the good, the bad and the ugly truth they learned from getting Botox.

Beware the Dog Face
“I loved how Botox softened my crow’s feet, so I tried it for frown lines between my brows. The effects were great — until I cried (and I cry often out of joy, sadness, hormonal reasons, you name it!). My inner eyebrows stayed the same, but the lower sections moved down giving me a basset hound appearance. I am an emotionally expressive person, so I will not be repeating that procedure.” —Stacey, age 45

It Can Cure Your 'Anger' Problem
“The deep crease between my eyebrows always made me look angry even when I was in great spirits. Without that line, I look so much more relaxed and youthful—happy even!” —Tina, age 48

Your Face Might Spasm
“When my Botox started to wear off, it felt like my forehead was having muscle spasms and contracting my eyebrows up toward my scalp. Thankfully, these spasms weren’t noticeable to others, but the sensation (which lasted for days) was very strange and really annoying.” —Sarah, age 44

You’ll Start Seeing Wrinkles Everywhere
“Since starting Botox, I’m very aware of how wrinkly other people’s foreheads are. But I would never tell my friends that.” —Ashlie, age 21

This Is Not the Time to Bargain Hunt
“I once experienced significant swelling after going to an inexperienced clinician. Ask your friends who they recommend and make sure the technician is well trained.” —Marisa, age 51

You Need to Be Realistic
“Botox isn’t a facelift-in-a-bottle. As a registered nurse who has both given and received injections, I find that most women’s expectations are too high. Botox is great at diminishing mild to moderate facial lines and wrinkles, but it won’t help saggy skin or deeply-etched lines. A good clinician should outline the changes you can realistically expect.” —Beth, age 52

It Really Can Prevent Migraines
“Getting Botox for migraines is like being stung repeatedly in the head. Still the pain is nothing compared to an actual migraine. My migraines have gone from about 15 a month to half that. It’s a win-win: Less pain and fewer wrinkles!” —Kari, age 44

It'll Stop Drippy Armpits
“My underarms used to drip before I started getting Botox for excessive sweating. The twice-yearly injections — about 20 per armpit — are not fun, but the payoff is sweet smelling.” —Robin, age 51

You Could Get Hooked
“At first I didn’t think I needed Botox. Now I’m scared to stop because I love what it has done for me. I feel younger, prettier and more confident” —Melissa, age 35

It's Not Just for Women With Wrinkles
“When deep creases started lining my forehead at age 27, I knew they’d only become deeper and more noticeable with age. I use Botox not necessarily to look younger, but to ensure that I won’t look older.” —Michelle, age 30

Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.

The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

On Instagram

Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here

There’s a Black Market for Botox & Other Things to Know Before Getting Injected

Botox might take years off your appearance, but before requesting your own injectable Fountain of Youth, make sure you know exactly what you're doing

By Kristin Booker - July 5, 2013

Botox Might Not Do What You Want It to
Many people confuse what Botox actually does with other age-fighting beauty injectables. “[Botox's] only benefit is to render a muscle weaker for 3-4 months. It doesn't fill lines, it just makes it harder to make the muscle contraction that creates the lines,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Misbah Khan, owner of M. Khan Dermatology in New York City. So will it work on those wrinkles around the mouth? “No. If you have smile lines [the parentheses around the mouth], you'll need a filler [like Restylane] to erase them.”

There's a Black Market
Many coupon services run deals for cheap series of Botox, and they’re probably all too good to be true. Before you buy into anything, know who and what you’re dealing with. “Do not look for the better deal. Make sure you know what’s going in your face. If it's too cheap, it may be acquired on the black market, or the Botox they’re using might be expired or about to expire," warns Dr. Khan.

You Could Have an Allergic Reaction
You may know that Botox is derived from the same bacteria as the toxin botulism, and while you absolutely cannot catch botulism from the use of Botox, there is a small chance that you could have an allergic reaction to preservatives and ingredients used. "Some reactions that have been reported include itching, rash, welts, asthma symptoms or feeling faint,” says Dr. Dennis Gross, founder of 900 5th Dermatology and creator of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. If you do have a reaction, call your doctor right away.

An Unskilled Injector Might Leave You Lopsided
“If the Botox is injected wrong in any part of your face, you may have a lopsided appearance,” says Dr. Gross. “Just remember that there is an artistry involved in the technique, so be sure your physician is highly experienced and skilled at administering it.”

