Monday 21 June 2010

Dental Implants - A History Of

The Mayan civilization has been shown to have used the earliest known examples of endosseous implants (implants embedded into bone), dating back over 1,350 years before Per-Ingvar Brånemark started utilizing titanium. While excavating Mayan burial sites in Honduras in 1931, archaeologists found a fragment of mandible of Mayan origin, dating from about 600 AD. This mandible, which is considered to be that of a woman in her twenties, had three tooth-shaped pieces of shell placed into the sockets of three missing lower incisor teeth. For forty years the archaeological world considered that these shells were placed after death in a manner also observed in the ancient Egyptians. However, in 1970 a Brazilian dental academic, Professor Amadeo Bobbio studied the mandibular specimen and took a series of radiographs. He noted compact bone formation around two of the implants which led him to determine that the implants were placed during life.

From the 1950s research was being conducted at Cambridge University in England to examine blood circulation in vivo. These workers devised a technique for constructing a chamber of titanium which was then embedded within the soft tissue of the ears of rabbits. In 1952 the Swedish orthopaedic surgeon, P I Brånemark, was interested in studying bone healing and regeneration, and adopted the Cambridge designed ‘rabbit ear chamber’ for use in the rabbit femur. Following many months of study he attempted to retrieve these expensive chambers from the rabbits and found that he wasunable to remove them. Per Brånemark observed that bone had grown into such close proximity with the titanium that it effectively adhered to the metal. Brånemark completed many further studies into this phenomenon, using both animal and human subjects, which all confirmed this unique property of titanium.

Meanwhile an Italian physician called Stefano Melchiade Tramonte, understood that titanium could be used for dental restorations and after designing a his own titanium screw to support dental prosthesis, started to utilize it on many patients in his clinic in 1959. The great results of his clinical studies on humans were published in 1966.

Although Brånemark had originally considered that the first work should target knee and hip surgery, he finally decided that the mouth was more accessible for continued clinical observations and the high rate of edentulism in the general population offered more subjects for widespread study. He termed the clinically observed adherence of bone with titanium as ‘osseointegration’. In 1965 Brånemark, who was by then the Professor of Anatomy at Gothenburg University in Sweden, placed his first titanium dental implant into a human volunteer, a Swede named Gösta Larsson.

Contemporaneous independent research in the usa by Stevens and Alexander led to a 1969 US patent filing for titanium dental implants.

Over the next fourteen years Brånemark published many studies on the application of titanium in dental implantology until in 1978 he entered into a professional partnership with the Swedish defense company, Bofors AB for the development and marketing of his dental implants. With Bofors (later to become Nobel Industries) as the parent company, Nobelpharma AB (later to be renamed Nobel Biocare) was founded in 1981 to focus on dental implantology. To the present day over 7 million Brånemark System implants have now been placed and hundreds of other companies produce dental implants. Nearly all dental implants currently available are shaped like small screws, with either tapered or parallel sides. They can be placed at the same time as a tooth is removed by engaging with the bone of the socket wall and sometimes also with the bone beyond the tip of the socket. Current evidence suggests that implants placed straight into an extraction socket have comparable success rates to those placed into healed bone.

The effectiveness and radiographic results of immediate restorations of dental implants put into fresh extraction sockets (the temporary crowns placed at the same time) have been shown to be comparable to those obtained with delayed loading (the crowns placed weeks or months later) in carefully selected cases.

Some current research in dental implantology is focusing on the use of ceramic materials such as zirconia (ZrO2) in the manufacture of dental implants. Zirconia is the dioxide of zirconium, a metal close to titanium in the periodic table and with similar biocompatability properties.

Although generally the same shape as titanium implants, zirconia, which has been used successfully for orthopaedic surgery for a number of years, has the advantage of being more cosmetically aesthetic owing to its bright tooth-like colour.However, long-term clinical data is necessary before one-piece ZrO2 implants can be recommended for daily practice.lotusclinic.co.uk
For Dental Implants in London

Wednesday 16 June 2010

BOTOX - What is Botox?

What is Botox?

It derives from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. In nature, large quantities of this exist. In these large doses, it can be harmful and it is this toxin that causes botulism. However, when small dilute quantities are used, as is done in therapeutic treatments, it is extremely safe and can be used under the skin to act as a muscle relaxant.
How does it work?

