botox Archives - Scott Mosser M.D.

I wanted to update you on some very exciting news in the arena of facial fillers. The FDA has just approved Xeomin for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines (those unwanted vertical lines between the eyebrows). Other cosmetic treatments run the gamut of typical Botox uses: crinkles and wrinkles on forehead, laugh lines, and marionette lines.

This signifies the third serious Botox contender, with Dysport being the other Botox-style injectable. A possible improvement over the latter two, Xeomin is purer than both Dysport and Botox and may be slightly more comfortable to inject. Effects last for approximately 12 weeks or longer.

According to Merz Aesthetics, the manufacturer of Xeomin, the response rates seen in the Phase III clinical trials were extremely encouraging, and FDA approval was based on the results of two U.S. clinical trials involving 16 investigational sites and 547 healthy adults. In both studies, Xeomin significantly improved the appearance of glabellar lines 30 days following the first injection, when compared to a placebo.

Currently Xeomin is approved in 14 countries under the name Bocouture®, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain.

Xeomin will be available nationwide in the U.S. in the spring of 2012. It will be exciting to see how these results stack up to the competition, but thus far indications are very encouraging.
Yes, but it will depend entirely on variables unique to your situation. The extent of the wrinkling will play a factor, as well as your age and the results you are looking for. The best course of action is to schedule a consult to discuss your options and decide the best treatment options for your situation.

Treatment options range from Botox, chemical peels, Thermage skin tightening, Juvederm or Dysport fillers, or even, depending on the severity of lines lower eyelid surgery.
Using fillers to volumize and solutions such as Botox or Dysport to treat the underlying tight muscles is a good course of action for deep wrinkles. Factors such as where they are located and how deep the wrinkles actually are will play a role in the type of treatment that may be most successful.

The best course of action is to schedule an exam with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, allow him or her to examine your condition, and then discuss the best treatment options available based on your particular needs.
The best treatment for eye wrinkles depends on the area where the wrinkles are located and the severity of the wrinkles. Botox or Dysport can be very effective in eliminating the appearance of crow’s feet, or the lines near the outer part of the eye. Sometimes a filler such as Juvederm can be used to reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles to the under eye areas.

Some people see success with treatments like Thermage skin tightening or chemical peels. These can be effective with very fine lines although you may need a series of these treatments to really see a difference.

Depending on the severity of the lines under the eyes, a lower blepharoplasty (or eyelid surgery) may be a good option. The best bet really is to schedule a consult with a Board Certified Plastic surgeon, allow him or her to assess the problem in person, and make recommendations based on your unique situation and desired outcomes.
It’s been said recently that a proprietary dietary supplement makes Botox injections more effective. My opinion currently is that data is inconclusive, but let’s discuss it further.

First here’s what we do know about zinc and Botox injections to date.

Botox actually does require a bit of zinc to work properly. Botox is part of the enzyme family zinc metalloproteinases, so zinc works as a sort of catalyst. It’s been shown that too much or too little zinc can prevent optional function of the Botox protein in lab studies.

It’s also been shown that Botox, when treated with an agent that removes zinc entirely, doesn’t work. These agents are called chelators.??And finally, phytase by itself can help a person with a zinc deficiency, as it helps with the absorption of dietary zinc.

However none of those facts proves that Zinc does in fact help Botox perform better.

The sudden stir has been caused by a recent study done by a Dr. Charles Sopakar at Methodist Hospital in Houston.

This study suggested that Botox can be made more effective when combined with a tablet of zinc. Alternatively it can also be combined with zinc and the enzyme phytase. In the study, both combinations were shown to make Botox effective in 41 of the 44 people tested. The test was performed in 44 blepharospasm patients, and the supplements were used for 4 days prior to injections.

So… can zinc really help Botox injections perform better?

Perhaps.

My opinion is that these results are pretty inconclusive thus far. I think if the study is repeated in a controlled way, in patients suffering the normal cosmetic wrinkles rather than patients who have abnormal neuromuscular issues happening, we might become better informed as to whether or not this supplementation really helps much.

