Botox Houston Educational Blog

Regenerative medicine for aesthetics applications

2015-10-25T10:17:00.001-05:00

What is regenerative medicine and how it can help reduce the aging signs in the skin?

Regenerative medicine comprise a group of techniques which include platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections (also known as the "vampire lift"). In the PRP procedure, we draw a small amount of blood and process it in the lab to concentrate platelets. Platelets may then be mixed with other components such as bone marrow concentrates which contain stem cells and other factors) and then injected under the skin to help regenerate your own cells and provide a more youthful appearance.

Why platelets? Platelets are normally loaded with regenerative factors and growth factors because they are the cells which assist with healing and regeneration. These procedure was first developed for orthopedic purposes, wound healing, repair of sprained ligaments and arthritis. For more information of the specific technique please visit http://www.smpsclinic.com/prp_platelet_rich_plasma.html

Call us at 713-661-0700 for questions on these techniques.

2013-05-13T22:06:00.004-05:00

New uses of Botox in neurological research.

Botox Houston Clinics

NIH investigators employed Botox and unveiled a group of molecules that nerve cells use to send messages to each other . These molecules named SNARES, may be the missing link that researchers have been searching to better comprehend how brain cells communicate with each other.

100 billion nerve cells send messages throughout the body every day and send an incalculable number of signals using about a trillion communication gates called synapses. Cell-to-cell communication controls how we think, how we feel and other simpler tasks such as how we perform movements. This knowledge could open the door to identify new targets for the treatment of neurological disease.

Nerve cells use substances known as neurotransmitters, to send messages from cell to cell. Neurotransmitters are like molecular bullets stored in compartments inside the synapses of nerve cells called synaptic vesicles. Messages are sent when these vesicles blend with the plasma membrane, and release the “bullets” to the synapse.

SNAREs (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) are composed of three main proteins believed to be of utmost importance for synaptic transmission.

"Without SNAREs there is no synaptic transmission," some of the investigators have stated.

Botox, disrupts SNAREs and impair cell to cell communication. In a study published in Cell Reports, the researchers report how they used Botox and similar toxins as tools to demonstrate the critical role of SNAREs proteins in communication among nerve cells. it turned out to be that these proteins are involved in retrieving the bullets for reuse of additional subsequent signals.The critical point is that without retrieval of these neurotransmitters, messages are aborted and there is no communication between nerve cells. Therefore critical processes such as movements, thoughts or even feelings become disrupted.

Botox, SNAREs and Brain Cell Communication - SNARE proteins (red, green and blue objects) are molecules found at most synapses throughout the body. They are known for their role in helping nerve cells send messages by releasing neurotransmitters. Courtesy of NINDS.

The implications may be also very important in understanding several neurological disorders in which SNARE's were demonstrated to be involved, such as schizophrenia and spastic ataxia.

"We think SNARES work like this in most nerve cell synapses. This new role could change the way scientists think about how SNAREs are involved in neuronal communication and diseases," said Dr. Wu, one of the main investigators in the study.

For more information on the uses of botulinum visit: www.Houston-Botox_Texas.com

Reference

Xu J et al. “SNARE proteins synaptobrevin, SNAP-25 and syntaxin are involved in rapid and slow endocytosis at synapses.” Cell Reports, May 2, 2013. DOI: 10.1016 j.cellrep

New Botox Houston site

2012-06-10T01:34:00.001-05:00

Check out the new website qith information on Botox treatments in the Houston area. www.Houston-Botox-Texas.com New Houston Botox SIte

Botox Houston Texas, Houston Botox for wrinkles | Houston Botox Price Cost

2011-12-31T00:18:00.001-06:00

For several questions received regarding pricing for different procedures please review

Botox Houston Texas, Houston Botox for wrinkles Houston Botox Price Cost

Approximate cost of Botox in the Houston area.

What are the brands for botulinum toxin cosmetic approved in the United States?

2011-12-28T19:54:00.004-06:00

There are three main brands. Botox, Dysport and Xeomin,

Due to differences in pharmacokinetics (the manner in which these drugs are processed by the body) there are slight differences in the injection techniques and in the quantities injected but the results are generally similar.

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA, Allergan) was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989. Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA, Medicis) in 2009 and more recentlyl Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA, Merz) obtain FDA approval in 2010. These three drugs are used for cosmetic and medical purposes including for treatment of cervical dystonia and blepharospasm. Please visit www.Botox-Houston-Texas.com for more information. Because of these features, each of these drugs may diffuse differently in tissues, in part because Botox and Dysport have protective proteins covering the botulinim toxin molecule, primarily around its active sites, while Xeomin has no protective proteins.

Botox has a "coat" of protective proteins and weighs about 900 kD molecular weight. Dysport contains two main complexes of 500 kD and 300 kD and botulinum toxin. Xeomin complexes are smaller.

Therefore, these complexes diffuse differently in the tissues after injection. For example, Xeomin is going to diffuse more extensively. These features may increase the variability in effects from patient to patient and make the conversion in units of one brand to the other not straightforward. Experience and expertise in their use is important in achieving the desired results.

Units of BOTOX needed per facial area. BOTOX HOUSTON DOCTORS

2011-07-17T09:48:00.008-05:00

How many units of BOTOX cosmetic are needed per facial area?

