Cosmetic Injections...Should I Be Afraid?

We have all heard of Botox. We also have seen those celebrities that have clearly had work done...a little too much maybe...and now for some reason we tend to associate Botox with looking like you have a completely frozen face. Now, I'm sure if you used enough product and hit nearly every muscle in your face, that could be the case. Let's start this topic by taking a closer look at the actual neurotoxin: 

Botulinum toxin defined by wikipedia:

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and related species.^[1] It is also produced commercially for medical, cosmetic, and research use. There are two main commercial types: botulinum toxin type A and botulinum toxin type B.^[2]

Infection with the bacterium may result in a potentially fatal disease called botulism. Botulinum is the most acutely lethal toxin known, with an estimated human median lethal dose (LD-50) of 1.3–2.1 ng/kg intravenously or intramuscularly and 10–13 ng/kg when inhaled.^[3]

YIKES. Sound like pretty scary stuff? 

What is Botulism exactly? Here is the CDC's definition:

Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum and sometimes by strains ofClostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii. There are five main kinds of botulism. Foodborne botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the botulinum toxin. Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum. Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then grow in the intestines and release toxin. Adult intestinal toxemia (adult intestinal colonization) botulism is a very rare kind of botulism that occurs among adults by the same route as infant botulism. Lastly, iatrogenic botulism can occur from accidental overdose of botulinum toxin. All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies. Foodborne botulism is a public health emergency because many people can be poisoned by eating a contaminated food.

According to research done by the FDA there were 28 reported deaths between 1989 and 2003 associated with the use of botulinum toxin products but none of those deaths were attributed to cosmetic use. 

The CDC reports that in the US, there is an average of 145 cases of botulism reported each year. Of those, approximately 15% are foodborne, 65% are infant botulism, and 20% are wound. The other two types of botulism occur but very rarely. Outbreaks of foodborne botulism happen almost every year with 2 or more persons involved and its believed to typically be caused by home-canned foods. Most wound botulism cases are associated with black tar heroin injections with California having the highest rates....

Now, because of the reported deaths from the toxin, Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin must come with warning labels similar to this:

Spread of Toxin Effects: In some cases, the effects of Dysport and all botulinum toxin products may affect areas of the body away from the injection site. These effects can cause symptoms of a serious condition called botulism. Symptoms of botulism can happen hours to weeks after injection and may include swallowing and breathing problems, loss of strength and muscle weakness all over the body, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice, trouble saying words clearly, or loss of bladder control. Swallowing and breathing problems can be life threatening and there have been reports of death.

The risk of symptoms is probably greatest in children and adults treated for muscle spasms, particularly in those patients who have underlying medical conditions that could make these symptoms more likely.

The toxic effects have been reported at doses similar to those used to treat muscle spasms in the neck. Lower doses, in both approved and unapproved uses, have also caused toxic effects. This includes treatment of children and adults for muscle spasms.

These effects could make it unsafe for you to drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities.

Don't let this warning stray you away from a product that can be really beneficial. Ladies and even gentlemen, no one likes looking older than they feel, nonetheless looking older than they are. Just a teeny tiny amount of this toxin for cosmetic use is approved by the FDA to reduce lines and wrinkles in the forehead and between the brows. It also has approval for the treatment of migraine headaches. Think of it as a long-lasting muscle relaxer. It is not causing paralysis. Just relaxation of those contracting muscles that cause tension and wrinkles. 

Cool Facts About This Toxin:

• It has been researched for over 100 years.
• 1950’s First important study by Vernon Brooks, discovered that when Botulinum toxin was injected into a hyperactive muscle, it blocked the release of Acetylcholine from motor nerve endings.
• 2004 FDA approved to treat symptoms of severe underarm sweating
• Studies continue worldwide for over 21 different medical uses in approximately 80 countries. It is one of the most widely researched medicines in the world.
• Botox is now the most commonly preformed non-surgical medical procedure in the US. 

We are lucky enough to have a highly trained and highly educated RN on staff that really knows her stuff. Brooke Thayer, RN has been an educator for over 2 years, helping Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, other RN's, and Estheticians advance their career. She has been doing cosmetic injections for over 5 years and has been an RN for over 13 years! Brooke states, "My idea of making someone beautiful is enhancing their own natural beauty. I will never change how somebody looks, but rather, enhance the features that give them their unique look. The advantage to using neurotoxins and fillers, is that I can achieve very natural results with no downtime, relatively little cost, and just 30 minutes (or less) of their time. My motto...Be your own beautiful self."

To end this lesson with some fun, here are pictures of celebrities that took the cosmetic procedures a little too far.....

Ladies...watch yourself. 

I do want to briefly talk about dermal fillers as well. Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Voluma, Belotero, Restylane and Perlane are hyaluronic acid fillers. There are other fillers on the market, but these are the few that we work with most often. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance produced by your body and is found in soft connective tissues as well as in the fluid surrounding your eyes. It can be found in some cartilage and in skin tissues as well. I like to think of it as the substance that gives babies their soft supple look with the cheeks that bounce right back after a cute pinch. Hyaluronic fillers are among the most popular type of dermal filler on the market. Since your body recognizes this as a natural substance, side effects can be minimal such as swelling and possibility of slight bruising at injection sight. These fillers are used in areas of the face that are suffering volume loss. As we age, we lose fat, bone AND muscle from our facial structure which can cause an almost hollowed look. A small amount of hyaluronic filler can replace that lost volume giving your face a soft, smooth, supple appearance. Just like with most procedures, this one is best in moderation! It gives beautiful results which can be addicting! Remember, natural and aesthetically pleasing is the way to go. 

To wrap up, cosmetic injections are generally safe. 

*Tip: Make sure you are seeing a trained professional with a positive reputation. Asking for before and afters of their own clients/patients can help you get insight into their confidence.*

**Warning: This is another case where you do not want to receive treatment at one place versus another based on a cheaper price. Some facilities have been caught diluting or watering down their product to save money.**

For patient reviews or more information on Botox or other cosmetic injection products visit http://www.realself.com/

Coming soon....Skin Tightening and Fat Melting Procedures - What's the catch?