The MACS Lift... how it differs from Conventional Facelifts

The MACS Lift... how it differs from Conventional Facelifts
By A Richards

Background

The MACS lift (minimal access cranial suspension lift) was described as a modification of the S-lift by a Belgian group in 2001. It was reported in the Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery journal, which is the main scientific journal for plastic surgeons.

Essentially, it differs from a regular facelift in the following ways:

1. The incision is limited to the skin hairline junction above the ear and anterior to the ear. There is no extension behind the ear.

2. The area of undermining, unlike a conventional facelift, is much smaller and essentially involves a portion of the cheek. Because there is less undermining, the blood supply to the skin is much more robust and the technique is therefore safer in smokers. There is much less risk of any skin necrosis, unlike other lifts.

3. Permanent suspension sutures are used to elevate the underlying tissue. These pass down to the neck, jowls and malar fat pad. Unlike many other facelifts which do not include significant mid face elevation the MACS lift elevates the malar fat pad reducing the naso labial folds.

4. Because there is no undermining under the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) there is very little likelihood of damage to the facial nerve.

5. Because the undermining and dissection is much more limited the post operative swelling and oedema is much less than in normal facelifts and recovery is therefore quicker.

6. Because the malar fat pad is elevated it combines very well with lower lid blepharoplasty, as can be seen in the illustrations. It essentially reduces the height of the lower eyelid giving a more youthful, smooth appearance.

7. In nearly all cases liposuction is performed to the neck area below the angle of the mandible, both to remove excess fat here and also to free up the skin to allow it to be re-draped by the suspension sutures.

8. In my opinion the MACS lift produces results at least equivalent, or in most cases, better than a conventional facelift. It is ideally suited to the younger patient with a sagging mid face. In patients with really excess skin facility in the neck region, it may be necessary in some cases to make an incision posterior to the ear to take up this slack, but in most cases this is not necessary.

DETAILS OF PROCEDURE

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and most patients stay in hospital for two days post operatively. The operation generally takes about three hours and in nearly all cases should be combined with lower lid blepharoplasty, as lifting up the malar fat pad also lifts up the lower eyelids and it is relatively simple to remove the excess skin. Usually no additional work needs to be done to the fat pads because of the suspension of the malar area.

During the post operative night, the patient is placed in a firm bulky woollen bandage and two small non-suction drains are inserted behind the ear. The bandage is removed the following day, along with the drains. Following this, a light chin-up bandage is worn for one week. Following this, the patient normally looks fairly reasonable, although there may be some residual bruising, particularly around the eyes. This is treated with Arnica cream and massage on a twice daily basis.

Stitches in the lower blepharoplasty incision are removed at three days, those in front of the ears and alternate stitches in the hairline are removed at five days and the remaining sutures in the hairline at ten days.

In my opinion the MACS lift is a significant advancement in facial rejuvenation surgery as it involves relatively little undermining and consequently the recovery is quicker. It also has the significant advantage of improving the mid face and malar area which other facelift techniques do not tend to help.

I use this type of facelift now exclusively, and as I mentioned, in patients with really severe neck skin excess I would do a posterior skin excision, but this is not necessary in 90% of patients.
This lift is ideally suited to the younger patient with mid face ageing changes and moderate changes in the neck.

Author Bio

Mr Richards is a full member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (B.A.A.P.S) and the British Association of Plastic Surgeons (B.A.P.S) as well as a being a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) and registered on the specialist register of the GMC for plastic surgery.

Adrian Richards and Associates has a series of clinics and accredited hospitals across the mid shire counties and at 10 Harley Street London and offers a complete range of cosmetic surgery and non surgical procedures using the most advanced techniques available.

For further information or to find your nearest treatment centre visit http://www.arandassociates.co.uk or call the information line on telephone number (UK) 0800 3285743 for specialist and sympathetic advice.

Mr A RICHARDS MSc FRCS (Plas) Consultant Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon http://www.arandassociates.co.uk Suite 3, Samuel House Chinnor Road Thame Oxon OX9 3

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Testimonials on Permanent Makeup

Testimonials on Permanent Makeup
By Nancy LaTouche

Testimonials on Permanent Makeup

I first thought about getting permanent eyeliner because I had problems with getting it on and getting it to stay on. I was very nervous about having something 'permanent' done. But I went ahead and looked into it. I went on line and found several web sites on permanent make up. Nancy's web site was the best I saw, she had a lot of before and after photos, and several great credentials listed. I called Nancy and she was very informative and I could tell she knew what she was talking about. Nancy made me feel comfortable with my decision to get permanent eyeliner. (She told me I would love it, and I do!)