Overdoing It Could Lead to Drooping—or Worse
“Drooping of the eyebrows can happen even in the best of hands; it can occur if too much is injected in one place,” says Dr. Khan. And if you’re already using Botox, over-application could make it worse. “Overuse of Botox can cause the muscles to become so weak that they can't support the flesh.” The results can look unnatural, and even worse, be painful. “If too much Botox is applied during a neck rejuvenation, it can cause the side of the face to droop, or in some cases the muscles that hold the neck up weaken to the point where you can't swallow or hold your head up."

Speaking Up Can Divert Disaster
You might think that you really, really want Botox no matter the small risks, but the pursuit of beauty is never worth harming your health. As with any other procedure, you should always disclose your full medical history before sitting in the chair. “Make sure to tell your doctor about all of your muscle or nerve conditions, as you may have an increased risk of serious side-effects, including difficulty swallowing and/or breathing,” cautions Dr. Gross. “Also, inform your doctor of any surgery plans, weakness of forehead muscles, recent injections, or medicines you are currently taking.” Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, L’Oréal Paris Consulting Dermatologist adds one more caution to that list: “Be sure to disclose any autoimmune neuromotor disease like myasenthia gravis.”

Results Are Not Instant
“It takes about three to seven days to show the full effect, and results will last about four months,” says Dr. Gross. And those results vary, depending on the depth of your wrinkles. “If you start Botox treatments just as fine lines are beginning to appear and continue them as you age, you can prevent select expression lines from forming at all,” advises Dr. Gross. Patients who already have pronounced lines may see benefits in a bit more time, “It takes a few days to see results, and a full two weeks to see the full effects of a Botox treatment,” explains Dr. Khan.

Botox is Not Painless
Although getting Botox is not particularly painful for most patients, since there are needles involved, you can’t expect to feel absolutely nothing when getting injected. “During the procedure, you can expect a slight pinch from the needle. There are numbing creams available in topical and aesthetic forms,” says Dr. Gross. Dr. Khan is also known to use ice to numb the area for people who have a low tolerance or phobia of needles.

Aspirin and Fish Oil Don't Mix With Botox
“We tell our patients to stop using aspirin products up to a week before a treatment because they are blood thinners,” cautions Dr. Gross. "Discontinuing the use of aspirin the week before will help to keep bruising down. Also, we tell our patients to stop using fish oils a week beforehand because they also promote bruising for the same blood thinning reason.” Of course, always discuss changing the dosage of medicine with your primary physician beforehand.

Hair-Drying Is Off Limits Right After the Procedure
“There’s no lowering of the head for two hours post-procedure,” says Dr. Gerstner. “No yoga, no bending over, no blow drying your hair, no tight hats, no napping. In other words, heads up!”

It Might Cure More Than Wrinkles
If you have excessive underarm or palm sweating or suffer from serious migraines, talk to your doctor about using Botox to cure these ills. It's been proven to diminish or stop excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis, and to reduce the severity of migraines too—but don’t try tacking either treatment onto your cosmetic visit. You’ll need to book separate appointments. One quick tip: always take a quick peek at the box. “Botox meant for cosmetic purposes will say ‘Botox Cosmetic’ on the packaging,” says Dr. Khan. “Botox for medical purposes will say that on the package.”

A Happier Look Might Actually Improve Your Mood
If you’re prone to frowning, “eventually those muscles strengthen in that formation, which means it takes much effort to smile and look happy. When Botox relaxes those muscles, you look happier, which can really improve your mood and confidence,” says Dr. Gross.

Kristin Booker is a contributing writer on iVillage. Follow her on Twitter andGoogle+.

Connect with Us Follow Our Pins

Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.

The very dirty truth about fashion internships... DUN DUN @srslytheshow http://t.co/wfewf

On Instagram

Behind-the-scenes pics from iVillage.

View the original article here

There’s a Black Market for Botox & Other Things to Know Before Getting Injected

Botox might take years off your appearance, but before requesting your own injectable Fountain of Youth, make sure you know exactly what you're doing

By Kristin Booker - July 5, 2013

Botox Might Not Do What You Want It to
Many people confuse what Botox actually does with other age-fighting beauty injectables. “[Botox's] only benefit is to render a muscle weaker for 3-4 months. It doesn't fill lines, it just makes it harder to make the muscle contraction that creates the lines,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Misbah Khan, owner of M. Khan Dermatology in New York City. So will it work on those wrinkles around the mouth? “No. If you have smile lines [the parentheses around the mouth], you'll need a filler [like Restylane] to erase them.”

