Many Dieters Turn to Botox for Beauty Boost

Millions of men and women are actively trying to shed excess pounds at any given time. Although many of these dieters are motivated by health concerns, it's probably fair to say that a large majority are also seeking the improved self-confidence that comes with feeling better and looking better.

As anyone who has battled the scale knows well, the process of weight loss can be a long, hard struggle. It can be tempting to hold off on self-care while you're fighting excess pounds -- in fact, some dieters use the prospect of a future beauty binge as a goal to work towards.

However, the latest research indicates that this approach -- although well-intentioned -- may be misguided. Instead, scientists say, it pays to pour your time and resources into maintaining your outward appearance while you lose weight, rather than waiting until you've crossed the finish line. This is due to the fact that neglecting your appearance can result in low self-esteem. Across the board, successful dieters often have higher reported levels of self-confidence than their counterparts who throw in the towel.

One increasingly popular method of boosting self-confidence is turning to the age-erasing power of the cosmetic treatment known as Botox. Small injections of Botox are used to smooth muscles and skin, significantly reducing many common signs of aging.

The popularity of Botox has skyrocketed in recent years, and scientists are starting to pay attention to the once-controversial drug. This week, we'll take a look at a trio of recent studies that assessed the benefits of Botox.

Study Points to a Safer, More Effective Form of Botox Treatment

Despite the widespread use of Botox as a cosmetic treatment, safety concerns remain an issue. Since its release, Botox has remained at the center of a heated controversy. Many scientists have expressed their concern over the long-term safety of the drug, which is based on the same toxin that causes botulism, a potentially fatal disease.

However, the results of a recent study conducted by researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California suggest that a new formulation of the popular treatment could allay many of these safety concerns. The researchers have indicated that smaller, more concentrated doses of Botox may be able to significantly increase the safety of the cosmetic treatment.

By pairing the traditional Botox treatment with a newly synthesized molecule, Scripps scientists have effectively "supercharged" the treatment, allowing much smaller doses to produce even more visible cosmetic changes. The smaller doses may eliminate the possibility that the body rejects the Botox compound by mounting an immune system response.

In addition, the scientists add that by minimizing the amount of Botox in each dose, the average price of the treatment may decline. However, further testing -- and FDA approval -- are still needed before the new formulation is released to the public.

Botox Can Improve Healing, Reduce Facial Scarring

Although the cosmetic treatment is used primarily as an anti-aging agent, a recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Buffalo's Department of Otolaryngology suggests that it could also be used to improve healing after facial surgery. In addition, the research suggests that Botox treatment may reduce and even reverse some types of facial scarring.

The new formulation of the popular treatment has been submitted for further testing before being considered for FDA approval. Although this research focused solely on facial healing and scarring, the scientists suspect that it may prove to be similarly effective when used on other parts of the body.

Botox May Have Many Non-Cosmetic Benefits, Study Shows

Although Botox came to prominence as a cosmetic treatment, a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Leicester indicates that the anti-aging agent may have other medical applications, as well.

Specifically, the research explored the use of Botox as a possible treatment for bladder problems. Because Botox works by producing stiffness in muscles, researchers have suggested that it may be beneficial for patients who suffer from overactive bladders, a condition that is often associated with a specific type of muscle spasms.

The ongoing study has shown promising results in the preliminary round, according to the researchers leading the investigation. However, further randomized trials to test the treatment's safety and efficacy in human populations will be necessary before the drug can be submitted for final approval.

If you're considering Botox -- whether for cosmetic reasons or other medical applications -- your doctor can help you decide if this treatment is right for you. Please be sure to check back each week to get more of the research news you need to succeed in your journey toward better health.