I loved her work and the way she worked so much that I wanted to get my lips colored. Nancy helped me to decide on a good lip color for my skin and now I don't even need to wear lipstick! Nancy again did an awesome job!

Well there was only one thing left, my brows. I was a bit nervous about having my brows done, but I trusted Nancy's work. I now have my brows done, and of course they look great.

I can't say enough about how happy I am with all three procedures, and the way Nancy spends her time to do it right and how you like it. I am constantly bragging to everyone about Nancy and how much I love my permanent make up! I would recommend Nancy for permanent make up to anyone who wants to look good all the time!

Tami in Huntington Beach, CA

I love my new permanent makeup. I now have the choice of not having to add makeup if I don't feel like it. I was always so self conscience about having no brows (plucked them out when I was a teenager and they never grew back). The eyeliner enhanced my eyes and makes my eyes look so natural. I actually feel younger and look younger!

Nancy is very patient and stops very often during the procedure so you can see how it's coming along. She is very conscientious about having everything clean and sterile. Initially there is a little discomfort but it goes away after the topical is applied. She is thorough when explaining the procedure so you know what she will be doing and it makes you feel more at ease.

E.M.in Newport Beach, CA

When I set out to produce a show about spa living, I knew one of the segments would have to be about permanent make-up. I scoured the Web and found a plethora of artists...especially in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. I decided I would choose an artist by using a single criterion: Who would I choose to work on me? When I found alwayslookyourbest.com, I was impressed with the professionalism portrayed through the site. The "before and after" pictures were believable. The explanations were understandable. And mostly, Nancy's credentials were impressive. After speaking on the phone, I knew I had the right person for the segment. On the day of the shoot, Nancy and her subject showed up early and prepared. She was accommodating and professional. The segment went perfectly, shot in only one take. And perhaps most importantly, the procedure Nancy performed looked great!

David Winter

Executive Producer

WinterMedia, Inc.

Looks great!! This is the only way to describe the transformation from no color and constant daily attention of applying eyeliner. I LOVE THE RESULTS!! The process was time efficient and relatively painless. Nancy was very cautious about the delicate area of the eyes. She constantly asked if I was feeling any discomfort. Have recommended several friends and business associates to her. Like some many things, I wish I had done this years ago. My only regret is that I can't give blood for one year. The American Red Cross still has a rule on tattoo's. Somehow the medical reasons for permanent makeup and tattoo's on the rest of the body do not equate in my mind. Nancy's business is conducted in an office environment with the cleanliness of any medical facility. Don't hesitate to have permanent make-up!!

KH Newport Beach, CA

My name is Pamela, a 44-year old resident of Long Beach, who contacted Nancy LaTouche in late 2002 to solicit her help in trying to reverse facial scars created by a dermabrasion surgery. Having paid thousands of dollars for dermabrasion surgery to improve my skin, and ending up with horrific, indented scars, you can imagine my outrage and depression as I labored to find solutions to this unexpected debacle. The doctor who scarred me was of no help, in fact, he refused to even address the matter with me. Hence, I was left to my own devices to try and find scar revision techniques.

One such technique is that of "needling", wherein the scar tissue is "needled" numerous times with the type of small needles used in permanent makeup artistry. In researching this technique, I found Nancy's website on line, and was immediately impressed by her thoroughness and professionalism. I called Nancy to explain my situation, and was humbled by her compassionate response and willingness to devote her time and expertise in trying to help me. Nancy explained that she had not, personally, performed needling (in fact, most such professionals have not done so), yet she jumped in with both feet to research the matter, emailed knowledgeable contacts, and invested long hours in studying this matter.

We eventually met at her offices for a "test run" in needling several scars. Nancy had read up on numerous articles and documents about this technique, so as to be well versed in its application. She spent a good 2 hours meeting with me and performing the test run, all the while demonstrating the utmost in professionalism, care and concern. Despite her many hours devoted to my problem, Nancy charged me only a fraction of her usual fee. She has since been in touch regularly to check up on my healing and progress, and continues to offer leads into scar revision techniques for me.

I cannot say enough about the care, professionalism and expertise demonstrated by Nancy LaTouche, and feel blessed to have met this exceptional woman.

