Botox (a form of Botulinum Toxin Type A) is considered one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the United States. In fact, research shows that between 2000 and 2020, the number of Botulinum Toxin Type A injections increase by 459%. That includes injections to both treat existing cosmetic concerns and preventative Botox injections.
Preventative Botox is a form of Botulinum Toxin used to prevent specific cosmetic concerns rather than treat them. Most commonly, preventative Botox is used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles for those in their 20s and 30s.
Preventative Botox is different from traditional Botox in one significant way: it is used to prevent wrinkles rather than treat them. For example, someone in their 20s or 30s may decide to get preventative Botox in their forehead to prevent the appearance of wrinkles in that area.
Since preventative Botox is administered to prevent wrinkles rather than treat them, the amount of Botulinum Toxin used in a single area or muscle is less than what is used to treat existing wrinkles.
Traditional Botox has been used for years to help men and women achieve the youthful look they desire. But with the rise of preventative Botox, more and more people are opting to have Botox injected into the areas of their faces that they want to keep looking young instead of waiting for the appearance of aging to appear.
Millennials are notorious for their “prevent” rather than “react” mentality. This is especially true when it comes to their health and well-being. As a result, more millennials are taking advantage of preventative Botox to keep their skin looking young for longer.
The question becomes just how useful is preventative Botox? While the use of Botox for treating existing fine lines and wrinkles is a safe, FDA-approved procedure, it's not yet been FDA-approved to prevent the formation of wrinkles entirely.
If it's not FDA-approved to prevent wrinkles and fine lines from forming, is preventative Botox considered safe? Yes - the general use of Botox is deemed to be safe to treat various conditions, both for medical and cosmetic use.
According to the FDA, the use of Botox is considered safe for those ages 18 and up. However, it's also been approved for safe use on those 12 years of age for treating eye muscle problems, such as the abnormal spasm of the eyelids.
Botox for preventative purposes poses a much lower risk of adverse effects than the treatment of existing wrinkles and fine lines. This is partly due to the lower amount of Botulinum Toxin used for preventative purposes.
However, as with any medical procedure, it's possible to react to preventative Botox negatively.
This can include side effects such as headaches, muscle weakness, or redness at the injection site. These side effects are temporary and typically mild in nature.
More severe side effects from preventative Botox are possible but very rare. They include:
While these effects are rare, you should still discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.
There are many reasons why you may be considering preventative Botox. Whatever they may be, it's essential to educate yourself on the process thoroughly and what it may be able to do for you.Have questions regarding preventative Botox? Contact us today, and we’ll get them answered!
If you’re considering minor facial treatments like Botox or fillers, know that they do require some recovery time. While treatments like this are outpatient and quite routine, it isn’t uncommon for a patient to have some pain, redness, swelling, and more.
Today we’ll explain the difference between fillers and Botox, and what to expect after your visit. Everything you need to know about safe, effective aftercare is right here.
Before we get started, it’s important to know the difference between Botox and fillers.
“Botox” is sometimes used interchangeably for any age-defying outpatient facial treatments, but it is actually a brand name for botulinum toxin “A”. Botox contains purified bacteria that freezes muscles. The 42 muscles in your face that help you speak and emote will move in similar ways each time you use them. This creates folds, wrinkles, and fine lines: but Botox prevents those muscles from moving, eliminating the wrinkles.
Dermal fillers contain several ingredients, some of which are produced naturally by the body. Hyaluronic and polylactic acids, for example, are naturally-occurring plumping and collagen-making chemicals already present in the body. Dermal fillers are injected into the face to add a healthy-looking fullness to areas that become thinner over time – lips and cheeks are particularly common targets for fillers.
Whether you and your doctor have chosen dermal fillers, Botox, or another injectable option, it’s possible you will have some of the following side effects:
These are all considered minor side effects, lasting a few days, up to two weeks. They can be treated at home with the simple pain management and lifestyle tips below.
The day you receive treatment, do not return to work or do anything strenuous that would raise your heart rate (like exercise). In the days following your treatment, be sure to rest when necessary. Resting allows your body to focus energy on healing. You may, however, perform simple facial exercises.
Unless you are actively applying topical treatments (discussed below) with clean hands, don’t touch, rub, or scratch your face for at least 1 day, up to 3. Not only can this cause infections at the injection sites, but it can spread the toxins or filler to unintended places, causing bruising, lumpiness, and more. If you need to relieve itching or discomfort, use a cool compress every hour as needed.
Most over-the-counter pain management methods will reduce discomfort after Botox or dermal fillers. Acetaminophen/paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken safely (as directed) to manage pain. The herb Arnica is also a common post-injection treatment method. It can be applied topically in gel form, or taken orally, but must be properly diluted.
To speed up and preserve your treatment – as well as avoid unnecessary pain – avoid sun exposure. Do not expose yourself to intense heat in saunas, hot tubs, hot showers, or tanning beds. Also, during recovery, avoid receiving other facial treatments, exfoliations, chemical peels, etc. If you’ve already had face fillers or Botox, do not seek out any other injectable facial treatments until the face has fully healed.
