Any time a type of cosmetic surgery procedure is in the news, Orlando Cosmetic Surgery feels obligated to let you know about it. Likewise, over the years, we have informed you about numerous break-throughs in the amazing medical uses of the wonderful “cosmetic” drug known as Botox.
A Quick Review
As you know, Botox is the brand name for a toxin made from the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum and it is a remarkable drug.
Our patients at Orlando Cosmetic Surgery love what Botox injections can do for the appearance of facial aging. It is most popular for reducing the appearance of forehead lines, nasal-labial folds (frown lines) and crows-feet.
Although this is what we most often use it for, we have brought you news of other medical uses of the Botox. It has been utilized to ease excessive sweating, migraine headaches, overactive bladder, and other conditions.
No matter what its usage, “It works by blocking nerve signals that tell muscles to contract.”
Botox and the Bypass
Last month, a study showed Botox might very well prevent irregular heartbeat after bypass surgery. Dr. Jonathan Steinberg, Director of the Arrhythmia Institute of Valley Health System in Ridgewood, N.J. explained that the wrinkle concealer does this by stopping atrial fibrillation.
This means it might assist at preventing “development of an irregular heart rhythm after bypass surgery…”
This irregular heart rhythm is also called a-fib. Dr. Steinberg explained, “it can lead to serious problems, including kidney damage, stroke or death.”
Dr. Jonathan Steinberg added, “A few hundred thousand patients undergo heart surgery every year and a-fib is very common, occurring in about 30 percent.”
The research study was actually very small, involving 60 bypass patients. They were randomly slated for either Botox or a placebo of saline injections.
All the patients had endured at least two episodes of heartbeat irregularity in their medical history. They were all also diagnosed as good candidates for more attacks. It should be noted that none of the 60 patients in the study were
taking atrial fibrillation medications.
Basics of the Botox and Bypass Heart Research
The Treatment: The injections were actually administered into fat pads which surround the heart. This was accomplished during the by-pass surgery.
The Results: In the first 30 days after surgery, only 7 percent of the Botox patients demonstrated atrial fibrillation, but 30 percent of the saline group developed atrial fibrillation.
The Follow-up: A year later, investigators discovered that “none of those who got Botox had the rhythm problem, versus 27 percent of those given saline.”
Special Notes: Patients’ surgical complications were similar in both groups. Moreover, the Botox caused no drug-specific complications, in any of the cases.
Extent of Treatment: Steinberg stated only one injection was needed. He stated “Atrial fibrillation that occurs after cardiac surgery is a short-term problem, that is about one week, so a single injection should be sufficient.”
It must be emphasized that the small research study was enacted in only two Russian hospitals. Before the results can be universally acceptable, there must be more testing on a larger scale.
The results were published Oct. 20 in the journal Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.
Manish Shah, M.D., cardiac electrophysiologist and Director of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Training Program of MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, Washington, summarized the research by saying, “Botox appears to be very effective.”
He also added, “However, this is not going to be a major treatment strategy for patients who have a-fib that we see most commonly.”
Here in Orlando Florida, at Orlando Cosmetic Surgery, we look forward to bringing you the latest and most interesting news and research in cosmetic surgery and special topics such as Botox. Often times, today’s research studies become tomorrow’s procedures.
Obviously, Botox has many and varied medical uses and, when administered properly, it creates beauty, youthful appearance and even more: It creates health.
A Special Note:
With the second week of November, we have deepened our journey into our season of gratitude, culminating in Thanksgiving. Once again, we caution you to take good care of your skin so you can shine during your coming holiday events. Just in case you missed it, check out our previous blog article of Fall Skin Tips and our Announcement of the OBAGI Holiday Kit.