Botox is used to treat frown lines and creases by injecting small amounts into the facial muscles. Normally, nerve cells release chemicals which cause the muscles to tighten, leading to frown lines. Botox blocks these chemical signals causing a slight weakening of the muscle contraction and a smoothing of the skin's appearance. Contrary to popular belief, skillfully applied Botox does not paralyze the facial muscles completely, it just relaxes and reduces their response.
This is what I take prides himself in doing when using Botox in my practice in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I like Botox light. We like to normalize facial expressions, not wipe them out. Not everyone wants to look like Madonna.

What can Botox do for me?

Botox treatment can reduce the appearance of frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crows feet around the eyes. It can also be used to treat creases around the mouth. When performed properly it should have a gentle relaxing effect while still allowing natural expressions like smiling and frowning. Botox treatment will not reduce lines caused by sun damage and may not be fully effective on very deep creases.

Is it safe?

A course of Botox injections is a well established and recognized treatment that is considered to be safe when carried out by a qualified practitioner. There are, however, some groups of people who should not use Botox. These include pregnant and breastfeeding women and anyone suffering from a disease that affects the nerves or muscles. Certain medicines can react with Botox and you should consult your doctor if you are taking antibiotics or drugs to control heartbeat irregularities, Alzheimer's disease or myasthenia gravis (a chronic autoimmune disorder).

If you are known to be allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox or if the area to be treated is infected, you should not have the treatment. However, even in experienced hands, every medication, including Botox, has side effects. The most common side effects are weakening of some muscles unwontedly. For example, some people get an eyelid droop when Botox is put into the brow. Fortunately, Botox side effects are rare and reversible.

What happens during Botox treatment?

First the surgeon will discuss your medical history and assess which areas of your face to treat. During the treatment, a series of small injections will then be directed straight into the facial muscles that the doctor wants to relax using an extremely tiny needle.
You will not need an anesthetic as the injections cause very little pain. The whole procedure should be completed within a matter of minutes. Rarely, these Botox injections can cause the side effect of bruising.

How quickly will I recover?

As soon as the procedure is completed, you will be able to return to normal activities. Some patients report a slight headache as a side effect of the Botox treatment but this should soon pass. Sometimes you will be advised not to lie down for 3 or 4 hours after the procedure as this can encourage the Botox to spread to other areas of the face.
You should not rub the treated area for the same reason. You should also make use your muscles as much as possible so the Botox will be absorbed. Botox usually takes 3 to 7 days to take full effect, after which time visible improvement in facial lines should be noticeable. Your normal facial expressions should still be present.
The beneficial effects of Botox usually last for 3 to 6 months.

Are there any Botox side effects?

Side effects of Botox treatment are usually mild. Some patients experience a slight headache for the first 24 hours after injections to the forehead area, especially after their first treatment. Mild bruising of the injected area can also occur.
In very rare cases, excess Botox can cause the side effect of droopy eyelids, a condition known as ptosis. This is unlikely to occur when the treatment is carried out by an experienced cosmetic surgeon and will gradually correct itself as the Botox wears off. If you do experience drooping eyelids, you should tell your consultant.
Although very unlikely, a small percentage of patients may suffer the side effect of an extreme adverse reaction to Botox. You should seek medical help immediately if you experience difficulty in swallowing and breathing or develop a rash.
Your best defense against the side effects of Botox is to find a skilled doctor to administer it.

What are the advantages of using Botox?

Since its initial introduction, Botox treatment has quickly gained in popularity and is consistently one of the most requested cosmetic procedures. It is a relatively safe treatment for most people with few documented reports of serious complications.
The treatment is very simple and quick and almost painless. Because no general anesthetic is required, recovery time is rapid with little or no side effects. The results of the procedure are fully reversible over time as the muscle weakening effect of the Botox eventually wears off.

Cost of Botox

Botox costs depend on numerous factors. Individual Botox treatment cost a reasonable amount varing from $400 to over a thousand dollars based on how many areas are treated.m The results last for 3 or 4 months, and do not have to be repeated too often. Some patients find that after several sessions, the time between treatments can be increased to about 6 months.

