Botox vs Modern Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Ironically, no one wants to run a race toward age- they want to slowly creep along. But, nature has it’s own speed, and some of us start to see the skid marks. When wrinkles start appearing, we often start to search out ways to combat them. There are several options; both noninvasive, and invasive …. subtle to drastic.

Let’s take two of the most popular options, and compare the what’s & how’s of each.

1. BOTULINUM TOXIN (AKA: BOTOX, DYSPORT, MYBLOC

History

Botulinum Toxin is actually a poisonous neurotoxin. It only takes 1 ng/kg to be a lethal injection. However, given in minute doses, as Botox, it can be used as a therapeutic or cosmetic product. Botulinum Toxin’s first official use, on a human ,was for the treatment of strabismus, in 1980. Over the next 22 years it was FDA approved for: strabismus, blepharospasm, hemifacial spasms, dystonia, etc... It wasn’t until 2002, that the FDA approved type A of Botulinum toxin (Botox) as a cosmetic treatment for frown lines. 4.6 million Botox injections were given in 2007, making it the most sought after cosmetic procedure on the market.

Uses

For cosmetic uses, it is mainly used for two purposes. It can be injected around the forehead, glabella, eyes, and neck counteract wrinkles. It is only approved for use in those younger than 65 years old. It can also be injected into the armpit to combat hyperhidrotic areas (area‘s that sweat too much.) This is a non surgical procedure. A very small needle is injected around the area. The pain is described as a “pinching” feeling. The injected toxin works by blocking the nerve impulses. This temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles. Thus, the skin looks smoother for around 6 months.

Side effects

People have reported: Dizziness, difficulty swallowing, cold and flu like symptoms, pain at the injection site, swelling at the injection site, nausea, headache, muscle weakness or paralysis, double vision, drooping or swollen eyelid, reduced blinking, light sensitivity, upset stomach, heart arrhythmias, itching at the site of injection, and uneven smile. Other hypersensitivity reactions may occur- where symptoms will be: anaphylaxis, difficulty urinating, and difficulty breathing.

Where can I get it?

Botox is a prescription drug. Botox injections are given by dermatologists, medical spas, plastic surgeons, and cosmetic physicians. However, there is a growing number of botched treatments given at medical spas. Depending on state law, some medical spas are only required to have a doctor “oversee” the treatments preformed at medical spas. Furthermore, some states define “oversee” a little oddly. The doctor can oversee the treatment while he is 20 miles away swinging a golf club!

So, know you know the facts about Botox, you can decide if it is the right option for you. If it is, I would advice you to make sure that the doctor/clinic that you use is reputable. Do the research; don’t just pick a name from the phone book, and expect a quality experience. I would also recommend only using a doctor that has been recognized by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS.)

2. COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY (FACIAL)

The second option encompasses an array of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures.
All of these are surgical, invasive, and permanent options.

History

Plastic surgery has been around since around 2000 BC. It originated in India, and was gradually brought to other continents. The first plastic surgery in the US was in 1827. It was on a cleft palate patient. It wasn’t until the 20th century that plastic surgery evolved to encompass more of an elective “beauty” surgery option. The practice of cosmetic surgery is not designed to transform facial features; but, rather it is aimed at maintaining the normal features, restoring them, or enhancing them. Cosmetic plastic surgery is very different than plastic surgery. The term "cosmetic surgery" refers specifically to a surgery aimed at improving cosmetics alone. It is often confused with plastic surgery, but in truth, they have very different aims.

Uses

The options are pretty much endless. You can have collagen injected into your lips, for plumping. Rhinoplasty will reshape the nose. Otoplasty will reshape the ear. Rhytidectomy to tighten, removal wrinkles by lifting the face. Liposuction to suck fat away. A chin implant will use an implant to reshape the chin. Laser’s can resurface the skin. Chemical peels will remove acne. Others include: eyelid surgery, brow lift, and check implants.

Side effects

Side effects will vary by what procedure is done. With all of these procedures you can expect a period of time for healing. Most will have a period of several weeks where there will be expected swelling and bruising. Therefore, the final results usually take a month or two to see. To decrease bleeding during the procedure, doctor’s will instruct you to refrain from smoking before the procedure.

Where can I get it?

A facial plastic surgeon must complete a five year otolaryngology residency, and then a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship. A facial plastic surgeon differs from a plastic surgeon by not having the additional general surgery training and plastic surgery training. So, if you are considering having a cosmetic procedure done, you will want to ask if the doctor is a “facial plastic surgeon” or “plastic surgeon.” Some of these procedures are offered at the med spas- discussed above. Most often, they are offered a plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon office.

Again, I would also recommend only using a doctor that has been recognized by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS.)

This should give you a basic overview of the difference between two of the most popular options to help you creep toward age…instead of speed into it.