Dr. Binder stands apart from the crowd, and his work speaks for itself. A patent-holding innovator, Dr. Binder has published dozens of articles in national medical and surgical journals, pioneering the use of Botox as a migraine treatment.
Most importantly, Dr. Binder understands that restoring a patient’s self-esteem requires a unique approach, tailor-made for them. Because of this, Dr. Binder has developed techniques to make facial treatments and reconstruction minimally invasive with maximum impact.
If you’re seeking facial treatments, surgery, or facial reconstruction, contact Dr. Binder’s office today – our friendly staff is waiting!
Globally, plastic surgery is a $49.14 billion industry, and over the last two years, the industry has seen a boom in growth and from a somewhat unlikely place. The latest news in plastic surgery revolves around what is called the "Zoom Boom" trend and how it's impacting plastic surgery trends.
Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have been faced with all sorts of news surrounding Zoom fatigue, the increase of video conferencing for personal, educational, and business purposes, and now - the Zoom Boom.
The Zoom Boom refers to a new upward trend in the plastic surgery industry that has been propelled by the ongoing use of video conferencing devices.
"The 'Zoom Boom' is 100% credited to people sitting at home all day and staring at their faces during video conferences," said Dr. David Shafer, MD, FACS, during an interview with Entrepreneur.
Sure, while the Zoom app has been downloaded more than 6 million times, video conferencing across apps such as Facebook Messenger, Microsoft Teams, and other apps has also increased and contributed to this Zoom Boom trend.
As of 2020, the most popular video conferencing service used by adults was Facetime (47.6%), followed up by Facebook Messenger (44.1%) and Zoom (31.5%).
So, while it's true that more and more people are using video conferencing more frequently, has it really had that much of an impact on people that it's now starting this massive increase in plastic surgery?
According to Dr. Shafer, the answer is yes, and it's all because of Zoom Dysmorphia. This term was coined by Arianne Shadi Kourosh, MD, MPH, and is used to describe the negative effects on patients brought on by the Zoom Boom, such as developing a negative self-opinion, creating dangerous cycles of self-criticisms, etc.
In a study published in March of 2021 in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology, dermatologists are seeing significant increases in patients interested in cosmetic procedures.
Co-author of the study, Dr. Libby, MD, stated that 56.7% of practitioners had seen an increase in patients seeking cosmetic consultation since the onset of the pandemic. Interestingly, 86.4% indicated that their patients cited video-conferencing calls as their primary reason for seeking out cosmetic treatment.
In that same study, 82.7% of dermatologists marked their patients as being either somewhat more or significantly more unhappy with their appearance since they began using video conferencing apps due to the ongoing pandemic.
In another poll posted by Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine, 40% of participants stated that they now plan to seek out cosmetic treatments solely based on their appearance-related concerns stemming from ongoing video conferencing use.
According to both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, three cosmetic surgical procedures took 2020 by storm, and they included:
Of course, other standard procedures included liposuction due to increased sedentary lifestyles, Botox for chronic stress caused by the ongoing pandemic, and cosmetic surgery for those who have suffered from Zoom Dysmorphia, such as breast augmentation or breast reduction.
If you are feeling the effects of the Zoom Boom and are starting to feel the adverse effects, don't worry, Dr. Binder is here to help!
He is Board Certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. He is also known for his outstanding achievements and contributions in his field.
Have questions about a particular procedure? Contact us today for more information!
Plastic surgery has come a long way in the last few decades, so much so that cosmetic surgery has become an increasingly common way to enhance appearance. But while looking younger and more youthful has become a mainstay of the cosmetic surgery industry, what will be the hottest trends in 2022? Here are six cosmetic procedures expected to take off in the next year!
Facelifts are one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. The facelift is a procedure that removes drooping skin and sagging facial muscles, making the face look older.
In its most basic form, the facelift is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and muscle from the face, making the face look longer and thinner. The facelift is a popular procedure among men and women of all ages looking to restore some of their youthful appearances, especially in those in their 40’s.
Facelifts are especially popular among those who suffer from a phenomenon known as the Zoom Boom. The Zoom Boom, also referred to as Zoom Dysmorphia, refers to the upward trend in the plastic surgery industry that has been propelled by the ongoing use of video conferencing devices. With so many people consistently having to look at themselves in their conferencing app, it has decreased self-confidence and overall self-esteem.
One of the most hotly anticipated plastic surgery trends in 2022 is eyelid surgery. Again, this cosmetic procedure is being propelled by the Zoom Boom phenomenon.
Eyelid surgery is performed when a person is looking to remove sagging skin from the eyelids. This is a standard procedure used to reduce the signs of aging and help people who suffer from a condition known as hooded eyelids, making the eyes appear smaller.
Liposuction is another one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures on the market today. Liposuction is a procedure used to remove excess fat from the body. The fat is removed through small tubes inserted into the body. This is typically done under general or local anesthetics and is a popular procedure used to help people remove fat from the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen, which can make the body appear slimmer.