There's a Black Market
Many coupon services run deals for cheap series of Botox, and they’re probably all too good to be true. Before you buy into anything, know who and what you’re dealing with. “Do not look for the better deal. Make sure you know what’s going in your face. If it's too cheap, it may be acquired on the black market, or the Botox they’re using might be expired or about to expire," warns Dr. Khan.

You Could Have an Allergic Reaction
You may know that Botox is derived from the same bacteria as the toxin botulism, and while you absolutely cannot catch botulism from the use of Botox, there is a small chance that you could have an allergic reaction to preservatives and ingredients used. "Some reactions that have been reported include itching, rash, welts, asthma symptoms or feeling faint,” says Dr. Dennis Gross, founder of 900 5th Dermatology and creator of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. If you do have a reaction, call your doctor right away.

An Unskilled Injector Might Leave You Lopsided
“If the Botox is injected wrong in any part of your face, you may have a lopsided appearance,” says Dr. Gross. “Just remember that there is an artistry involved in the technique, so be sure your physician is highly experienced and skilled at administering it.”

Overdoing It Could Lead to Drooping—or Worse
“Drooping of the eyebrows can happen even in the best of hands; it can occur if too much is injected in one place,” says Dr. Khan. And if you’re already using Botox, over-application could make it worse. “Overuse of Botox can cause the muscles to become so weak that they can't support the flesh.” The results can look unnatural, and even worse, be painful. “If too much Botox is applied during a neck rejuvenation, it can cause the side of the face to droop, or in some cases the muscles that hold the neck up weaken to the point where you can't swallow or hold your head up."

Speaking Up Can Divert Disaster
You might think that you really, really want Botox no matter the small risks, but the pursuit of beauty is never worth harming your health. As with any other procedure, you should always disclose your full medical history before sitting in the chair. “Make sure to tell your doctor about all of your muscle or nerve conditions, as you may have an increased risk of serious side-effects, including difficulty swallowing and/or breathing,” cautions Dr. Gross. “Also, inform your doctor of any surgery plans, weakness of forehead muscles, recent injections, or medicines you are currently taking.” Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, L’Oréal Paris Consulting Dermatologist adds one more caution to that list: “Be sure to disclose any autoimmune neuromotor disease like myasenthia gravis.”

Results Are Not Instant
“It takes about three to seven days to show the full effect, and results will last about four months,” says Dr. Gross. And those results vary, depending on the depth of your wrinkles. “If you start Botox treatments just as fine lines are beginning to appear and continue them as you age, you can prevent select expression lines from forming at all,” advises Dr. Gross. Patients who already have pronounced lines may see benefits in a bit more time, “It takes a few days to see results, and a full two weeks to see the full effects of a Botox treatment,” explains Dr. Khan.

Botox is Not Painless
Although getting Botox is not particularly painful for most patients, since there are needles involved, you can’t expect to feel absolutely nothing when getting injected. “During the procedure, you can expect a slight pinch from the needle. There are numbing creams available in topical and aesthetic forms,” says Dr. Gross. Dr. Khan is also known to use ice to numb the area for people who have a low tolerance or phobia of needles.

Aspirin and Fish Oil Don't Mix With Botox
“We tell our patients to stop using aspirin products up to a week before a treatment because they are blood thinners,” cautions Dr. Gross. "Discontinuing the use of aspirin the week before will help to keep bruising down. Also, we tell our patients to stop using fish oils a week beforehand because they also promote bruising for the same blood thinning reason.” Of course, always discuss changing the dosage of medicine with your primary physician beforehand.

Hair-Drying Is Off Limits Right After the Procedure
“There’s no lowering of the head for two hours post-procedure,” says Dr. Gerstner. “No yoga, no bending over, no blow drying your hair, no tight hats, no napping. In other words, heads up!”

It Might Cure More Than Wrinkles
If you have excessive underarm or palm sweating or suffer from serious migraines, talk to your doctor about using Botox to cure these ills. It's been proven to diminish or stop excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis, and to reduce the severity of migraines too—but don’t try tacking either treatment onto your cosmetic visit. You’ll need to book separate appointments. One quick tip: always take a quick peek at the box. “Botox meant for cosmetic purposes will say ‘Botox Cosmetic’ on the packaging,” says Dr. Khan. “Botox for medical purposes will say that on the package.”