Pamela A. in Long Beach, cA

***

Nancy is Board Certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation, a member in good standing with the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals and is current writing a book on what she learned in permanent makeup to be published on her website around March 2005. See [http://www.alwayslookyourbest.com] for more information, before and after photos and much, much more!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Nancy_LaTouche/2142
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Your Skin can Speak Volumes

Your Skin can Speak Volumes
By Nur Syahid

Everyone dreams of having skin that is healthy, smooth and radiant. This state of skin perfection would have to derive from proper and attentive care. Your skin could convey its wishes, its needs for nutrition and concern. Listen to its voice, pamper it with timely care, and your skin will maintain its very best condition always.
Balance: The First Criterion for Perfect Skin

At the crux of the latest global beauty concepts, lies the need for skin balance, which is the first criterion for perfect skin. Here, "balance" refers to the natural physiological functions of the skin, such as regulation of moisture, oil secretion, sensitive reactions and organisational structures. Only when these four areas are regulated and balanced, can the skin present its very best. Conversely, if there is an imbalance in the four factors, the skin will develop problems accordingly.

Warning Signal 1:

Dryness, lack of moisture, slight peeling, dry wrinkles

Skin's Revelation:

Functional imbalance in regulation of moisture

The Best Solution:

Emergency replenishment of moisture

Suggested Method:

Give skin the ample moisturising nutrition it needs. Choose special moisturising skincare products that contain natural minerals, effective moisture-replenishing factors, natural compound vitamins, collagen, etc.

Warning Signal 2:

Insufficient or excessive oil, whiteheads, blackheads, acne　

Skin's Revelation:

Functional imbalance in oil secretion

The Best Solution:

Balance oil secretion

Suggested Method:

Choose skincare products that have oil-absorption, inflammation-reduction and germ-elimination properties. For skin that secretes excessive oil, take care of cleanliness and inflammation reduction.

Warning Signal 3:

Sagging, signs of aging such as wrinkles

Skin's Revelation:

Functional imbalance in organisational structure

The Best Solution:

Emergency replenishment of nutrients

Suggested Method:

Focus on the replenishment of effective anti-wrinkle and skin-firming ingredients, such as amino acids, various vitamins, protein essences, etc, so as to enhance skin metabolism and restore its natural vitality within the shortest time.

Warning Signal 4:

Weakness, itch, red spots　

Skin's Revelation:

Functional imbalance in sensitive reactions

The Best Strategy:

Emergency desensitisation

Suggested Method:

Conduct a self-diagnosis first. If the condition is mild, nurse it using Bel'Air's prescription. If the condition is severe, involving burns or abnormal swelling, consult a doctor or specialist.

Listen to Your Skin

These are some of the warning signals that will be sounded when a problem in skin balance occurs. Usually, the prologue will take the form of itch. When your skin gives the signal for help, it is time to give it the nutrition and moisture it needs. In this way, you can effectively maintain your skin at a state of healthy and optimum balance. So, when your skin sounds the warning signal for imbalance, don't ever neglect it. Putting the balance back into your skin will ensure its radiance and beauty!

Nur Syahid, a Natural Aromatherapist, specializes in Bio-Tech Aromatherapy including oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, health aromatherapy. Comments, Share and more info E-mail to : Healthybelair@yahoo.com

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Smoking, Can it Harm My Skin?

Smoking, Can it Harm My Skin?
By Wendy Owen

Yes it can harm it in several ways. Here are more reasons to quit smoking now.

Skin is fed from within. The foods we eat are broken down into nutrients and waste. The nutrients are absorbed by the bloodstream which transports them around the body to the various organs, the largest of which is the skin. Oxygen is also transported and delivered in the same way. The cells absorb the oxygen and this is vital for the health of the organs and the life process itself. This whole process takes place automatically when we breathe........

Except when we are breathing in smoke!

When we inhale the smoke from a cigarette the carbon monoxide from the smoke is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood. Carbon monoxide is a colorless odorless highly toxic gas also found in the smoke from car exhausts. The blood can absorb carbon monoxide 200 times as fast as oxygen so a lot of the oxygen is displaced by carbon monoxide. The organs including the skin are starved of life giving oxygen and slowly poisoned by the carbon monoxide.

But that's not the end of it. Cigarette smoke also contains the following deadly cocktail of chemicals. Ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, butane, nicotine, carbolic acid, collidine, formic aldehyde, lutidine, parvoline, prussic acid, pyridine, arsenic and cadmium. This list is by no means complete.