With more people feeling uncomfortable in their skin due to the weight they've put on during the pandemic, experts believe that the number of patients expected to seek out liposuction will increase through 2022.
Brazilian Butt Lifts (also commonly referred to as BBLs) are one of the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures in the world today. The BBL is a procedure designed to improve the appearance of the posterior and is performed using a series of incisions and surgical procedures designed to reshape and lift the buttocks and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Abdominoplasty is another one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures on the market today. It is used to reduce the abdomen’s appearance, making the body appear slimmer. Abdominoplasty is a procedure used in conjunction with liposuction to help patients remove fat from the abdomen. It is expected to be in demand in the coming months as more people feel uncomfortable in their skin due to the weight they have put on during the pandemic.
If you're looking to make some changes to your life in the new year, and they involve enhancing your appearance, then Dr. Binder is here to help!
Dr. Binder is a gifted surgeon who is well known for his unsurpassed skill in providing his patients with the best results that they could achieve.
If you’re considering plastic surgery in the new year, then schedule your consultation today!
No doubt you’ve participated in conversations—after seeing an old friend—about how young she looks. Or, maybe, she was trying to look young through obvious plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures, such as too much Botox or overfilled lips.
With either situation, we bet money (and we don’t bet often – we’re a medical practice after all) that you’ve heard friends say in hushed tones – “well, you know she’s had work done.” Maybe she has. Maybe she hasn’t.
Today, it’s harder to tell if plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures have been done correctly.
Having “work done” is a personal choice. And, we’re not here to convince you of undergoing plastic surgery procedures or sitting back and letting nature take its course. However, if you decide to have a procedure or two, we want you to be informed about what plastic surgery looks like today.
In the past, women were often looked down upon – or otherwise judged harshly – for getting work done. Perhaps people judged them for wanting to hang on to their youth. Or maybe that they had low self-esteem. Or that they only wanted to attract men.
Bad cosmetic surgery procedures didn’t help matters. Most plastic surgeons will tell you that procedures should result in subtle transformations in appearance, not immediately recognizable and drastic changes.
Here are some “not-so-subtle” results:
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ most recent 2020 annual statistics, “$16.7 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures in the U.S.,” despite the global pandemic.
Although the overall number of procedures was lower than those completed in 2019, “11% of women surveyed said they are more interested in cosmetic plastic surgery or non-surgical procedures now than before COVID-19 – and the figure is even higher among women who have already had surgery or a procedure.”
Not only has the COVID pandemic had an impact on interest in plastic surgery, but younger generations have also normalized these procedures, helping to remove any judgment and stigmas.
For example, “Millennials and Gen Z are seeking plastic surgery options earlier than any other generation, making it more the norm rather than a secret of the rich.” In 2018, adults under 34 underwent more cosmetic surgery procedures than those in the 51 to 64-year-old age group, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Through this trend, “Millennials and Gen Z are effectively erasing any stigma around plastic surgery through social media, selfies, and attitudes towards health and aging, including ‘preventive’ procedures such as Botox injections. By normalizing these procedures as a part of your regular self-care routine, these procedures will likely continue to rise in popularity.”
Despite the rise in popularity, “[f]or many, a reticence remains, and—fearing stigma or backlash or something else–they keep it under wraps,” according to Town & Country. But, lucky for these patients, the stigma will continue to disappear as plastic and cosmetic procedures continue to become more popular – and more frequently discussed – moving acknowledgment of these procedures out of the shadows and into the light.
Often today, we talk about before COVID and after COVID. Or the “old normal” and the “new normal.” Plastic and cosmetic procedures aren’t left out of this comparison – in fact, they are a top topic in the medical field.
As the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reflects, “[m]any are wondering if this increased interest in plastic surgery in general and facial procedures, in particular, is going to last once the pandemic is finally brought under control. While this is difficult to predict, most likely, these plastic surgery trends will continue even after the masks are put away.”
With the work-from-home model dominating employee-employer relationships, and Zoom dysmorphia impacting how we view ourselves, many patients seek a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing image.
Additionally, with Millennials aging, with the oldest members of that generation turning 38 this year, they realize that “they are no longer the young kids on the block.” As noted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “[u]nlike previous generations, they are facing 40 while living in an online world. Even if the new normal were to fully disappear, social media will not.”
According to Baylor College of Medicine, plastic surgery techniques and technology continue to improve (dramatically, we might say). Further, plastic surgeons “better understand aging and its physiological and anatomical effects,” allowing plastic surgeons to better address “facial and total body concerns.”
Because of these continued medical advances, plastic and cosmetic procedures will continue to enhance images through subtle transformations. And the key here is that people will not be able to tell if you’ve had work done – unless you choose to tell them.
And, with a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can fully understand your options and results, giving you a natural look – whether you’re on Zoom calls or aging gracefully. So, contact us today to learn more about plastic and cosmetic surgery – giving you the subtle transformation you desire.