The March-April issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery features a new study evaluating the long-term safety of Reloxin for repeated use in moderate – severe glabellar lines (forehead wrinkles) over 13 months.

Spokespersons from Medicis Pharmaceutical say they expect to receive FDA clearance for Reloxin later this year. When this occurs, it could bring the first real Botox competitor to the U.S. market – a market which helped Allergan Inc. net about 1.3 billion in revenue last year.

One Los Angeles dermatologist spoke to Bloomberg news about the study, saying “the side effects are the same as Botox” and “many of our patients liked it even better.”

Reloxin, like Botox, is composed of a particular botulinum toxin that has been proven to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles in the face.

While Reloxin has been sold outside the US for over 15 years under the name Dysport, Botox has still managed to claim over 80 percent of the worldwide market for the neurotoxin.  One analyst speculates that “Reloxin may be priced 15 percent lower than Botox” which could allow it to take a significant share of the market.

Some newly released statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reveal that for the first time, breast implants are more popular than liposuction.

The reports reveal that 355,671 breast augmentation surgeries were performed in 2008, compared to 341,144 liposuction procedures.

In a recent press release, ASPS President Alan Gold, MD comments that “for the first time in the twelve years these statistics have been collected, liposuction is a runner up in popularity to breast augmentation. There is no doubt that this turnabout will generate discussions in the medical community and the public at large.”

Dr. Gold theorizes that “changes in fashion, i.e. décolletage baring styles, might be a factor behind this change.”

Of the 10.2 million cosmetic procedures undergone in America in 2008, 92 percent were had by women.

The top five surgical procedures in 2008 are as follows:

1. Breast Augmentation
2. Liposuction
3. Eyelid Surgery
4. Rhinoplasty
5. Abdominoplasty

The top five non-surgical procedures in 2008 include:

1. Botox
2. Laser Hair Removal
3. Hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers (Juvederm, Restylane)
4. Chemical Peel
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing

If you see spots on the sides of your face, on your chest, and on your forehead, you should know that these types of facial imperfections can actually be treated and minimized.

Complaints about skin blotches are common and you will be happy to know that we carry a viable solution – the entire Obagi® therapeutic skin care line.  Most people have heard of Obagi® but not everyone is aware that it is the #1 Skin Care sold line exclusively to physicians.

Obagi® is known for its corrective and effective Nu Derm® System, also known as Corrective and Enhance®, which smoothes fine lines and fades brown spots and other skin imperfections in just a few months.

Most people have relatively different skin characteristics that change throughout the aging process.  Dark spots, uneven tone and even a ‘mask’ over the nose and cheek area may appear after pregnancy or use of birth control.  Obagi’s, Clear™, uses prescription strength Hydroquinone to correct discoloration and equalize skin tones to enhance color uniformity.  Its active ingredient has ‘fading properties,’ which proactively correct the early signs of damage by regulating the production of cells responsible for pigment in your skin.

There is a reason why Obagi® is #1 with physicians – It actually works!  Many popular skin care product lines don’t deliver results, especially o.t.c. products.  Prescription products are carefully formulated to achieve visibly dramatic results. Obagi® is a medical grade skin care program so you will need to speak with Dr. Samaha before purchasing.

If you’re interested in lightening those dark spots on your face, chest and hands or are interested in other Obagi® products give us a call at (617) 786-7600 or request a free consultation here. You will look better and then feel so much better about your one and only face.

Even if you have a friend with persistent pigmentation problems, put them in touch with us. We now know if this type of pigmentation problem goes untreated, and if you continue to over expose your skin to the sun, darkening can occur to the point where even make up won’t cover it up.