The affect on the skin of all these is catastrophic. The liver goes into overdrive trying to expel these chemicals from the body and cannot perform its normal functions properly. The skin loses its healthy glow and takes on a yellowish-grey cast. The more cigarettes smoked, the worse your skin will look.

Smoking also causes premature aging in two ways. It uses up vitamin C in the body, about 35 mg for each cigarette. Vitamin C is an unstable vitamin and cannot be manufactured by the body. One of its functions is the preservation of the collagen in the skin, the substance that gives skin its plump and youthful appearance. The collagen beaks down causing premature wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.

The physical act of smoking causes us to squint, exaggerating the wrinkles around the eyes. Every time we purse our lips we deepen the wrinkles around our mouth as well.

Do yourself a favor! Stop poisoning yourself. Qit smoking now. Save the money you spend on these toxic weeds and go out and treat yourself to a facial or a new skin cream instead.

Your skin will thank you for it!

Wendy Owen is a health researcher and author. For advice on absolutely natural skin care visit [http://www.just-natural-skincare.com] Sign up for our newsletter and recieve 5 free beauty books

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Knowing Your Skin Type Is The First Step in Choosing Proper Skin Care

Knowing Your Skin Type Is The First Step in Choosing Proper Skin Care
By Sheila Dicks

In order to care for your skin properly you must first determine the type of skin you have.

There are 5 types of skin: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination and Problem Skin.

Normal:

The skin is soft, supple and smooth. It is fine-textured and free of blemishes (with the exception of periodic blemishes). It has a nice glow and never feels oily or dry. Less than twenty percent of women have this skin type. If this is your skin type you are fortunate; however, this does not mean that you shouldn't take care of it.

Dry:

This type of skin too, has a fine texture and is transparent looking. It feels tight and drawn without moisturizer and tends to have fine lines around the eyes and mouth. It feels especially dry after washing and may have whiteheads around the eyes and dry patches. This type of skin needs proper care because it shows signs of aging early.

Oily:

The oily complexion is greasy, sallow and coarse. It has large pores and tends to have pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Within hours of washing the oiliness will reappear and makeup is usually absorbed quickly.

Combination:

This type of skin is oily in the T zone and the rest of the face is dry. The T zone is the forehead, nose and chin. The extent to which both areas are dry and oily may vary; however, both areas require a separate cleaning routine to restore them to balance.

Problem Skin:

Problem skin is usually oily and has a coarse texture and is subject to acne. It has large pores, blackheads, red blotches and may become more irritated under stress. If the problem is serious it will require the assistance of a dermatologist.

There are also 2 skin conditions that may occur either together or separately and may occur with any skin type. These are sensitive and allergic conditions. If when applying skin care products you begin to sneeze, wheeze, itch or breakout you are probably allergic. Skin that appears thin, pale and flushes easily and may be sensitive and be subject to allergies. If this is the case, treat your skin gently and use hypoallergenic products.

Sheila Dicks is a wardrobe and image consultant who teaches women how to look slimmer by dressing to suit their body type. Visit her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download a copy of her e-book Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe free.

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Create A Home Spa

Create A Home Spa
By Julie Hunt

Here are 10 personal little home spa tips that will make you look and feel like a million bucks!

Squeeze in a few extra minutes to your every day self care time and you’ll see how easily these step by step pampering recommendations will turn even the toughest days around. Or if you can negotiate a few minutes here and there from your day to get even more time…by all means… do it! Your family, friends and co-workers will meet a much happier, more chipper, fantastically refreshed you!

In Preparation:

First things, first. No shopping, buying or leaving the house. Scour the house for a few fun spa essentials and make a decadent ‘Home Spa Day’ just with what you have tucked away!
Why put off what you could be doing right now?! I suppose if you are out and about and feel so inclined to pick up special bath salts, moisturizers or essential oils… so be it. I admire your level of commitment!

- Grab your robe and slippers

- Find a soothing CD that you absolutely love

- Scented candle

- A washcloth, loofah, bath brush or a new scrubbie back there in the drawers you forgot about

- Fluffy cotton towel

- Bath salts or essential aromatic oils (if you have them)

- Your cleansers, toners and moisturizers

- Coarse sea salt

- Plenty of chilled spring water (with a splash of lime or lemon) in the fanciest glass you can find

- Steep a cup of green tea

Let go of your day… your obligations… responsibilities… stress… and strain. Toss out the barrage of thoughts streaming through your mind (even if it’s just for a moment). Trust me... they’ll still be around later for you to poke at, ponder or peruse.

