Botox May Inhibit Ability to Express Emotions

Botox injections continue to be among the most coveted minimally-invasive procedures for men and women who want a more youthful appearance, and were the number one nonsurgical cosmetic procedure performed at medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers in 2009, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Botox works to freeze the muscles  that cause wrinkles, and also smooths out existing wrinkles to achieve a more youthful look.

Recent research from the Department of Psychology at Barnard College in New York City shows that Botox injections may also inhibit the individual’s ability to express emotions. According to researcher Joshua Ian Davis, PhD, a term assistant professor in the department of psychology, “For at least some emotions, if you take away some part of the facial expression, you take away some of the emotional experience…whether this is a benefit or a detriment depends on your goals.”

Researchers tested this hypothesis by reviewing video clips of patients after their injection with clips of videos of the patients before they received their injections. More research is still needed to validate the hypothesis, but researchers believe that there s significant evidence that suggests that certain muscle groups are closely linked to an emotional response, and that paralyzing these muscles can reduce the person’s ability to express their emotions properly.

Muscles that cause frown lines, smile lines and crow’s feet may be completely paralyzed with Botox injections, but can make it very difficult for the individual to convey happiness, sadness or anger at any given time.

People who do get Botox injections may be able to achieve a more youthful appearance, only because they can raise the brows and appear friendlier, kinder and happier. However, this is no indication that the person actually feels the same way on the inside.

European Committee of Standardisation Cracks Down on Cosmetic Surgery

The European Committee of Standardisation (CEN) has increased its trade standards for the cosmetic surgery industry in Europe to ensure cosmetic and plastic surgery practitioners are held more accountable for all procedures performed.

Standardization helps to increase the quality of all procedures and treatments performed at authorized treatment centers and facilities, and the move is a result of the Austrian Standards Institute (ASI) that has pushed for a higher level of standardization for aesthetic services throughout Europe. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has also played an active role in increasing legislation in this industry. The President of BAAPS, Nigel Mercer, reports that the new regulations will ensure a higher standard of facilities and safer treatments for all individuals undergoing procedures. It will also prevent physicians and practitioners from taking advantage of patients.

The European Committee for Standardisation accepted the proposal from the Austiran Standards Institute (ASI) to create a new Project Committee, CEN/TC 403 ‘Project Committee-Aesthetic Surgery Services’ which will elaborate on the current European Standards for Aesthetic Surgery Services throughout Europe. The first meeting for this committee is expected to be held in September 2010.

While European Standards are voluntary, they do provide an added value for the aesthetic surgery market. The new standards will play an important role in the European Commission’ Patient Safety Communication COM (2008) 836 Final.

The European Committee for Standardisation has traditionally set the standards for medical and healthcare products, but has only recently branched out into the area of health and cosmetic services, setting the standards for healthcare and social services.

Cosmetic and plastic surgery practitioners in Europe can now be recognized by the ECN, and ultimately will help consumers make more informed choices when selecting their aesthetic, plastic and cosmetic surgery provider.

Demand for Cosmetic Surgery Stays Strong in Canada

In spite of the recession in Canada, demand for cosmetic surgery still remains strong, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Many Canadians are still heading to the doctor’s office to take care of their appearance, regardless of the tight budget. Facelifts, liposuction and breast augmentation are among the priciest procedures in the United States and Canada, but are still relatively affordable for those who obtain patient financing or take a personal loan to pay for the treatment.

Dr. Sean Rice, a plastic surgeon at Rice Cosmetic Surgery in Toronto, Canada recently interviewed with the Vancouver Sun, and points out that many procedures such as neck liposuction and facelift surgery are in high demand by both men and women. He explains, “I do many more laser lipos for the neck now than I did traditional liposuction in the past…particularly in men who have that ‘turkey gobble.’ I would say it’s now maybe 70 per cent women and 30 per cent men, whereas before it would have been 99 per cent women.”

