Men and Botox: Scientists Find New Ways to Help Male Patients Look and Feel Better

These days, people are more conscious of their appearance than ever before. With the plethora of safe and effective beauty treatments available on the market, it just makes sense to invest a bit of time and money in order to look your very best.

Age can leave its mark on both the body and the face, and physical changes like weight loss or weight gain can wreak havoc on the skin. Today, a new generation of men are challenging longstanding stereotypes and seeking out the latest beauty treatments that salons and spas have to offer.

The anti-aging miracle drug Botox has returned a youthful look to millions of women ? and now their husbands, boyfriends, brothers, and fathers are looking for the some of the same cosmetic magic. This trend has sparked a wave of research into the implications of Botox use among men.

The studies show that Botox is helping men boost their health ? and their self-confidence, as well. This week, we?ll take a look at what scientists have to say about the growing trend of men turning to Botox.

More Botox Needed to Achieve Satisfactory Cosmetic Results for Male Patients

When men show up for a facial Botox injection, practitioners need to lay out a few extra syringes. The findings of a recent study published in the journal Dermatologic Therapy suggest that male patients may require up to twice as much Botox as their female counterparts. If practitioners use the female dose on male patients, the study reported, the degree of muscle manipulation achieved may not be sufficient to be noticeable.

The authors speculate that the need for more Botox may be due to the fact that men have more muscle mass than women ? not only in their bodies, but in their faces as well. The additional Botox may be necessary to penetrate the denser musculature of male patients.

However, the authors cautioned that the correct dosage should be calculated based on an assessment of each individual patient. For example, a small-framed man may be able to achieve satisfactory results with a lower dose of the treatment.

Botox May Help Men Recover From Enlarged Prostrate

Men with non-cancerous enlargement of the prostrate gland often suffer from a wide array of troubling symptoms, including frequent urination, sexual dysfunction, and in some cases, even urinary incontinence. However, traditional treatments for enlarged prostrate symptoms are undesirable, as they often have many unpleasant side effects that equal or exceed the symptoms of the disorder itself.

In a recent study conducted jointly by researchers at the Chang Gung University Medical College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, it was found that an injection of botulinum toxin A, otherwise known as Botox, can significantly reduce the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.

In a preliminary study, a sample of 37 men with enlarged prostate glands was injected with Botox. A significant proportion of the group reported improved urinary function and gains in overall quality of life. It was found that the treatment may be effective for up to a year after the injection.

Although the results achieved in the study were described as preliminary, the researchers asserted that this breakthrough may be a significant help to the millions of men who suffer from enlarged prostate glands.

Study in Progress to Assess the Effectiveness of Botox for Male Pelvic Pain

Researchers at the University of Washington are currently conducting a large-scale study designed to test Botox as a possible treatment for cases of severe pelvic pain in men. Specifically, the research is focusing on male sufferers of Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, a hard-to-treat and sometimes debilitating condition that is estimated to impact nearly ten percent of men over the age of 18.

Because the syndrome is caused by muscle spasms and contractions, the unique relaxation action associated with Botox may be helpful. In a preliminary study, four male patients who were treated with Botox experienced significant improvements with no adverse side effects.

If you or a loved one is considering Botox injections for health or cosmetic purposes, talk to a qualified practitioner to ensure that this treatment is right for you. Check back each week for more diet, weight loss, and beauty.

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.

Can Botox and Diet Help to Improve Your Appearance?

For healthier, younger skin it is no secret that what we feed our bodies has a direct impact on the look of our skin. Fresh fish, dark-green leafy vegetables, nuts, and berries have been suggested to provide the necessary tools skin cells need to improve elasticity.

But recent trends suggest that a combination of diet and botox have impressive results. Botox is an extremely popular cosmetic procedure because it is a non-surgical way to reduce or eliminate lines from forehead, crow?s feet, hands, and neck. It has fast results, is non-evasive and leaves few scars.

What is Botox?

Botox is a protein derived from botulism toxin that is injected underneath the skin in order to smooth out lines and wrinkles. When low doses of botox are used, it actually paralyzes facial muscles giving the patient a clean, smooth facial appearance. Botox is much faster, cheaper and less invasive than a face lift. There are fewer risks than surgery and as such, is very popular for those looking to improve their appearance.

Not just for Women

Botox is not just for women. More and more men are requesting the procedure in their quest to turn back the hands of time. Sometime's men request botox at their wife?s insistence, and sometimes they request it on their own. But recent trends suggest that botox is rising in popularity as it has shown to last several months with noticeable results.

When do most people begin with Botox?

Men and women start to inquire about botox injections in their thirties and forties. People express themselves through their appearance, so when gray hair and facial lines become visible, many American?s begin to take a more active role in improving their appearance.

How do Diet and Botox compliment one other?

Diet and exercise are common methods at which to improve one's appearance. But many times, sticking with a diet can be frustrating. Whether it be a weight loss goal that is too high, or results that are not in line with what was expected, the results are many times the same - an abandoned diet and exercise plan.

Many participants of botox report results that make them look, and as a result, feel better. The motivation gained from this can give dieters the boost they need to keep their diet and exercise routine in check. Looking into the mirror and seeing a face with fewer wrinkles can be exciting. Taking years off the look of one's face can provide indirect results. Motivation is the key.

Ask your Doctor or Licensed Dermatological Skin Care Specialist

As a health care professional before making a decision. Skin care and medical issues should only be completed after thorough research and communication with your doctor.