Where should I go to get Botox treatment?

Once you have decided to have Botox treatment it is important to choose the right cosmetic surgeon to perform the procedure. Botox has a proven track record for safety and good results but only when carried out by a reputable practitioner. Choose a fully qualified surgeon who has already carried out many Botox procedures.
Look for a clinic where the surgeon is willing to carry out an initial consultation so that you have the chance to ask any questions and thoroughly discuss the implications of the treatment.

A good cosmetic surgeon should always be happy to give you lots of information and may be able to show you photographs of past clients and the results of their treatment. It's also a good idea to ask around your friends for personal recommendations.

What else is Botox used for?

Although Botox injections are most well known as a cosmetic procedure for the reduction of facial wrinkles, it is also used in the treatment of several medical conditions. Botox can be used to reduce muscle spasms and twitching of the neck or eyelids.
It has also proved successful in the treatment of excessively sweaty armpits by blocking the chemical transmitters that cause the sweating. Depending on the reasons for treatment, sometimes the cost of Botox injections can be covered by medical insurance.
Botox Creams Recently, a cream has been advertised as better than Botox. Unfortunately this Botox cream does not really work. It contains a weak muscle relaxant, strivectant, and this Botox cream does not do much.

BotoxAlternatives

If Botox cosmetics do not work, are there alternatives to Botx? Recenlty several Botox alternatives have been studied. One alternative to Botox is Reloxin. It is similar to it, in that it blocks the chemicals released from the nerves. Some say this alternative might work better than Botox.lotusclinic.co.uk
For BOTOX in London

Botox - Should You Worry About Side Effects?

Botox injections and treatments are gaining popular through mainstream society these days. Women of all ages now use it to prevent lines, wrinkles and to enhance their appearance, and older women use it to reduce the appearance of wrinkles that may have already formed.

So, what about the negative side effects of Botox? Are there any? Even though botox has gotten some bad publicity over the years, we rarely hear anything about the negative side effects of Botox.

A Little Botox History

Way back in the 1820s, a German physician by the name of Dr. Justinus Kerner set out to find answers to the deaths of German citizens who had consumed sausage. Through is research he learned that of the many that died most had been overtaken by botulism - food poisoning. OK, so that means that one negative side effect to botox is death, although it is very rare and highly unlikely these days, but you should consult a licensed physician before undergoing any procedure.

Continuing his research, Dr. Kerner also distinguished seven different strains of botulinum toxin, naming them strains A through G. But he found that only four strains - A, B, E, and F - are life threatening to humans.

Mid-Century Development

During the mid 1950s and 60s, two other doctors, Drs. Edward J. Schantz and Vernon Brooks experimented further into botulinum toxin , using controversial animal testing techniques that could not be used today because of their cruelty and inaccurate results. Nevertheless, the two doctors found that botulinum toxin type A, despite its risk to humans, was very effective for treating people with crossed eyes and spastic vocal cords. So, ok, something that could potentially kill us can, in small doses, be helpful in relieving muscle spasms of all kinds.

The Birth of Botox

The Year is 1989, and the FDA approved botulinum toxin type A for treatment of crossed eyes and eye muscle spasms. Through a miracle of marketing genius, the botulism poison that had once killed German sausage eaters was renamed "Botox" and treatments took off like wildfire. Through further experimentation it was found that Botox also temporarily cured excessive sweating and some symptoms of cerebral palsy. After the botox treatments, patients were monitored closely for any negative side effects of Botox treatments.

A breakthrough in keeping us looking younger was on the horizon. In the 1990s, Dr. Jean Carruthers noticed that many of the patients being treated with Botox were surprisingly wrinkle-free. Using this information, Dr. Carruthers and her husband, a dermatologist, conducted various clinical studies that confirmed the ability of Botox to reduce frown lines and wrinkles on the human face.

Botox Now

Today, Botox is so widely accepted that you can go to a botox party and have your lips injected right on the spot. The fear of negative side effects is almost none existent. So much so that Botox Sales in 2006 exceeded $1 billion. Starting out as a deadly poison killer Botox has quickly transformed itself into a successful cosmetic treatment that helps millions of people look younger everyday.