Laser liposuction for the face and neck area works to remove excess fatty tissue from the jawline and lower cheek areas, to create a more contoured, youthful appearance. Today’s innovative techniques in laser lipo allow for minimal bruising and reduced downtime than traditional procedures. Most face lift procedures can provide results for up to five to seven years, according to Dr. Rice.

Another popular procedure for both men and women is eyelift surgery or the eyelid lift. This procedure is an alternative to full facelift surgery, helping to lift and tighten the skin tissues above and around the eyebrows. Excess skin and fat is typically removed with a C02 laser device.

Canadians are advised to locate a surgeon who is a member of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Novopelle Cosmetic Surgery Receives FTC Approval to Become Franchise Business

Novopelle™ has received approval from the Federal Trade Commission to turn into a national franchise.

The company offers dozens of cosmetic procedures found at dermatology offices, cosmetic surgery practices and medical spas at a fraction of the cost of regular treatments.Novopelle also offers zero-interest, in-house financing options for patients who are seeking affordable options in treatment.

According to Ritter Vonali, president of Novopelle, “Many people are looking for ways to generate sustainable income and with the stock market and other investments in the tank, they are looking to put their money in a place that offers significant returns in a timely manner…our unique business model, which opens the world of cosmetic procedures and treatments to people who up till now have been shut out due to financial constraints, allows franchise owners to quickly recover their initial investment and generate substantial revenue.” (Source: Novopelle Press Release)

Entrpreneurs who are interested in opening a Novopelle franchise need to have a net worth of at least $250,000 and a liquid capital base of $100,000, along with $60,000 in working capital. The franchise investment includes all corporate training materials, certifications, marketing materials, advertising and public relations resources, and mentoring. According to Novopelle, most franchise owners can expect to earn approximately $600,000 in revenue per year.

Each Novopelle venue offers medical-grade facial treatments with membership pricing options, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation services, Zerona body slimming packages and Vaser lipo procedures.

The first Novopelle franchise location opened in Dallas, Texas and another has been opened in Austin. As of June 2010, Novopelle has received interest from people in El Paso, Corpus Christi, San Antonio and several other cities throughout Texas. All procedures performed at the franchise locations are done under the supervision of Dr. Ontoniel Huertas, a cosmetic surgeon and medical director who has over 15 years of experience with cosmetic surgery and various types of cosmetic lasers found at dermatology offices and cosmetic surgery offices. More information about Novopelle can be found here.

More Teens Now Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that teen surgeries have doubled in the last eight years, with more teenagers undergoing surgeries including breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and liposuction to improve their appearance.

In the United States, all patients under 18 years of age must have permission from their parents or guardians before undergoing surgery. Many parents are giving their teens the go ahead to go under the knife.

In recent years, a record number of teens in North America are still considering or undergoing cosmetic surgery, reports the Globe and Mail. Many teens are influenced by the media and celebrities, and plastic surgery offers an option to boost self-esteem for many, and the idea of altering their bodies purely for cosmetic reasons seems to have appeal for a growing number of teens in the United States.

For many teenagers, peer pressure and cultural influences play a role in whether the teen decides to undergo surgery. While all teenagers must undergo a face-to-face consultation with the plastic surgeon to ensure they have a healthy sense of self-esteem and realistic expectations about surgery, many surgeons are still performing surgery for the teen who simply wants to look better. Some surgeons do refuse to perform surgery if they believe the teen may be suffering from depression or they have unrealistic expectations about the outcome of their procedure.

Teenagers currently make up about 2 percent of all cosmetic surgery patients, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). In 2006 alone, the number of procedures performed on teens between 13 and 19 years of age was approximately 244,000, which included approximately 47,000 rhinoplasty procedures (nose jobs) and 9,000 breast augmentation procedures (breast implants).

Board-certified plastic surgeons do recommend a mental health screening to ensure the teenager is not suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a condition where the individual believes they perceive defects and flaws that do not really exist.