Try to relax. Take yourself on a far away vacation in your head, tell yourself a “Once Upon A Time” story, remind yourself what a princess you are and remember how essential these precious moments are to your happiness and sanity!

Welcome To Your At Home Spa Vacation!

1. Take it easy and slow down your breath, your thoughts and your movements. Put on your favorite CD and start prepping a very simple shower or bath in a wonderfully slow, deliberate and unhurried way. Take time to watch the candle burn, smell the fragrance, feel the soft robe or towels, look at the sparkling drops of water and run your hands through it… take in the joyful process of an every day activity that we just fly through without a second thought!

2. Use essential oils. Not only do they smell great, but they are extremely good for your skin. The rule to applying essential oils is to never apply them directly on your face or skin. Just add about five drops to a bowl of warm water. Soak a washcloth in the water and then apply to your face and neck as a compress for five minutes. Repeat three times. Gently towel dry and finish yourself off with an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory facial splash.

If you have a choice of essential oils to choose from, select one that suits your mood and purpose. If you are desparking the stress level this holiday, choose soothing oils (like lavender, chamomile, jasmine, sandalwood and ylang-ylang). Good revitalizing and energizing oils when you need them are peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, basil and juniper. The aroma can also provide psychological and physical benefits too!
Essential oils can help with physical conditions, rejuvenate the skin, eliminate waste, alleviate stress, enhance your mood, restore vitality and facilitate the regeneration of new, healthy cells.

3. Basic Body Scrub and Cleansing If you decided you only have time for an indulgent, relaxing shower… start with a basic body scrub and cleansing. I found this fabulous new product called Spongeables (www.spongeables.com). It’s a soap and a sponge all in one. It lasts for a full month of frothy fragrant showering. My favorite fragrance is fresh lavender… and they have them fragrance free too if that’s more your style.

Whatever sponge, cloth or brush you decide on… scrub mindfully and only gently brush your skin. Gentle circular motions will increase your circulation and eliminate toxins and excess water.

Another in home spa trick is to mix an ounce of ground sea salt with 10 or so drops of your favorite essential oil. Add water and make a paste so it spreads easily. Apply it to your entire body and slough off the dead skin with big circular strokes. This salt scrub will exfoliate dead skin cells, cleanse the pores and help your body get rid of any toxins.

4. Draw a bath. Add 5 to 10 drops of an essential oil to bath salts. Grab an extra pillow, put a kitchen trash bag over it to keep it dry and then put a pillow case over that. You just bought yourself 10 extra comfy minutes in the bath tub. You might as well take a book too! Follow it with a warm shower and a dry yourself off with a fluffy cotton towel. If someone in the house really loves you… get them to toss it in the dryer for 5 minutes and greet you with fluffy warmth. If you have a body toning lotion handy, apply to your body (not your face) for additional firming and toning so you’ll look even better in that little black dress.

5. Be nice to yourself. These are your precious rejuvenating moments. Take your time. Pamper yourself and try not to get caught up in the have-to’s and the should-do’s. Don’t be in a rush. Not only will you lose some of the benefits of this quality time to refresh and relax, you may start sloughing off and using rough, damaging strokes.

6. Hurrying has its risks. Without slow, mindful, attentive movements, you could cause inflammation and jeopardize that fresh, healthy, glowing complexion that will make you a bright shining super star. You can actually accelerate the aging process by being too rough! Now there’s a good enough reason in and of itself to slow down.

7. Care for your hair. It is taking a beating in these winter elements. Add ¼ ounce of lavender to sixteen ounces of shampoo. Or for oily hair, add ¼ ounce of lemongrass or rosemary to 16 ounces of shampoo. Essential oils can make invigorating scalp massages. Rosemary is awesome! If you decide not to use the oils, make sure you at least give yourself a long, sudsy scalp massage. Close your eyes, lay your head back and drift for a moment.

8. Replenish lost moisture to your skin and hair this winter by taking two tablespoons of organic flaxseed oil twice a day. You’ll get rid of the itchies and combat wrinkles and sagging skin.

9. Treat your fabulous face. All the treatments above were just for your bod. Your face is special and delicate. The skin on your face is thinner and more fragile than your body. Treat your face with extreme care and gentleness. Even though it’s cold avoid extremely hot water, harsh soaps or any drying cleansers.

Grab a new wash cloth or small sea sponge, add a few drops of your favorite cleanser (preferably an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory liquid cleanser) and then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Apply face firming treatment then put an ice cube inside of a small plastic bag and gently rub over the face and eye area for several minutes to tone and plump up the skin.

