A typical Botox treatment consists of injections of Botulinum toxin being placed under the skin. This toxin essentially paralyzes the normal actions of the skin, resulting in a smoother and firmer appearance. Botox treatments do wear off, so periodic refreshers are needed to retain a more youthful look.

Recent warnings published by the FDA suggest that Botox may have more dangerous side effects than previously thought. There are a range of reported adverse reactions, including respiratory failure, and, in a few cases, even death.

The FDA assures the public that there is no defect in the product, and that these reactions may be related to overdosing. Problems arise when the Botulinum toxin moves away from the site of injection and enters other tissue and the bloodstream, leading to breathing problems, weakness, and problems swallowing.

The FDA is not asking doctors to stop using Botox. They are, at this time, issuing a warning about possible dangerous side effects.

If you are currently using Botox in your quest for anti-aging, it may be wise to speak to your doctor about whether other anti-wrinkle treatments would be better.

These treatments are often creams or light lotions which you apply to your face, and which act to tighten the skin. Common ingredients include caffeine, which simultaneously flushes excess water. You might use this type of treatment when you want to get rid of puffy eyes.

Argireline is another compound that provides instant skin boosting effects. Argireline works by reducing excess neurotransmitter production, so your wrinkles end up relaxing from the inside out.

While instant effects products offer fast results, these results, unfortunately, start to fade over time. So you may want to use instant effects products when you need to look great for holiday party or special occasion, and then treat your skin to regular good skin care to help keep it in good shape all year long.

I've been using Avotone instant skin tightening cream for a few days and the results have been very good. I feel more confident that I can get through the holidays having fun and looking great.

This is good news for those of you considering cosmetic surgery, as BIS sedation offers a lower anesthesia risk than the other forms of anesthesia usually used in cosmetic surgery procedures.

The BIS method monitors brain activity, and assigns levels of sedation from 1-100. By monitoring the activity of the brain, patients can be sedated with 25% less drug in their body. This means that risks of anesthesia related complications goes down.

This method of sedation is also less expensive than traditional anesthetics, and has fewer side effects.

If you're considering some kind of skin treatment, ask your doctor about the new minimally invasive anesthetics.

A new study, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, warns doctors not to use PLA superficially. In this review of four cases, superficial injection of PLA resulted in nodule formation and inflammation in the skin around the eyes.

Dermatologists should not inject PLA superficially, due to these problems. Any treatment using PLA should be placed deeply below the muscle to be safer.

If your cosmetic surgeon recommends PLA to you, be sure that he or she places it deep within the skin for the safest and most beautiful effect.

Cosmetic surgeons say this study has the potential to revolutionize the practice of plastic surgery.

Neuropeptide Y is a naturally ocurring chemical which, when injected into the body, can add fat to selected areas. When blocked (through neuropeptide Y2R blocker), fat development is prevented.

This means that aging skin could be rejuvenated and plumped up by injecting neuropeptide Y where more fat is needed. On places like the abdomen and thighs, neuropeptide Y2R would be injected to prevent the development of fat at these areas.

So far, this chemical has only been tested in animals. Physicians are hopeful, though, that human studies will show the same promising effects.

The technique could allow for localized fat removal or fat deposition, allowing patients to achieve the body and face they've always wanted, without the pain and high price of liposuction or other plastic surgery techniques.

Women who require body reconstruction (such as after breast cancer treatment) may be among the first group to benefit from this finding.