Botox also remains a staple for non-cosmetic treatments, like reducing muscle spasms in cerebral palsy patients, uncrossing eyes, and relieving patients of embarrassing facial twitches and spasms. Botox treatments are not permanent and must be repeated every three to six months. Most patients are so pleased with the results that they ave no problem returning to the doctor regularly for scheduled treatments. The early fears of botox no longer prevail and although there are a low number of cases each year that result from negative side effects of botox, it is clear that botox is here to stay.lotusclinic.co.uk
For BOTOX in London

BOTOX - Patients Guide

Botox (Botulinum toxin type A) has been used for over 15 years in the cosmetic surgery industry as a popular treatment for facial wrinkles. Indeed, it has become the most popular procedure, in the world, with 6 million Americans treated last year, alone. It derives from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which can be harmful when present in high doses and is the toxin that causes food poisoning. However, small dilute quantities can be injected safely under the skin to act as a muscle relaxant.

How does it work?

Botox is used to treat lines and creases by injecting small amounts into the facial muscles. Normally, chemicals released by nerve cells in the face cause the muscles to tighten, leading to frown lines. Botox blocks these chemical signals causing a slight weakening of the muscle contraction and a smoothing of the skin's appearance. Contrary to popular belief, skillfully applied Botox does not paralyze the facial muscles completely, just relaxes and reduces their response.

What can Botox do for me?

Botox treatment can reduce the appearance of frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crows feet around the eyes. It can also be used to treat creases around the mouth. When performed properly it should have a gentle relaxing effect while still allowing natural expressions like smiling and frowning. Botox treatment will not reduce lines caused by sun damage and may not be fully effective on very deep creases. Is it safe?

A course of Botox injections is a well established and recognized treatment that is considered to be safe when carried out by a qualified practitioner. There are, however, some groups of people who should not use Botox. These include pregnant and breastfeeding women and anyone suffering from a disease that affects the nerves or muscles. Certain medicines can react with Botox and you should consult your doctor if you are taking antibiotics or drugs to control heartbeat irregularities, Alzheimer's disease or myasthenia gravis (a chronic autoimmune disorder). If you are known to be allergic to any of the ingredients in Botox or if the area to be treated is infected, you should not have the treatment.
What happens during treatment?

First the surgeon will discuss your medical history and assess which areas of your face to treat. A series of small injections will then be directed straight into the facial muscles using a fine needle. You will not need an anesthetic as the injections cause very little pain. The whole procedure should be completed within a matter of minutes.

How quickly will I recover?

As soon as the procedure is completed, you will be able to return to normal activities. Some patients report a slight headache but this should soon pass. Sometimes you will be advised not to lie down for 3 or 4 hours after the procedure as this can encourage the Botox to spread to other areas of the face. You should not rub the treated area for the same reason. Botox usually takes 3 to 7 days to take full effect, after which time visible improvement in facial lines should be noticeable. Your normal facial expressions should still be present. The beneficial effects of Botox usually last for 3 to 6 months.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects of Botox treatment are usually mild. Some patients experience a slight headache for the first 24 hours after injections to the forehead area, especially after their first treatment. Mild bruising of the injected area can also occur. In very rare cases, excess Botox can cause droopy eyelids, a condition known as ptosis. This is unlikely to occur when the treatment is carried out by an experienced cosmetic surgeon and will gradually correct itself as the Botox wears off. If you do experience drooping eyelids, you should tell your consultant. Although very unlikely, a small percentage of patients may suffer an extreme adverse reaction to Botox. You should seek medical help immediately if you experience difficulty in swallowing and breathing or develop a rash.

What are the advantages of using Botox?

Since its initial introduction, Botox treatment has quickly gained in popularity and is consistently one of the most requested cosmetic procedures. It is a relatively safe treatment for most people with few documented reports of serious complications. The treatment is very simple and quick and almost painless. Because no general anesthetic is required, recovery time is rapid with little or no side effects. The results of the procedure are fully reversible over time as the muscle weakening effect of the Botox eventually wears off.
Individual Botox treatments are relatively cheap and, as the effects last for 3 or 4 months, do not have to be repeated too often. Some patients find that after several sessions, the time between treatments can be increased to about 6 months.

