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Beware of Bad Botox!
A rising number of physicians have begun using low cost, counterfeit Botox imported from abroad. Manufactured mainly in Asia, these low cost products are made from botulinum toxin, like original Botox, but are often formulated with other ingredients so they react differently in the body.
For example, one Chinese botulinum toxin product is formulated with gelatin, dextran and sucrose instead of human albumin and sodium chloride, like original Botox. Because of this, and the counterfeit product s lower pH level, it can result in an allergic reaction and pain upon injection.
In one extreme case reported in late 2004, counterfeit Botox was implicated in the nearly fatal paralysis of four Florida consumers. The cases occurred after an osteopathic physician based in Oakland Park mixed and injected himself, a friend and two other patients with an undiluted, highly concentrated research toxin. Although the doctor represented the toxin as Botox, the vial actually contained a botulinum toxin that was marked "not for human use."
None of the counterfeit products have undergone the rigorous clinical testing of Botox and none are approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Regulators are increasingly bringing criminal charges against companies distributing unapproved products as well as physicians representing other botulinum toxin products as original Botox. Also, Botox manufacturer Allergan added holographic imagery to Botox boxes last year to help customers identify authentic Botox. But some physicians continue to use low cost alternatives.
Before receiving botulinum toxin injections, make sure you are receiving authentic Botox.
Beautologie has always used only 100% original Botox. All treatments are M.D. administered by a Platinum Botox & Platinum Restylane injector.
To learn more about Botox and view before and after photos, please click here.
To ask us a question about Botox, or to schedule your appointment, click here.
Special! Bring in any one advertised price for Botox Cosmetic , Restylane , or Juvederm and we will match it. Enjoy the many benefits of being enrolled in our Botox and Restylane Club with offers (even more discounts). Offer expires January 30th. Cannot be combined with any other offers. |
 Breast Implants: One Shape and Size Doesn t Fit All
 Because no two women have exactly the same breasts, the size and shape of implants must be carefully considered prior to breast augmentation so that the final result looks natural and attractive.
Implants are generally available in either round or teardrop ( anatomic ) shape. Most surgeons use round implants, but teardrop-shaped implants can be preferable for patients who are quite thin or have little breast tissue. This shape can be more natural looking as the lower half of the implant projects more than the top half.
Round implants have a more uniform projection away from the body, but are available in different profiles. The profile refers to how far an implant protrudes from the chest compared to its width. These implants are also offered in both smooth and textured styles, with smooth implants designed to be softer and more mobile than textured implants.
Size is another important consideration, as a breast implant that is too large can leave a patient looking proportionally disfigured. On the other hand, an implant that is too small defeats the purpose of the procedure. This latter problem is not uncommon, since a recent survey by the
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) of 1,350 breast augmentation patients showed that, while satisfaction with surgery was high, 34% of those who underwent re-operation did so simply to change the size of their implants.
Most surgeons agree that the base diameter of the breast should be the key measurement determining the selection of size. However, this still leaves a range of sizes that would be appropriate, and pre-existing breast characteristics as well as patient desires also play important roles in the final selection of an implant size.
The physicians at Beautologie thoroughly explain all options to patients seeking breast augmentation so that the best implant may be selected for each person.
To learn more about breast augmentation and implant selection, view before and after photos, and watch a video of Dr. Shah explaining the procedure, please click here.
To ask us a question about breast augmentation, or have a detailed consultation via email about a tummy tuck, click here.
Special! Set your surgery date for a breast augmentation in January ˜09, and receive the surgery anytime in 2009 for only $4,999. (Discount is for cash, credit card, or check only - $5,300 if financed). Price includes OR fees, anesthesia, implants, surgeon fees, and all post operative care. |
Tummy Tucks: When Dieting Isn t Enough
 With more and more Americans losing ever larger amounts of weight, abdominoplasty has become an essential end to many diets.
That s because, despite the strictest diet and exercise programs, many people aren t able to firm the skin around the abdomen. Others have loose abdominal skin following a heavy weight loss or pregnancy. That s when abdominoplasty can be used to slim and firm the tummy.
This procedure, also known as a tummy tuck , removes excess skin that has lost its elasticity. It may also help reduce fat, tighten abdominal muscles and improve the appearance of stretch marks. This provides a more contoured stomach and well-defined waistline.
During a tummy tuck, an incision is made just above the pubic area. This incision stretches horizontally across the lower abdomen and sometimes around to the back. The skin is then gently pulled away from the muscle, and excess skin is removed. Then the incision is closed and skin is stitched back into place. Sometimes an additional incision around the navel is required for best results.
The procedure lasts between one and five hours, depending upon the degree of improvement desired. As with other types of surgery, patients need a few weeks to recuperate, with most returning to their normal activities within two weeks.
Unless there is a significant weight gain or the patient becomes pregnant, the results of a tummy tuck should last for many years. Complications are generally few.
For more information about tummy tucks, view before and after photos, and watch a video of Dr. Shah explaining the procedure, please click here.
To ask us a question about tummy tucks, or have a detailed consultation via email about a tummy tuck, click here.
Special! Set your surgery date for a tummy tuck in January ˜09, and receive the surgery anytime in 2009 for only $6,999. (Discount is for cash, credit card, or check only - $7,500 if financed). Price includes OR fees, anesthesia, implants, surgeon fees, and all post operative care. |
4850 Commerce Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93309
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