We have received this question several times and here is the answer for the most frequently requested areas to be treated with BOTOX cosmetic. Please note that these are average values and the response is different from person to person. In general, males require a higher number of units of Botox. SEE PICTURE ON THE RIGHT FOR THE NAME OF THE MUSCLES INDICATED IN THE EXPLANATION BELOW

Frown lines (corrugator and procerrus muscles): 15-20 Units injected within the corrugators and procerrus muscles. Males have stronger corrugators and it is not infrequent to see individuals requiring 20 Units of Botox.

Crow's Feet (orbicularis muscle): 10 units of Botox per side.

Forehead (frontalis muscle): 15 to 40 units of Botox depending on the forehead size, extent of wrinkling and type of frontalis muscle.

Keep in mind that Botox units are not equivalent to Dysport units, a form of botulinum toxin with similar mechanism of action. Although the conversion of Botox units to Dysport units is not straight forward, one unit of Botox is equivalent to approximately 2.5 units of Dysport.

We hope this information is useful. Please visit us at http://www.botox-houston-texas.com/ or at http://www.davinciaesthetics.com/ for additional information or write to us if you have additional questions. BOTOX HOUSTON DOCTORS

Botox for chin muscles

2011-07-02T22:14:00.002-05:00

Can BOTOX be used for the chin?

Chin muscles frequently become hypercontracted with age creating a rough texture to the chin area. The appearance of this can be readily softened and improved dramatically with approximately 4-6 units of BOTOX injected into the mentalis muscle (see picture below). Results are consistently predictable.

How Botox works?

2011-06-09T02:20:00.004-05:00

Botox® is a trade name for botulinum toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This toxin can cause botulism that is a form of food poisoning that occurs when someone eats something containing these bacteria.

The most serious symptom of botulism is paralysis, which in some cases has proven to be fatal. The botulinum toxins destroy nerve endings. Once this happens, acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for triggering muscle contractions, cannot be released. A series of proteins, VAMP, syntaxin and SNAP-25, are essential for the release of acetylcholine. Certain botulinum toxins attack these proteins. Botulinum toxin A (Botox) affects the SNAP-25.

Basically, the botulinum toxins stop the messages that would normally tell your muscles to contract.

At this point, you may be wondering why anyone would want to have a botulinum toxin injected into his or her body. The answer is simple: for cosmetic purposes, it is given in very minute amounts so that toxic effects are extraordinarily rare. The weakening of the muscles occurs only in the areas were Botox is injected. If an area of the body can't move, it can't wrinkle.

About the author: Dr. Pappolla, MD is a board certified Neurologist and a full Professor of Neurology holding a PhD doctorate in Human Aging. He is highly experienced in the use of this cosmetic substance. Click for more information about this topic and for finding a specialist for Botox in Houston

Botox Houston Centers at the Houston Medical Center

2011-06-01T22:34:00.003-05:00

BOTOX HOUSTON CENTERS---HOUSTON BOTOX SPECIALISTS---BOTOX NEWSLETTER.

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Can Botox and fillers like Restylane or Radiesse be given together?

2011-05-28T20:03:00.002-05:00

The combination of Botox and facial fillers like Radiesse, Juvederm, Restylane and others leads to superb aesthetic outcomes. At our Botox Houston clinics we administer these products together on the same patient very frequently with extraordinarily rewarding rejuvenating effects. Botox and facial fillers complement each other in a manner that their combined efficacy to erase wrinkles is synergistic. In other words, the outcomes of using Botox together with dermal fillers are better than using either Botox or fillers alone. Please see the before and after pictures in our website by clicking here (examples of patients' results after using Botox and dermal fillers together). Botox Houston MD

BOTOX AND NASOLABIAL FOLDS CORRECTION

2011-05-07T11:42:00.000-05:00

I had several patients consulting with the question of whether BOTOX can be use to reduce the appearance of prominent nasolabial folds. The answer is NO. Nasolabial folds are most commonly and rapidly corrected by dermal fillers such as RESTYLANE, JUVEDERM, RADIESSE, ARTEFILL and others.

Can Botox be used to reduce the jaw line? I have a very squared face and would like to get a more triangular outline. Thank you. Lisa

2011-04-24T00:47:00.001-05:00

Dear Lisa, Yes, Botox can be used for this purpose. The popularity of Botox in Houston continues to increase and we see a multitude of requests for reasons beyond wrinkle reduction. Botox can be administered to the maseter muscles (muscle of chewing or mastication) in the jaw reducing the size and prominence of the jaw. This is procedure mostly sought after by female patients looking to achieve a more triangular facial contour. At the Botox Houston Clinics, we have performed this procedure with superb results. Experience is needed not to exceed the necessary units to achieve this effect without weakening the jaw, which may make chewing difficult. Please visit our Botox Houston Clinics for more information. http://www.botox-houston-texas.com/botox_jaw.html M. Pappolla, MD, PhD

For more information check www.Botox-Houston-Texas

2011-04-13T15:43:00.000-05:00

Check www.Botox-Houston-Texas.com for more information.

Botox for increase sweating

2011-04-12T09:32:00.000-05:00

A frequent question about increase axillary sweating (hyperhydrosis) is how many units of Botox it requires. In our experience this varies from person to person and severity of the problem. The usual range is 30-50 Units per axilla.

Botox Houston

2011-04-12T08:34:00.001-05:00

Can Botox be used to treat acne?