New Research About Botox and Migraines
February 21, 2010 - Rhys Branman, MD
New research published in Archives of Dermatology supports the conclusion that BOTOX® can be used to treat migraine headaches. According to authors of the study, BOTOX® injections “at doses appropriate for cosmetic purposes may be sufficient to prevent migraine attacks.” Allergan, the pharmaceutical company behind BOTOX®, has filed for FDA approval to market the injectable drug as a migraine treatment. Researchers don’t know exactly how BOTOX® works to relieve headaches, but one co-author of the study, Rami Burstein tells Bloomberg news: “[BOTOX®] may block the signals in sensory nerves located on the outside of the head.” Read more about BOTOX®... 
This is a guest post by Michelle in Denver, who had a breast augmentation many years ago. She is now considering a revision surgery, so she did some research on the subject. Do breast implants really need to be replaced every ten years? Breast implants do not have an expiration date and there is no requirement to have them replaced at ten years. However, according to the Institute of Medicine, the average life expectancy of a breast implant is 16 years. FDA studies of silicone breast implants suggest that most implants last 7-12 years. However, some breast implants clearly last... 
Do the foods we eat affect the appearance and health of our skin? Well, the research is in and the answer is yes -- doctors agree that diet and skin health are connected. This means that every time you look in the mirror you see the effects of diet on your body’s most visible organ– the skin. Every day, our bodies naturally produce evidence of what we consume. Oxygen--in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and food we eat-- combines with other processes in our skin at the cellular level to produce free radicals. Once produced, these agents... 
If you’ve considered cosmetic injections, but found yourself hesitating because of needles and potential discomfort, you’re not alone. People often expect the injection to hurt, but actually, a number of non-surgical facial procedures can be done with little or no discomfort, thanks to local anesthetics that numb one or more areas of the face. Lidocaine is the one most frequently used by cosmetic surgeons; there’s no doubt it makes an injectable procedure more comfortable. Lidocaine works fast Your dentist uses it as a quick and simple way to numb the mouth prior to dental work. Likewise, surgeons have found that... 
Of course we can’t expect fat of all kinds, amounts and shapes to suddenly become both healthy and fashionable. News that is ‘too good to be true' typically is. Medical research, however, suggests that fat around the hips, thighs and buttocks may work advantageously against heart and metabolic diseases. Hip fat burns at a slower rate than tummy fat, a distinction that, for the body, means the release of fewer cytokines associated with health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Additionally, hip fat absorbs harmful fatty acids and produces anti-inflammatory agents and adiponectin, the fat-derived hormone that assists in... 
When you think about the last decade, what major medical breakthroughs stand out in your mind? Physicians on Sirius Doctor Radio discussed the top medical discoveries, drugs and procedures of the decade last week, and some of them especially pertained to cosmetic surgery. Minimally Invasive was named the “Surgery of the Decade,” specifically praising advanced techniques that utilize “smaller incisions, laparoscopes, robotics and computer-aided surgery.” Bariatric procedures like lap band surgery or cosmetic surgeries like the endoscopic brow lift would definitely fall into this category. Read the full story on Sirius.com. 
In 2010, we want our patients in Little Rock to love their skin more. Don’t procrastinate or make excuses; just follow these steps: See a professional for instruction on how to use the right skin care products in the proper order at the proper times. Don’t buy those trendy new skin care products in the shiny packaging. Instead, simplify and do it right: one aesthetician, one set of products chosen just for your particular skin, and one place to return to for periodic facials and replenishing of products. We like to call that skin care monogamy. Get more sleep! Lack... 
Over 40 people responded to our poll since it was posted 2 weeks ago. Thanks for participating! Almost half of you agreed that a tax on cosmetic surgery would discriminate against women. Written responses said the following: "Will negatively impact the industry." "Largely a tax on the middle class. Nixes Obama's pledge not to raise our taxes." "A fair tax to pay for an elective "luxury" procedure." The fact that most respondents sided with the discrimination argument shouldn't be too surprising, as I think that is the most controversial and interesting aspect surrounding the whole "Botax" issue. Terry O’Neill, President... 
A British cosmetic clinic is showing off their surgery results in a 2010 calendar, with employees posing as models. They say "the calendar is tongue-in-cheek, but tasteful. It features girls from across our company of all ages and they all look amazing." Thinking about gifting cosmetic surgery? Dr. Mark Berman of the AACS has some advice for you: "Make sure you’ve discussed the idea in the past so it doesn’t come as a surprise.” Read: 'Tis the season for gifting cosmetic surgery 