A Happier Look Might Actually Improve Your Mood
If you’re prone to frowning, “eventually those muscles strengthen in that formation, which means it takes much effort to smile and look happy. When Botox relaxes those muscles, you look happier, which can really improve your mood and confidence,” says Dr. Gross.

Kristin Booker is a contributing writer on iVillage. Follow her on Twitter andGoogle+.

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There’s a Black Market for Botox & Other Things to Know Before Getting Injected

Botox might take years off your appearance, but before requesting your own injectable Fountain of Youth, make sure you know exactly what you're doing

By Kristin Booker - July 5, 2013

Botox Might Not Do What You Want It to
Many people confuse what Botox actually does with other age-fighting beauty injectables. “[Botox's] only benefit is to render a muscle weaker for 3-4 months. It doesn't fill lines, it just makes it harder to make the muscle contraction that creates the lines,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Misbah Khan, owner of M. Khan Dermatology in New York City. So will it work on those wrinkles around the mouth? “No. If you have smile lines [the parentheses around the mouth], you'll need a filler [like Restylane] to erase them.”

There's a Black Market
Many coupon services run deals for cheap series of Botox, and they’re probably all too good to be true. Before you buy into anything, know who and what you’re dealing with. “Do not look for the better deal. Make sure you know what’s going in your face. If it's too cheap, it may be acquired on the black market, or the Botox they’re using might be expired or about to expire," warns Dr. Khan.

You Could Have an Allergic Reaction
You may know that Botox is derived from the same bacteria as the toxin botulism, and while you absolutely cannot catch botulism from the use of Botox, there is a small chance that you could have an allergic reaction to preservatives and ingredients used. "Some reactions that have been reported include itching, rash, welts, asthma symptoms or feeling faint,” says Dr. Dennis Gross, founder of 900 5th Dermatology and creator of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. If you do have a reaction, call your doctor right away.

An Unskilled Injector Might Leave You Lopsided
“If the Botox is injected wrong in any part of your face, you may have a lopsided appearance,” says Dr. Gross. “Just remember that there is an artistry involved in the technique, so be sure your physician is highly experienced and skilled at administering it.”

Overdoing It Could Lead to Drooping—or Worse
“Drooping of the eyebrows can happen even in the best of hands; it can occur if too much is injected in one place,” says Dr. Khan. And if you’re already using Botox, over-application could make it worse. “Overuse of Botox can cause the muscles to become so weak that they can't support the flesh.” The results can look unnatural, and even worse, be painful. “If too much Botox is applied during a neck rejuvenation, it can cause the side of the face to droop, or in some cases the muscles that hold the neck up weaken to the point where you can't swallow or hold your head up."

Speaking Up Can Divert Disaster
You might think that you really, really want Botox no matter the small risks, but the pursuit of beauty is never worth harming your health. As with any other procedure, you should always disclose your full medical history before sitting in the chair. “Make sure to tell your doctor about all of your muscle or nerve conditions, as you may have an increased risk of serious side-effects, including difficulty swallowing and/or breathing,” cautions Dr. Gross. “Also, inform your doctor of any surgery plans, weakness of forehead muscles, recent injections, or medicines you are currently taking.” Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, L’Oréal Paris Consulting Dermatologist adds one more caution to that list: “Be sure to disclose any autoimmune neuromotor disease like myasenthia gravis.”

Results Are Not Instant
“It takes about three to seven days to show the full effect, and results will last about four months,” says Dr. Gross. And those results vary, depending on the depth of your wrinkles. “If you start Botox treatments just as fine lines are beginning to appear and continue them as you age, you can prevent select expression lines from forming at all,” advises Dr. Gross. Patients who already have pronounced lines may see benefits in a bit more time, “It takes a few days to see results, and a full two weeks to see the full effects of a Botox treatment,” explains Dr. Khan.

Botox is Not Painless
Although getting Botox is not particularly painful for most patients, since there are needles involved, you can’t expect to feel absolutely nothing when getting injected. “During the procedure, you can expect a slight pinch from the needle. There are numbing creams available in topical and aesthetic forms,” says Dr. Gross. Dr. Khan is also known to use ice to numb the area for people who have a low tolerance or phobia of needles.