Tunisia Joins International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Carthage, Tunisia has become a popular destination for spa-goers and medical spa patients who want to take enjoy affordably-priced procedures overseas. Tunisia is now officially a part of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). As of March 2010, Tunisia is represented by a National Secretary, Dr. Bouraoui Kotti. Dr. Kotti is a certified doctor by the European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, and is also a member of the French Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

Dr. Kotti tells Tunisiaonlinenews.com that the membership will boost Tunisia’s image as a medical tourist destination. Medical tourism is currently one of the country’s primary sources of currency. Dr. Kotti explains, “The high level of Tunisian plastic surgeons and the cost of surgery, which remain cheaper than in Europe make Tunisia an attractive alternative to India and Thailand, for those who want to avoid long-haul flights.”

Tunisia has become an attractive medical tourism hub for many European travelers, as well as patients from regions of Libya, Algeria, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire and Mali. Western patients represented only about 18% of the total number of foreign patients heading to Tunisia for treatment. The majority of patients were entering the country for different types of cosmetic surgeries, including plastic surgery.

In a survey published in “African Busines”, medical tourism represents approximately 5% of the country’s export services, bringing in about 175 million Euros per year. The average patient spent approximately 4000 Euros for surgery, which is the equivalent of about $4,890 US dollars. Popular procedures include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, facelift surgery and blepharoplasty. Tunisia’s modern and private hospital structures, and affordable package options for “holiday surgeries”, will continue to fuel this sector of the economy.

More information about medical tourism and cosmetic surgery abroad can be found here.

Facial Exercises May Offer Alternative to Facelift Surgery

Many men and women considering facelift surgery turn to nonsurgical facelifts such as the ThreadLift or contour lift to avoid the high price of surgery and risks involved with going under the knife. Author Cynthia Rowland believes that it’s possible to rejuvenate the face in as little as three months simply by doing isometric facial exercises on a regular basis.

In her book, The Magic of Facial Exercise, Ms. Rowland explains that it’s possible to exercise the face just like any muscle in the body, and that strengthening certain muscles with her Facial Magic strategy can help to tighten and tone the muscles, and in some cases, mimic the effects of a nonsurgical facelift.

Dr. Mark Berman, former president of the California Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons, points out that non-surgical facelifts are not a permanent solution to sagging muscles and toned skin, but they do offer a number of benefits.

He says that, “The non-surgical facelift method is through regular exercise of facial muscles and this can be accomplished effectively without any of the health risks, expenses, and pain or scarring of surgery or injection…this is a medically sound method of achieving and maintaining a more youthful facial appearance with the capacity of obtaining results that are comparable to those that can be achieved by surgical means.” (Source: eMaxHealth.com)

The non-surgical facelift exercises can be performed any time of day, and most people can expect to see the benefits from the exercise within a three-month time frame. Ms. Rowland believes that these exercises are less risky, painful and more affordable than a surgical facelift, and that all it takes to perform them is careful manipulation of the tissues using the thumb and forefingers. Facial exercises may also prevent or reduce the need for cosmetic procedures such as Botox and other dermal fillers designed to target the signs of aging.

Genetic Test Helps Predict Cellulite Formation

As swimsuit season approaches, many women are self-conscious about cellulite and unsightly bulges. While cellulite generally does not disappear on its own, there are a number of body shaping and cellulite reduction treatments available at medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers around the country. Doctors point out that lifestyle changes and dietary habits are often necessary to prevent cellulite from occurring in the first place, and researchers now claim that they have developed a test that can predict cellulite formation.

DermaGenoma, Inc., has released the CelluliteDX Genetic Test for Moderate to Severe Cellulite (gynoid lipodystrophy) which can help doctors predict if a patient is at a high risk for developing Nurnberger-Muller grade 2 or greater cellulite. Results of this test will allow the doctor to develop an effective plan to reduce the appearance of cellulite, or prevent additional cellulite from forming. The cellulite treatment plan may include therapy, lifestyle changes, and changes in medication choices, such as avoiding hormone replacement therapy or birth control for a certain period of time. In some cases, laser therapy can help improve the texture and tone of the skin, and also slow down or stop the development of severe cellulite.

