Recent Advances In Facial Rejuvenation

By Soheila Rostami, MD

Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

. http://www.beauty4eye.com/

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Recent Advances In Facial Rejuvenation

Facial rejuvenation is desirable for people who want to minimize wrinkles and improve appearance, creating a younger and more vibrant look. Botox has been a widely used treatment for wrinkles, and now there is an alternative, which may even be better.

A product similar to Botox finally reached the US market in June 2009. This product is called Dysport (from Medicis Aesthetics, the makers of Restylane and Perlane).

Dysport is like Botox, but is just a different form of purified botulinum toxin A. There is a slight variation in the number of units per vial of product, and the number of units injected per area for the same effect. It has been used in Europe for the past 20 years, and now after FDA approval is available in the States. It has been shown to provide very similar results as Botox.

Of course, there are some differences in results based on the person being treated. Different studies have been done to show the various outcomes for those who have tried the product.

Some studies show that Dysport is more effective, while others show that Botox is more effective. There is one difference between products of which we are already aware – Dysport has less of a protein load than Botox. Clinically speaking, this means that Dysport will result in the formation of fewer antibodies against it.

Antibodies are what our bodies use to detect and destroy foreign proteins (aka antigens in this case, the injected medications). Hence, the assumption is that with fewer antibodies being formed, the clinical effects of Dysport should last longer than those of Botox.

However, there are studies showing Botox may last longer showing the opposite effect. There are also other similar products in the works (i.e. PurTox). The good news for consumers like you is that there is competition, which usually means that prices for those products may fall. Competition is usually good to keep quality good, and prices down. As for now, you could expect to spend the same amount for either product.

For those of you who have been searching for ways to strengthen and grow your eyelashes, there is more good news. Mascara can only do so much, but now there are many products available that are proven to grow not only your eyelashes, but even your eyebrows.

Latisse (from Allergan) is available through physicians and requires their approval for use. Another great produce is RapidLash (from International Research Laboratories), which is available through physicians who sell skin care product lines.

If used as directed, both of these products are shown to lengthen, thicken, and improve the appearance of eyelashes and eyebrows. These results can be seen in as little as six-eight weeks. Each product bottle will last you at least two months of usage. If you've been trying different mascara lines with little to no results, maybe it's time to try one of these fine products.

There are always advances in the ways that we can rejuvenate our appearance. The best thing you can do for yourself is to be informed when making those choices.