10. Rejuvenate from the inside

Drink 8 to10 glasses of water every day.
Eat lots of whole foods, green vegetables, fresh fruits, grains, nuts and lean protein to reduce inflammation, replenish moisture and bring back a youthful glow.

Take 3 full, deep breaths from your abdomen (keep your shoulders still) to complete your simple happy essential home spa experience.

The benefits and joy you experience during your at home spa day
will be more colored by your desire and your intentions than any fancy, expensive products you can buy. Be mindful, set your intentions and gradually transition in to or out of your work day… always cherishing these simple, sacred rejuvenating moments.

[http://www.shesite.com]

Julie Hunt is a female icon and founder of SHE, the foremost inspiration and personal development resource for women who want to live brilliant, happy, successful lives. Marketing consultant, sales expert, copywriting guru, improvisational actress, yoga instructor, author and just plain cool chick… she’s an inspiration to oodles of women who land every week on her free ‘Essentials’ teleclass series. Hop on at [http://www.shesite.com]!

She is on a mission to scream, skip, advise and acquaint with women around the globe who want live a vivacious life busting at the seams!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Julie_Hunt/1524
http://EzineArticles.com/?Create-A-Home-Spa&id=7671

What's Up With Botox?

What's Up With Botox?
By Mike Jones

BOTOX® is part of a family of drugs called "botulinum toxins". Specifically, it is the Registered Trademark and brand name for "botulinum toxin type A" which is manufactured by a company called "Allergan". Nothing else that is made by any other company is allowed to be called BOTOX®.

Botox is actually a first cousin to the dreaded botulism food poisoning that is caused by the evil bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Yikes! That sounds scary enough to make you stop reading right now -- but don't run away quite yet. Just as atomic energy can be used for good and bad, there's room in your life for Botox if used and administered properly.

Botox Goes Back To The Sixties

Although you may have only heard of it recently, Botox has been around since the early 1960's when it was first approved for use as a treatment for Strabismus (crossed eyes). It later received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for three specific medical conditions known as blepharospasm, strabismus, and cervical dystonia. Essentially, each of these conditions involve the appearance of involuntary muscle contractions.

In order for a muscle to move, it must receive a signal from your brain. That signal is carried to the muscle by a chemical called acetylcholin. If your body produces too much acetylcholine then the affected muscles will go into "spasm" or begin twitching. BOTOX® blocks the release of acetylcholine to the affected muscle which stops or reduces the spasm. Since Botox is injected only into the affected muscle the rest of the body is not affected.

Botox Or Botox Cosmetic?

Unless you have one of the diseases that regular Botox is designed to treat, the chances are your real interest is in a derivative called "BOTOX® Cosmetic". Although most people simply refer to this derivative as Botox, there is a marked difference. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a protein which is produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It is FDA approved for reducing the activity of the muscles that cause "frown lines".

According to the manufacturer, "Treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic can visibly smooth and soften moderate to severe frown lines between your brows. An improvement can be seen within days and may last up to 4 months, although results may vary. In clinical trials, nearly 90% of men and women surveyed rated the improvement in the appearance of frown lines between their brows as moderate to better 1 month after treatment."

The 90% Chance

This means that while BOTOX Cosmetic doesn't work for everyone, there is a 90% chance that it will work for you. BOTOX Cosmetic is administered by injection directly into the muscles that are causing your frown lines. The process takes 10 minutes or less and there is no "recovery period". That makes it perfect to get done during your lunch break or anytime that you have a free 10 minutes.

A "normal" treatment can last for up to 4 months although this time period varies widely among different people. Regardless, the manufacturer recommends that you get treatments no more frequently than every 4 months.

Here are some guidelines for you to consider:

• BOTOX Cosmetic may not be for you if you have any diseases that affect your nerves or muscles or if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant soon, or are nursing.
• Be sure to give your doctor a COMPLETE listing of all medications that you are taking prior to receiving a BOTOX Cosmetic treatment.
• Once you stop treatment your frown lines will gradually reappear until they look the same as before you began the BOTOX Cosmetic program.
• It is not a permanent cure for your wrinkles!

Check out Michael's free research libraries:

Plastic Surgery: http://www.bodyfaq.com/plastic-surgery-library

Acne: http://www.bodyfaq.com/Acne-Library

Laser Hair Removal: http://www.about-hair-removal.com/Laser-Library

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mike_Jones/617
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