What else is Botox used for?

Although Botox is most well known as a cosmetic procedure for the reduction of facial lines, it is also used in the treatment of several medical conditions. Botox can be used to reduce muscle spasms and twitching of the neck or eyelids. It has also proved successful in the treatment of excessively sweaty armpits by blocking the chemical transmitters that cause the sweating. Depending on the reasons for treatment, sometimes the cost of Botox injections can be covered by medical insurance.lotusclinic.co.uk
For BOTOX in London

Botox® (botox® Cosmetic) Wrinkle Free Solutions

BOTOX® (BOTOX® COSMETIC) Wrinkle free Solutions



Dr. Hari Muraleedharan Msc,PhD,MA


Microbiologist



It is the hottest craze. With one minute injection, within minutes your face can be youthful, devoid of any unsightly wrinkles. BOTOX® clinics are popping up all over the country, helping clients venture back a few years into their past. A hub for beauty, unblemished skin, and eternal youth. Now a day’s most of the senior film stars were using BOTOX® to keep their porcelain skin wrinkle free. Although BOTOX® has been used for other conditions in the past such as neck spasms, cranial nerve disorders and eye spasms, when the FDA finally approved BOTOX® to be used to treat wrinkles, the popularity of the toxin rose tremendously.




BOTOX® is currently the only form of botulisum toxin approved for such cosmetic purposes. It is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily reduce moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in patients 18 to 65 years of age. It is a mixture of several protoplasmic proteins that are released from cells after autolysis. BOTOX® is the brand name for a special formulation of botulinum toxin A manufactured by Allergan Inc., of Irvine, CA, U.S.A.,. BOTOX® is used to generate lines or wrinkles between the eyebrows look better. Initially, the toxin was used for eye muscle problems.



What is BOTOX® COSMETIC?




BOTOX® COSMETIC (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Purified Neurotoxin Complex is a sterile, vacuum-dried purified botulinum toxin type A, produced from fermentation of Hall strain Clostridium botulinum type A grown in a medium containing casein hydrolysate, glucose and yeast extract. It is purified from the culture solution by dialysis and a series of acid precipitations to a complex consisting of the neurotoxin, and several accessory proteins. The complex is dissolved in sterile sodium chloride solution containing albumin human and is sterile filtered (0.2 microns) prior to filling and vacuum-drying. The specific activity of BOTOX® COSMETIC is approximately 20 units/nanogram of neurotoxin protein complex. Each vial of BOTOX® COSMETIC contains 100 units (U) of Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin complex, 0.5 milligrams of albumin (human), and 0.9 milligrams of sodium chloride in a sterile, vacuum-dried form without a preservative.





How was this found?



United States Food and Drug Aadmistration (FDA) approved BOTOX® over 10 years ago to treat certain problems with the eye muscle. Doctors observed that some wrinkles around the eyes looked better, too. The company that makes BOTOX® tested it. They showed the FDA that BOTOX® worked and was safe for treating some kinds of wrinkles. The lines that appear between your brows actually result from muscle movement and the passage of time. Two muscles are largely responsible for frown lines between the brows. When those muscles contract, they draw the brows together. As skin becomes less elastic over time, repeated frowning can result in those moderate to severe lines between your brows. BOTOX® works by blocking nerve impulses, which reduces the movement of those muscles. With less movement, the skin surface gradually smoothes out, and the moderate to severe frown lines between your brows begin to fade. A doctor skilled in the use of BOTOX® will inject little amounts of BOTOX® into the muscle. Only the `treated muscle can’t move. BOTOX® works for about four months. As the muscle returns to normal, you will see the wrinkle again.



How is BOTOX® Tested for Potency?



The standard method for assessing the potency of BOTOX® is the LD50 Test. This test involves giving mice a single injection of the product into their abdominal cavity and seeing if they die within 3-4 days. The mice are first assigned to one of various dose groups. The aim of the test is to approximation the dose that kills 50% of the animals (hence the name “Lethal Dose 50%”). The LD value is designated as a unit (U) or a Mouse Unit (MU) of potency. The lower the LD50 value (or the U or MU), the higher the potency. Approximately 100 mice have conventionally been used to test each batch of botulinum toxins products, though Allergan has claimed that the company has significantly reduced this number. Depending on the dose injected and the potency of the batch being assessed, the test animals experience differing levels of muscular paralysis and impaired vision. The end point of the LD50 Test is death, usually by suffocation after the respiratory muscle becomes paralyzed.



