Economic indicator? Botox is back
January 29, 2010
The number of procedures rose in the 4th quarter of 2009 for the first time since 2007.
Heidi Montag isn’t the only person going back under the knife in recent months. The reality-show Barbie doll recently told People magazine about her latest round of plastic surgeries, which included breast implants and a slew of injections, as well as other procedures.
Yet the MTV reality-show star isn’t alone in being able to afford such discretionary expenditures. According to a survey done by MEDACorp, plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures were up during the fourth quarter for the first time since the downturn began in 2007.
The survey encompassed facial injectibles, breast implants, laser procedures and Latisse for eyelash growth. The results of the survey indicate that procedures for botulinum toxins like Allergan’s (AGN) Botox and facial fillers like Medicis Pharmaceutical’s (MRX) Restylane increased the most year over year in the fourth quarter of 2009, each up 8.1%. Procedures for breast implants increased 3.5%, and laser work was up 1.6%. Read more
hCG Weight Loss Program – Days 3-5
January 28, 2010
Yes, it’s actually very amazing how little 500 calories really is! I’m certainly learning portion control. The fact is 3 oz (or 85 grams) is a normal (cooked) portion size. With this new knowledge, the first thing I realized I’m eating way too much. I soon realize what I eat is not particularly unhealthy, it’s the amount I am eating that is the problem (plus eating in restaurants). Ok, let’s get to the weight loss…. As I mentioned earlier, there are “non-effective” days, and “effective” days. So from now on, when I do my “days”, they will be starting from the “effective” days. So as I mentioned in a previous post, I lost 2.4lbs on the first “effective” day. On my second “effective” day I lost… 1.4 lbs! Read more
Hope in a Jar — Cosmeceutical Science : Fact or Fiction - Part 1
January 26, 2010
Down the way from my office in Beverly Hills sits a stately Neiman Marcus store. As the double doors to the first floor open before me; I am inundated by the sights, sounds and smells of the cosmetic counter. What they offer is simple: promises of eternal youth and beauty. Each counter is manned by an army of young men and women dressed in long white lab coats. One wonders what medical training they must have to go through to don such spiffy uniforms. As a customer approaches a counter they are greeted by these so-called medical experts who are eager to explain how their concoctions and potions promise to repair your DNA, RNA, and all other portions of your body. I wonder if I could use some of these things to repair my automobile?
If Ponce De Leon knew of these miles of aisles of miracles he could have saved a lot of time by hopping a plane from Madrid to LA. If that is not enough; a lot of these potions are emblazoned by the names of Doctor’s who inhabit the pages of woman’s beauty magazines. Do these Physicians have large bubbling cauldrons where they brew their liquids with the help of their faithful assistant Igor in some distant part of Transylvania? Then late at night and on places like QVC and the Home Shopping Network we find another group: celebrities, sports heroes, physicians and an occasional unknown offer monthly supplies of the latest discovery of the fountain of youth fluid, cream, capsule or drink that you positively cannot live without…. at last we have the brew that is true! Read more
Certain Medical Conditions and hCG don’t Mix
January 26, 2010
First of all, hCG is only available by prescription. You cannot purchase pharmaceutical strength hCG on the internet. You may find homeopathic hCG that may not need a prescription, but you have no idea what you are actually getting. Pharmacy’s in the US are required to follow strict FDA enforced guidelines. Before a physician prescribes hCG for weight management, they will give you a thorough medical consultation and order various tests (i.e. blood work, EKG). The reason they are doing this is to ensure you are safe while doing the program, if they don’t think you’ll be safe, they won’t prescribe it. A physician’s #1 concern is your health and safety, not profits (like private companies selling hCG over the internet). Read more
IAPAM Publishes “Botox Best Practices” as part of its Botox Training Program
January 25, 2010
The IAPAM has just published a best practices overview for Botox or Dysport cosmetic injectable treatments. As part of the IAPAM’s mission to provide enduring botox training, the IAPAM is proud to provide resources, like the NEW “Botox Best Practices,” to physicians who are new to aesthetic medicine, as well as experienced medspa doctors.