Dr. Enzo Emanuele, MD, Research fellow at the University of Pavaia, Italy, points out “Even though cellulite affects a large percentage of women, very few scientific studies have attempted to understand the underlying molecular and physiological basis. Our study of cellulite is a breakthrough in the understanding of the cause of cellulite, and ushers an era of new potential therapies for cellulite.” (Source: MedicalNewsToday.com)

The CelluliteDX system determines the presence or absence of a certain gene which predisposes the individual to developing cellulite. A positive testing means that the individual has a 70% chance of developing moderate to severe cellulite during their lifetime.

BenzEFoam More Effective for Acne Treatment than Prescription Cleansers

Many people suffering from acne turn to prescription benzoyl peroxide cleansers and powerful cleansing solutions made with salicylic acid to help clear up congested pores and calm down irritated skin. However, these acne treatments may aggravate the skin even further.

Onset Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology, has highlighted the effects of BenzEFoam™ Emollient Foam, a 5.3% benzoyl peroxide solution that can effectively reduce the level of P.acnes counts in  patients. The results of a study of BenzEFoam™ on back acne were published in the June issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, and demonstrated that the total P. acnes colony counts on the backs of patients were reduced by more than 99% after two weeks of treatment. The results were compared to the effects of a standard prescription 8% benzoyl peroxide cleanser, which had a minimal effect on back acne of patients after two full weeks of treatment.

According to Dr. James L. Leyden, MD, Emeritus Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, “it is well known that “leave-on” formulations of benzoyl peroxide are more effective in reducing P. acnes than cleanser formulations, and this may be especially relevant on the back where there is less sebum to solubilize benzoyl peroxide particles, a necessary step for penetration into sebaceous follicles.”

The emollient foam has the added benefit of moisturizing the skin and spreading easily over a large area, making it especially attractive for patients suffering from acne of the back and other parts of the body, in addition to the face. The treatment can be left on the skin for about five minutes before it is rinsed off thoroughly. There is a risk of bleaching of the skin with this treatment, so patients must wash the cleanser off within the specified time frame.

Approximately 50 percent of acne patients in the United States have both facial and non-facial acne symptoms, and the skin disease affects about 40 to 50 million Americans. The BenzEFoam™ product is available at dermatology centers around the country.

Researchers Prove Benefits of SpaCapsule for Cellulite Reduction

The SpaCapsule massage and relaxation station is a hydrotherapy and hydromassage unit designed to reduce stress and improve circulation throughout the body. It is currently available at many medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers across the country, and is often used as a complement to some types of body contouring treatments and procedures.

The capsule allows the individual to lie down in a comfortable, enclosed unit and enjoy a mechanical massage. Some sessions include the release of aromatherapy oils. Now, the company behind SpaCapsule reports that sessions may also offer some anti-cellulite and weight loss benefits.

Dermscan Group is currently running clinical trials on weight loss and cellulite reduction after a SpaCapsule session. According to Dr. Ella Frankel, Chairman and CEO of Simulated Environment Concepts, makers of the SpaCapsule, “We created the SpaCapsule with the intent to aid in weight-loss and cellulite treatment…and with hundreds of machines having been quietly sold over the past nine years, we’ve collected sufficient evidence to document the cellulite reduction and weight loss benefits of our SpaCapsule. However, we’re at the stage where we would rather have a reputable third party like the Dermscan Group verify our assertions, adding transparency.”

The SpaCapsule delivers a customized Oxygenated Hydro-Massage treatment which activates the tissues and increasers circulation. In some people, the pressure from the pulsating water jets are enough to strengthen and tone the body, and increase blood flow. The system may also be effective for boosting collagen and elastin production, which can create a shapelier, more toned body.

The SpaCapsule is currently available at several hotels and resorts, health and fitness centers, spas, salons, medical spas and some tanning salons. Each session can be customized to include aromatherapy, audio and video sessions, and deep massage and target various areas of the body during each treatment.