Aspirin and Fish Oil Don't Mix With Botox
“We tell our patients to stop using aspirin products up to a week before a treatment because they are blood thinners,” cautions Dr. Gross. "Discontinuing the use of aspirin the week before will help to keep bruising down. Also, we tell our patients to stop using fish oils a week beforehand because they also promote bruising for the same blood thinning reason.” Of course, always discuss changing the dosage of medicine with your primary physician beforehand.

Hair-Drying Is Off Limits Right After the Procedure
“There’s no lowering of the head for two hours post-procedure,” says Dr. Gerstner. “No yoga, no bending over, no blow drying your hair, no tight hats, no napping. In other words, heads up!”

It Might Cure More Than Wrinkles
If you have excessive underarm or palm sweating or suffer from serious migraines, talk to your doctor about using Botox to cure these ills. It's been proven to diminish or stop excessive sweating, called hyperhidrosis, and to reduce the severity of migraines too—but don’t try tacking either treatment onto your cosmetic visit. You’ll need to book separate appointments. One quick tip: always take a quick peek at the box. “Botox meant for cosmetic purposes will say ‘Botox Cosmetic’ on the packaging,” says Dr. Khan. “Botox for medical purposes will say that on the package.”

A Happier Look Might Actually Improve Your Mood
If you’re prone to frowning, “eventually those muscles strengthen in that formation, which means it takes much effort to smile and look happy. When Botox relaxes those muscles, you look happier, which can really improve your mood and confidence,” says Dr. Gross.

Kristin Booker is a contributing writer on iVillage. Follow her on Twitter andGoogle+.

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Should You Try Botox? What We Wish We'd Known Before We Did

From wrinkles to migraines to happy faces, women share why they jumped on the Botox bandwagon

By Jeannette Moninger - June 26, 2013

It’s not just Real Housewives and Hollywood stars who want to stay youthful. In 2012, a record-setting 6.1 million Americans (94 percent of them women) received Botox injections. While some turn to the procedure to fight migraines or excessive sweating, the majority simply want to look younger. Here, women reveal the good, the bad and the ugly truth they learned from getting Botox.

Beware the Dog Face
“I loved how Botox softened my crow’s feet, so I tried it for frown lines between my brows. The effects were great — until I cried (and I cry often out of joy, sadness, hormonal reasons, you name it!). My inner eyebrows stayed the same, but the lower sections moved down giving me a basset hound appearance. I am an emotionally expressive person, so I will not be repeating that procedure.” —Stacey, age 45

It Can Cure Your 'Anger' Problem
“The deep crease between my eyebrows always made me look angry even when I was in great spirits. Without that line, I look so much more relaxed and youthful—happy even!” —Tina, age 48

Your Face Might Spasm
“When my Botox started to wear off, it felt like my forehead was having muscle spasms and contracting my eyebrows up toward my scalp. Thankfully, these spasms weren’t noticeable to others, but the sensation (which lasted for days) was very strange and really annoying.” —Sarah, age 44

You’ll Start Seeing Wrinkles Everywhere
“Since starting Botox, I’m very aware of how wrinkly other people’s foreheads are. But I would never tell my friends that.” —Ashlie, age 21

This Is Not the Time to Bargain Hunt
“I once experienced significant swelling after going to an inexperienced clinician. Ask your friends who they recommend and make sure the technician is well trained.” —Marisa, age 51

You Need to Be Realistic
“Botox isn’t a facelift-in-a-bottle. As a registered nurse who has both given and received injections, I find that most women’s expectations are too high. Botox is great at diminishing mild to moderate facial lines and wrinkles, but it won’t help saggy skin or deeply-etched lines. A good clinician should outline the changes you can realistically expect.” —Beth, age 52

It Really Can Prevent Migraines
“Getting Botox for migraines is like being stung repeatedly in the head. Still the pain is nothing compared to an actual migraine. My migraines have gone from about 15 a month to half that. It’s a win-win: Less pain and fewer wrinkles!” —Kari, age 44

It'll Stop Drippy Armpits
“My underarms used to drip before I started getting Botox for excessive sweating. The twice-yearly injections — about 20 per armpit — are not fun, but the payoff is sweet smelling.” —Robin, age 51

You Could Get Hooked
“At first I didn’t think I needed Botox. Now I’m scared to stop because I love what it has done for me. I feel younger, prettier and more confident” —Melissa, age 35

It's Not Just for Women With Wrinkles
“When deep creases started lining my forehead at age 27, I knew they’d only become deeper and more noticeable with age. I use Botox not necessarily to look younger, but to ensure that I won’t look older.” —Michelle, age 30

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