Background of hazardous bacterial toxin as a biological weapon



The term “toxin” means the toxic material of plants, animals, microorganisms, viruses, fungi, or infectious substances, or a recombinant molecule, whatever its origin or method of production, including – (A) any poisonous substance or biological product that may be engineered as a result of biotechnology produced by a living organism; or (B) any poisonous isomer or biological product, homolog, or derivative of such a substance.



Over 60 years ago, botulinum toxin was first developed as a biological weapon; it can be aerosolised, or used to contaminate food, and the estimated lethal oral dose is 70 µg. Botulism is a rare paralytic disease caused by botulinum neurotoxin (BT), a protein produced by the soil anaerobic bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Eight types of Cl. botulinum have been identified (Types A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F, G) based on the immunological diversity in the toxins produced by them. The toxins are proteins with molecular weights of approximately 70,000 mgD. Botulinum toxin is the most poisonous substance known and the microorganism that manufactures it is relatively easy to isolate from nature and to culture. The only problem is making sure that oxygen is excluded from cultures. Despite its large size, the toxin molecule is stable enough to be dispersed as an aerosol. The toxin was considered for use as a major biological weapon by Britain and Japan during the 1930's and there are suggestions that it was used by the Japanese to poison streams used as water sources by the Soviets. It has also been suggested that either the microorganism or the toxin were incorporated into grenades used in the assassination of the Reinhard Gehlen, Hitler's likely successor and Reichsprotektor of Czechoslovakia.



A biological warfare attack with botulinum toxin delivered by aerosol will expected to cause symptoms similar in most respects to those observed with food-borne botulism. Commercially this organism attacked in canned food industry due to contamination. Proper sterilization will remove these organisms. In pure form, the toxin is a white crystalline substance, which is readily dissolvable in water, but decays rapidly in the open air. The lethal dose of toxin is very minute amount, for mice, its amount is 0.000,000,033 mg .The lethal dose of human being is probably 1-2 µg. It is a neurotoxin and acts gradually, taking several hours to kill.



Naturally-occurring cases of botulism arise from food spoiling in the absence of oxygen in canned foods. The commonest source historically has been spoiled meat, notably sausage (the species name derives from the Latin botulus meaning "sausage") and poultry (especially duck), and improperly sterilized canned foods. The neurotoxin produced from Clostridium tetani (tetanus toxin)another bacteria from some genus is encountered by humans as a result of wounds and remains a serious public health problem in developing countries around the world.



How long does the effect last?



BOTOX® can help by reducing the over activity of the muscles very quickly. In fact, most people begin to see results within the first two weeks. Generally, BOTOX® provides release of spasticity in the injected muscle for over three months (12-14 weeks). Then patients begin to notice a gradual fading of its effects over several weeks. At this point the doctor can give another treatment. BOTOX® treatment may be required three or four times a year. It is not given more frequently than every three months.



Side effects may include:



All prescriptions may have some side effects. With BOTOX®, side effects are usually transient and mild to moderate in nature. Side effects are usually temporary, and BOTOX® is generally well tolerated. Mild bruising or swelling may occur at the site of the injection. The treatment may also cause a brief headache. In rare cases, the injections may cause the eyebrow or upper eyelid to droop, but this condition is temporary and corrects itself without treatment within 2 to 3 weeks. The effects of BOTOX® may be increased with the use of certain antibiotics or other drugs that interfere with neuromuscular transmission. Ensure your doctor is aware of any current medications you are taking. If you have any questions regarding the use of BOTOX® treatment, please consult your doctor. Some side effects includes



• Droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks


• Feeling like you have the flu


• Headache and upset stomach


• Risk of botulism (a life or death illness that makes it hard for a person to move the arms and legs or to breathe) is low with BOTOX® if used the right way



Most patients experience minimal pain or discomfort following injections. Swelling and puffiness at the site of the injection usually subside within a few days. Care must be taken to keep the head upright and avoid massaging the treated area, so that the BOTOX® affects only the desired areas.