The IAPAM is committed to educating physicians in the industry’s best practices for injecting Botox. In support of that commitment, the IAPAM has culled expertise from across the United States, to create a comprehensive Botox Best Practices E_Report (http://www.iapam.com/best-practices-for-botox-injection-training.html).
The report includes recommendations from noted experts in the aesthetic medicine field, including: Dr. Richard Foxx, Dr. Steven Fagien, Dr. Jennifer Linder, Dr. Eric Berger, Dr. Steven Jepson, and numerous other cosmetic specialists.
The consensus recommendations of the doctors surveyed, includes the following:
- The patient consultation prior to the procedure is critical to a successful outcome;
- Before and after photographs are essential to demonstrate to the patient the changes that have occurred;
- Know your anatomy. This the key to proper injection placement and always inject based on anatomy;
- Watch someone else work and receive “hands-on training;
- Never oversell the longevity of the effect of Botox®. Tell patients that, on average, the Botox® will last about three months;
- Only buy cosmetic injectables from the FDA licensed manufacturer, not third parties or the internet;
- and many more. Read more
Doctors Dissect How to Choose the Best Medical Spa for Laser Hair Removal
January 25, 2010
As the cosmetic industry booms, clients are unsure which medical spas offer the most effective and safest procedures. Fortunately, medical experts are providing insider tips to help clients.
A recent report in Aesthetic Medical News showed that clients looking for cosmetic procedures, such as laser hair removal, are becoming more adamant about appropriate professional credentials. The trend is expected to continue throughout 2010, according to the research conducted by the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Jeff Russell, Executive Director of IAPAM, told Aesthetic Medical News, “The results clearly indicate that most women are concerned about their safety when choosing aesthetic procedures.” Read more
Day 2 and 3 of the hCG Weight Loss Diet
January 25, 2010
First, I wanted to let you know that we’ve just added a new hCG for Weight Loss Facebook Fan Page for those of you who are interested in the hCG program, doing the program, or have completed the program, and would like to share your comments and experiences. As I go through the program, I’m looking for creative ways to spice up the meals, so please post your favorite recipes!
Ok Day 1 is done, what is the result?? I am down 3 lbs in one day! Read more
IAPAM Aesthetic Practice Startup Workshop - June 7, 2010
January 25, 2010
Presented by the IAPAM, the Aesthetic Practice Startup Workshop will prepare you for all the steps needed to add aesthetic medicine to your practice. This session is lead by medical spa industry expert, Jeff Russell, and will certainly help you avoid some of the common pitfalls of the medical spa / aesthetic medicine industry. If you are going to open a medical spa or incorporate medical aesthetics into your existing practice, you can’t afford to miss this workshop. Read more
First Day of the hCG + 500 Calorie Diet
January 22, 2010
I’ve planned this day for a week… I’ve gone through the manuscript, chatted with physicians on their experience, and with other people who have done the program. Anyone who knows me knows I always like a plan, I want to know exactly what I’m allowed to eat, as well as what I cannot eat so I am not forced to make a wrong choice under pressure (i.e. it’s 1pm, I’m starving and I have no idea what I’m going to eat for lunch!). Nope, I have a plan! Read more
BOTOX Cosmetic: To Jump-Start the Economy?
January 21, 2010
First-ever event during which clients will pay the amount they choose for their BOTOX or Juvéderm treatments
True to its innovative style, Univers NuFace medical aesthetic clinic in Laval is launching the first-ever event during which clients will pay the amount they choose for their BOTOX or Juvéderm treatments. These are the two anti-aging treatments most often administered in Canada and the basic components in Soft Lift treatments. This event will take place on Tuesday, January 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“NuFace is the first medical aesthetic clinic to take such an initiative. By organizing this special day, we want the public to become better informed about full facial rejuvenation treatments using BOTOX Cosmetic and Juvéderm, and help individuals feel better about themselves during this difficult economic time,” said Jany Manning, owner of the Univers NuFace clinic. Read more










