Botox and Acne


A recent study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology suggests that Botox may be able to effectively treat people with acne.

The study, conducted by Chicago cosmetic physician Anil Shah, treated 100 patients with Botox.

Botox has been recorded as eliminating acne by performing two functions: inhibiting the production of acetylcholine, a chemical that is believed to stimulate sebum production, then targeting the muscles that are responsible for expanding pores by paralyzing them, thereby limiting the size of the pores. This two step process is what effectively reduces and eliminates the amount of acne affecting a patient. While 17 out of 20 test subjects noted a decrease in pore size as well as sebum production, a larger test group will be required to acquire conclusive results.

Excessive sebum and enlarged pores create a fertile breeding ground for the bacteria that causes acne.

Botox vs Snake Venom!


Here’s another product that’s being touted as an alternative to Botox: Synthetic Snake Venom.

Syn-ake is a synthetic topical alternative that’s supposed to fight wrinkles by acting in the same way as snake venom (specifically the Temple Viper). Added to cream by skincare manufacturers, the ingredient was invented by Swiss scientists who found a success rate of 80% in smoothing the skin and 73% in fighting wrinkles. Slather some on to experience a relaxation of muscles so that they no longer create a dynamic wrinkle on the overlying skin.

(snake pictured not the Temple Viper)

What are the Side Effects of Botox?

All medical treatments have side effects and risks. Some are serious and most are minor that last only temporarily. Those related to Botox and are the most common include the following:

minor bruising (can be covered with makeup)
minor swelling
slight droopiness in the eyelids when targeting the area around the eyes (also known as ptosis)

To reduce the risk of side effects occurring, it is highly recommended that a medical professional with the appropriate training and experience is selected to perform your procedure. You may also want to check out before and after pictures to ensure their experience and expertise.

Free Botox!

For one day only, a salon in Arlington, Virginia offered free shots of Botox to the first 50 people who lined up at their doors.

What a way to promote the business!

The salon offered the deal to people who could prove that they were unemployed, hoping that a little boost of the stuff would help their clients look more refreshed, thereby improving their chances of getting a job. Considering that one treatment averages around $500-$700 a pop, the turn out was tremendous.

The salon also provided clients with a chance to meet a few recruiters who could help them find employment.

Botox Loses its Stigma


For years, people have been pretty discreet about the help they get to treat their wrinkles, particularly when they seek non-topical solutions like BOTOX® Cosmetic. A recent survey, however, has proven that times are indeed a’changing.

A recent survey conducted by The Aesthetic Surgery Education & Research Foundation (ASERF) suggests that fans of BOTOX® Cosmetic, and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane, aren’t being so discreet anymore. 87% of the 687 men and women who were surveyed openly discuss their cosmetic treatments with others while 70% of these individuals also received support from the people they told.

How long, do you think, will BOTOX® Cosmetic become a regular household name?

Botox and Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is a medical condition that refers to an uncontrollable blinking of the eyelid. Sufferers have great difficulty performing simple tasks such as walking, since the continuous blinking makes it hard to see the path on which they move. It generally affects both eyes, although only one eye may be affected when the condition is just beginning to take root.

The preferred treatment for blepharospasm is Botox. A single injection produces results that last for a few months, therefore treatments must be repeated. However, most sufferers prefer getting Botox to other treatments such as surgery and medication, since it involves a noninvasive procedure that achieves fast and effective results.

New Labeling

Health Canada has forced Allergan to put a new warning label on one of its most popular cosmetic products, Botox. The new label will include a warning about distant toxin spread that could have potentially fatal consequences.

However, some physicians believe that the toxin in Botox rarely spreads when injected for the elimination of wrinkles since only very low doses are administered. Distant toxin spread may only result when the product is used for medical purposes, in the treatment of spasticity or serious neurological ailments, as higher amounts are generally needed. It is also believed that off-label uses or physicians who are inexperienced and lack adequate training can increase the risk of distant toxin spread occurring.

For cosmetic purposes, Botox has been approved to treat frown lines, glabellar lines, and crows’ feet.

How Many Units for Crow’s Feet?


Most medical aesthetic clinics charge for each unit of Botox injected. In Toronto, we’ve seen prices ranging from about $10-$15 a unit. The range is only a few dollars, but it can actually translate into over a hundred dollars when you consider some problems need at least 20 or more units for ideal results.

Botox is commonly injected into the area near the eyes to treat crow’s feet.

So how many units will you need? Well, the extent of wrinkling and the individual’s unique anatomy determines the amount of Botox needed. As a result, each side may require anywhere from 6-12 units -which totals up to about 24 units for one procedure.

Botox does not make your eyes droop


The title says it all. A common myth that many believe is that a single Botox® injection can make your eyes droop. Wrong.

When performed by an experienced medical professional who knows what they’re doing, the risk of this happening is less than 2%. And even if it does happen, which is extremely rare, the droopiness will go away within a matter of days or weeks.

What You’d Expect To Pay

Pricing for Botox can be presented in two ways: by the area treated, or by the number of units injected.

Some physicians and medical professionals choose to charge their patients for the area that is targeted. Whether it is for hyperhydrosis, the furrows between the eyes, or another problem, the exact price you’ll pay is generally revealed during the pre-treatment consultation.

Price is more commonly determined by the number of units injected. While a single vial of Botox Cosmetic holds 100 units, far fewer units are injected. For cosmetic problems, roughly 12-15 units may be injected. In Toronto, a unit of Botox Cosmetic typically ranges from $11-$12 therefore you should expect to pay anywhere from $122 – $180 or more.