Who Markets BOTOX®?



BOTOX® is marketed by Allergan, Incorporated, which describes itself as “a global specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes innovative products for the eye care, neuromodulator, skin care and other specialty markets.” Allergan made over $1.2 billion dollars in net BOTOX® sales in 2007. 50% of that ($606 million) came from BOTOX® COSMETIC. Total yearly sales of BOTOX® increased 406% between 2000 and 2007. Net sales in 2007 for all Allergan products reached $3.88 billion, of which BOTOX® and BOTOX® COSMETIC accounted for 31%.



In order to learn more specifically about the product BOTOX® please visit the official Allergan site, where you can also find listings of private offices offering a variety of services to treat many aesthetic issues, such as wrinkle reduction. Most wrinkles may be treated with BOTOX® injections.




References:



1. Wang YC, Burr DH, Korthals GJ, Sugiyama H. Acute toxicity of aminoglycoside antibiotics as an aid in detecting botulism. Appl Environ Microbiol 1984; 48:951-955.



2. Allergan (ELN 1145) BOTOX® COSMETIC (Botulinum Toxin Type A) Purified Neurotoxin Complex(Glabellar Lines) Manufactured by: Allergan Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) Ltd. A subsidiary of: Allergan, Inc. 2525 Dupont Dr. Irvine, California 92612.



3. Bazbek Davletov, Mark Bajohrs and Thomas Binz, Beyond BOTOX: advantages and limitations of individual botulinum neurotoxins, TRENDS in Neurosciences Vol.28 No.8 August 2005.



4. Harimuraleedharan , Book: Bioterrorism (Releasing book review),Tamilnadu book house,Chapter:Biological agents/clostridium.



5. Teguh Thajeb, Yi-Min Chen, Dao-Fu Dai, Daniel Daile Thajeb, Peterus Thajeb Botulism: A Frequently Forgotten Old Malady, Review Article, International Journal of Gerontology | September 2007 | Vol 1 | No 3.



6. Lewis, C. (2002) Botox Cosmetic: A look at looking good. FDA Consumer Magazine July–August, 1–4 .










Guidelines for BOTOX® Reconstitution




















1.




Using the reconstitution needle, draw up the proper amount of saline (see dilution table) in the appropriately sized sterile syringe. A 21-gauge, 1®-inch needle is recommended for reconstitution. Reconstituted BOTOX® neurotoxin should be clear, colorless, and free of particulate matter.




2.




Insert the needle at a 45º angle and slowly inject the saline into the BOTOX® vial. Vacuum is present in the vial, which demonstrates that the sterility of the vial is intact. Do not use the vial if the vacuum does not pull the saline into the vial.




3.




Release the vacuum by disconnecting the syringe from the needle and allowing air to flow into the vial. Gently mix BOTOX® neurotoxin with the saline by moving vial side-to-side or rotating the vial.

















4.




Draw the fluid into the injection syringe by placing the needle into the bottom corner of the vial for full extraction. Do not completely invert the vial.




5.




Disconnect the injection syringe from the vial and attach an appropriate needle for injection. A 25-, 27-, or 30-gauge needle may be used for superficial muscles, and a longer 22-gauge needle may be used for deeper musculature.




Note: Because the product and diluent do not contain a preservative, use within 4 hours once opened and reconstituted. During the 4 hours, BOTOX® solution should be stored in a refrigerator at 2ºC to 8ºC.lotusclinic.co.uk
For BOTOX in London

Botox - The Facts

WhatIsBotox?


Derived from the botulinum toxin type A, Botox is a brand name for a highly purified and diluted preparation of botulinum used in numerous medical and cosmetic applications. It is also sold under the names Dysport and Myobloc. Botox is most widely known for its use in removing wrinkles.


While the botulinum toxic itself is highly poisonous and even deadly, the same toxin in smaller doses can be used to safely treat a variety of conditions. Botox is most widely known for its use in removing wrinkles, but is also has numerous medical applications.


