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Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Surprising things you never knew about Botox
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Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon

(ARA) - Our faces are our calling cards. They identify us, they show our emotions and they are connected with three of the five senses bringing outside information to our brains. But what happens when our identity starts to droop and turn us into someone else? Or eye and nose restoration is needed to help us look younger? It may be time to research facial plastic surgery and find a facial plastic surgeon you would trust working on your face.

A recent study conducted for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that 85 percent of adult Americans would undergo a facial plastic surgery procedure if given the chance. Furthermore, 80 percent of those surveyed would rather trust their face to a facial plastic surgeon when having their procedure performed.

Last year [2007], Americans underwent 2.3 million facial plastic surgery procedures and more than 38,000 revision surgeries. Some were for a younger-looking face, while others were to correct breathing difficulties or drooping eyelids. Some were just because people feel better when they enhance their appearances. Eighty percent of men and women look for an experienced, certified facial plastic surgeon over generalists when it comes to facial plastic surgery.

Trust your face to a facial plastic surgeon. By doing your homework ahead of time, you can find a facial plastic surgeon you trust to maximize the benefits of your chosen treatments. A facial plastic surgeon should discuss options and make recommendations to correct the issues.

AAFPRS facial plastic surgeons have extra training for their specialties. All complete approved, post-graduate specialized residencies addressing facial plastic surgery. For most that includes four-year specialized residencies in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery—which includes facial plastic surgery. Many also undergo additional year-long AAFPRS fellowships in facial plastic surgery.

The AAFPRS is an excellent resource for researching the surgeons in your area and types of facial procedures. It is the world's largest association of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, with more than 3,000 members who concentrate on the face, head and neck.

Referrals from family and friends who have undergone a procedure are also good places to start your research. Or get a recommendation from a trusted physician or health-care professional. Once you find a surgeon, ask how many procedures of the type you are considering the surgeon has performed and if the surgeon operates in an accredited facility. The surgeon needs to be one to whom you would trust your face.

The AAFPRS Web site, www.facemd.org, has information and brochures about different surgeries and includes a listing of facial plastic surgeons in your area with board certification.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Surprising things you never knew about Botox

New guidelines state Botox effective in treating neurological disorders, not headache

Note: Botox is a trademark of Allergan, Inc.

(ARA) - Most of us associate botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, with the cosmetic treatment of facial wrinkles. But did you know that neurologists have safely used it to treat serious medical conditions for over 28 years?

After extensively reviewing all available scientific studies on the topic, the American Academy of Neurology has released a new set of guidelines on how this drug can be used to help make a real difference in people's health and the way they live.

Here are some of the conditions that can benefit from this treatment.

Spasticity

A neurological injury can cause muscle stiffness that interferes with moving, walking, and other day-to-day activities. These problems, called spasticity, are common in cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. Those who have had a stroke often have tightness in the arm, wrist, and hand muscles on the affected side. There is strong evidence that botulinum toxin can safely and effectively treat adult and childhood spasticity in the limbs. For those with multiple sclerosis who suffer from severe tightening or stiffness in the thigh muscles, it may provide comfort when in bed or a wheelchair.

Lower Back Pain

Many people suffer from lower back pain for a variety of reasons. "We found that botulinum toxin is possibly effective in relieving low back pain and therefore may be considered as a treatment option," says pain guidelines author Dr. Markus Naumann, Professor of Neurology, Head of the Department of Neurology at Augsburg Hospital in Germany, and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

Cervical Dystonia

Cervical dystonia is the involuntarily twisting or tilting of the neck and shoulders. Botulinum toxin can help people who have head, neck and shoulder problems by blocking the nerve signals that cause the uncontrollable tightening and movements of these muscles.

Excessive Sweating

Experts found strong evidence that botulinum toxin is safe and successful for treating excessive underarm sweating. Research shows that sweat production can be reduced by at least 50 percent. Other types of sweating, such as excessive palm sweating, can benefit from this treatment as well.

Overactive Bladder

If you suffer from an overactive bladder associated with neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, you can use botulinum toxin to help increase bladder control. Research shows reduced incontinence episodes which can help dramatically improve quality of life.

Facial Spasms

Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder that causes frequent involuntary contractions of the muscles on one side of the face. People who have used botulinum toxin treatment report benefits lasting almost three months. Other facial disorders such as blepharospasm, or involuntary winking, can be treated this way as well.

Essential Tremor

Essential tremor is a neurological disorder that causes shaking of the hands or other parts of the body including the head. Research shows that injections of botulinum neurotoxin should be considered as a treatment option when drugs have not worked.

As the American Academy of Neurology analyzed research, they did find some conditions where botulinum toxin wasn't shown to be effective. Contrary to popular belief, botulinum toxin is probably not effective in the treatment of migraine or chronic tension-type headaches. "Botulinum toxin injections should not be offered to patients with episodic migraine and chronic tension-type headaches," says Dr. Naumann. "It is no better than placebo injections for these types of headache."

Even though Botox is most popularly known in cosmetic circles for reducing wrinkles and keeping men and women looking young, it is also a useful treatment for serious medical conditions. For more information, visit www.AAN.com.

This guidelines project was chaired by David M. Simpson, MD, Professor of Neurology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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