So my thoughts are if you want to take a zinc supplement a few days before treatment (not long term) then go for it and you can let me know if it seems to help your treatments work better. In the meantime, I’ll be following the developments of this theory, and keep you posted once there are some really definitive results.
A facelift, like any decision to have surgery, is a big decision. But it can be very beneficial a procedure to restore the appearance of youth to your face, and tighten skin and underlying fatty tissue and muscles beneath the neck and face. Typically, a face lift is a good option when you have sagging or excess skin along the jaw line and lower face. A facelift can help to rejuvenate these areas and turn back the clock.

But if you don’t wish to have surgery, there are at least some alternatives that can help. If you are seeking a facelift simply to alleviate lines around the mouth, fill hollows, and create fullness where there is currently excess skin, filler options may work well for you.

One popular filler is Juvederm, and there are also fillers like Restylane, Perlane, Sculptra, ArteFill and others. Another option is a combination of Botox and a facial filler. Obviously the type of filler you choose will depend on your unique issues, as each filler is not a fix all for everything. It’s also important for you to take care of the A,B,C’s of proper skin care. That includes hydration, sunscreen, proper eating and exercise, and hygiene as well.
A Rare Opportunity: Ensure results with the Artefill Assurance Program
The makers of Artefill are offering a rare perk to patients considering the dermal filler through the Artefill Assurance Program. If a patient does not receive optimal results full correction from the first 3-syringe Artefill treatment to correct smile lines, then he or she may be eligible for additional product free of charge providing there is room for improvement.

This is the first time Dr. Mosser has heard of a company standing behind their product’s commitment to full correction in this way.

As an expert injector, teaching physician for several filler companies, and the Northern California Consultant for Artefill, Dr. Mosser is one of a select group of doctors in the country to be a part of the Artefill Assurance Program. Please contact us for further details on this offer.

To take advantage of this offer, call for an Artefill Consultation and Skin Test by November 15.

$50 off Botox for Express to Success
Express yourself as much as you like this holiday season without any evidence of the lines. Botox can help you maintain a rejuvenated appearance long after the last cookie is decorated by treating frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet. Minimally invasive, Botox delivers safe, predictable results.

In further celebration of the giving season, Allergan, the maker of Botox, will donate a portion of the proceeds on your behalf to the “Express Success” campaign through the end of 2009. The campaign, which benefits not-for-profit organization Dress for Success, aims to helps disadvantaged women succeed in the workforce by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Call now through Dec 31 to schedule an appointment for $50 off and a charitable donation in your name!

Lusting for lashes with Latisse
In many societies, eyelashes are considered a symbol of grace, beauty, and power. If you currently use false eyelashes or extensions — or are considering new ways to enhance your lashes — then Latisse may prove beneficial. Latisse is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment to promote eyelash growth. Most clinical trial participants noticed significant improvement in lash growth and fullness after two months, with full results occurring at 12 or 16 weeks. Prospective users are encouraged to partake in a short visit with Dr. Mosser to make sure Latisse is right for them.

Previous and new users: Take $20 off your purchase of each box of Latisse through November 30th.
The big news: 20% off all injectables (a savings of anywhere from $100-200 per syringe) through September!

Usually reserved for patients new to the practice, we are extending our 20% off welcome to all patients in the practice for the month of September. Read below to see what additional news might be helpful for you!

Botox/Juvederm Duet Dividends for $200 in Savings!
Dedicate some time to yourself this fall with a highly reputable and minimally invasive treatment in facial rejuvenation. Botox and Juvederm, two of the most widely trusted injectable fillers, have been shown to smooth facial lines and restore skin volume.

Allergan has recently partnered with Dr. Mosser to launch the Botox/Juvederm Duet Dividends program.* The Dividends program is applicable when both Botox and Juvederm are used for treating a patient at the same visit.

Program savings include:
- $50 Rebate on Juvederm immediately
- $50 Rebate on Botox immediately
- $50 Rebate for a Botox treatment in 3 months
- $50 Rebate for a Juvederm treatment in 9 months
* The Duet Dividends program cannot be combined with other Allergan rebate programs or specials. However, the Duet Dividends program can be combined with the September 20% off welcome special mentioned above.

Call now for an appointment to take advantage of this offer: (415) 398-7778! To learn more about these injectable treatments please click on the links below:
Juvederm™
BOTOX® Cosmetic