Botox was first used in medicine to treat strabismus, a condition in which a person’s eyes do not align normally, and blepahrospasm, or uncontrolled blinking. Today, Botox is the most commonly performed cosmetic operation in America, with over four and a half million people getting the treatment in 2007.


Does Botox Work?


Botox does work to lessen the appearance of wrinkles, but this effect is temporary and has a host of risks attached, including paralysis of the wrong muscles and changes in facial expressions. So is Botox a fountain of youth or just poison injected into your face? Like so many things in life, the answer isn't black and white, and while this answer many not satisfy some readers, both are true to a certain extent.



WhatIsBotoxUsedFor?


Cosmetically, Botox is only FDA approved for use in smoothing out wrinkles in the forehead between the eyebrows, reducing crow’s feet, forehead lines and frown lines. Additionally, Botox is used to treat various medical conditions, including:




Achalasia – an esophageal disorder characterized by difficulty swallowing

Blepharospasm – involuntary blinking

Cervical Dystonia – a neurological disorder that causes the muscles around the neck and shoulder to contract uncontrollably

Hyperhidrosis – abnormal underarm sweating

Strabismus – crossed eyes



Studies of the use of Botox in treating other ailments such as migraines and prostate problems are ongoing.


How Does Botox Work?


The everyday facial expressions we all make, from happy to sad and everywhere in between, cause our skin to lose resilience. Cosmetic Botox injections work by blocking signals that are constantly firing from your nerves to your muscles. This causes a controlled weakening of the specific muscle targeted, and when the muscle doesn’t contract, wrinkles don’t show up as much. Noticeable improvements are usually seen within the first month after treatment.


How Is the Treatment Administered?


Botox is delivered to the muscle via a fine needle and causes little discomfort. The procedure only takes about ten minutes and requires no anesthesia. If you’re uncomfortable with needles, an icepack or anesthetic cream will do the trick.


Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare for Botox?


Botox treatment methods vary from clinic to clinic. Some doctors recommend avoiding alcohol for one week prior to treatment and avoiding aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks prior. This helps reduce the risk of bruising after injections.


Can Botox Be Used on Other Wrinkles?


No. Botox is only approved by the FDA for use between the eyebrows.


Will Botox affect my ability to make expressions?


You will still be able to make all the facial expressions you always could after Botox injections, just without the wrinkles between your brows showing. Only the muscle that has been injected with Botox is paralyzed. Problems making facial expressions arise when the wrong muscles are paralyzed, and this typically occurs when Botox is administered by someone who’s unqualified. The FDA strongly advises against attending Botox parties for this reason.


When Will I See the Effects of Botox?


Noticeable reduction of wrinkles will be seen within 2-3 days, and the full effects of Botox takes up to week to show.


How Long Does Botox Last?


The effects of a Botox injection last for approximately 4 - 6 months, and the wrinkles will return as the muscle starts to function normally again. Over time, the wrinkles will look smoother even without Botox, as the muscles are being conditioned to relax.


What Are the Side Effects of Botox?


The most common side effect of Botox is mild short-term bruising, which is caused by the mode of treatment rather than by the drug. When Botox is administered by a qualified medical professional side effects are quite rare but may include:




Allergic Reaction

Botulism – this illness is characterized by widespread paralysis and is rare when Botox is used correctly

Flu-like symptoms

Headache

Paralysis of incorrect muscles

Sagging eyelids

Stomachache



How Much Does Botox Cost?


Depending on various factors such as the experience of the doctor performing the treatment and location of the clinic.


Am I A Good Candidate For Botox?


Because the procedure, which requires a short series of injections over the span of a few minutes, is a fairly simple one, most people find they are good candidates for Botox. Botox is FDA approved for use on people between the ages of 18 and 65.




Do not use Botox if you are breastfeeding.

Do not use Botox if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

If you have a neurological or muscular disorder, tell your doctor during your consultation session.

If you have any allergies, tell your doctor during your consultation session.




If you have any concerns about taking Botox treatments, be sure to bring them up to your doctor. Being informed about the process is the best way to feel comfortable about your decision. In addition, you may want to ask your doctor for references and look at some of his or her before-and-after pictures to get an idea of what to expect.


The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the counsel and expertise of a medical professional. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your doctor.lotusclinic.co.uk
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