DrShahAdmin's blog

New FDA labeling to help make it clearer

Sunscreens have long been touted for their anti aging and help in preventing skin cancer.  However, only within the last several years have sunscreens been updated to block both UVA and UVB sunlight.  

In order to make it clearer for consumers the FDA has updated its labeling of all sunscrren products.

Products which are called "broad spectrum" will protect against all UVA and UVB sunrays.  Currently in the US there are only 2 agents which block UVA  which are either zinc oxide or avobenzone.  However, look for more UVA blocking ingredients coming in upcoming products  to a shelf near you.

In addition, products which are listed as sweat or water proof must be specific to let you know how long the water will maintain an spf protection for when actually wet after standard testing.  SPF 50 plus will be the highest issued SPF as SPF 70,80,90, and 100 are phased out.  This is in part because there is little difference in sun protection between SPF 50 and SPF 100.

Let's hope that spring is upon us soon and that there is good reason to lather up the right BROAD SPECTRUM sunscreen.

Smart phones misdiagnose skin cancer

Smart phones seem able to do everything: accounting, banking, camera, and now diagnosing medical conditions. There are several smart phone apps which claim to be able to diagnose skin cancer. Unfortunately, a recent study has shown that these apps may not be accurate and may in fact be dangerous. The smart phone skin cancer apps work by using an algorithm which on image analysis. The best of these apps was able to accurately diagnose skin cancer 30% of the time. The danger in such an app is that patient's can get lulled into a false sense of security and avoid seeing the doctor.

So if you are using a medical app, know that you are using it for supplemental information and not to replace your doctor.

Botox has earned a reputation for being a miracle... and it is. But is real or fake?

The FDA just released a statement warning patients that unlicensed Botox is being shipped by suppliers owned by a pharmacy called Canada Drugs. Some practices save money on the real deal wrinkle fighter by shipping in Canadian botox. Since there are issues with Botox regulation the FDA is alerting doctors about “unapproved medications, including unapproved version of Botox.” The agency even listed the doctors’ names and locations of those practices who may have purchased unlicensed Botox.

According to the ASPS, over 5.5 million people were injected with Botox last year, making it the most popular cosmetic treatment in America. At an average cost ranging from $200 to $600 per treatment, Botox is now making cosmetic surgery more and more affordable. However, some people try to make a further profit on botox by using products which are not authenticate.

Well then what is REAL Botox?

There are several companies which distribute botulinum toxin for injections for the face.  Allergan is the company that distributes the most Botox Cosmetic in the United States. Botox Cosmetic is also known under chemical name OnabotulinumtoxinA and is produced from the botulinum toxin which will freeze or paralyze facial muscles to reduce wrinkles. All Botox produced by Allergan is distributed in secure packaging and all the bottles have a 3D hologram on the label. However, sophisticated knock offs have been produced that mimic the packaging so closely that a normal person would not be able to tell the difference just by viewing the labels.

You should find your doctor or practice on the official website for Botox: www.botoxcosmetic.com. For example, Dr. Shah purchases his Botox straight from Allergan and has a premiere partnership with them. If your physician who injects you with botulinum toxin is not on the website, ask them why they are not listed and where they purchase it from.  You may not like the answer--

While there are other botulinum toxin products that are on the market that are somewhat similar to Botox, they are not generally the source of stories about “fake Botox” that appear in the news. These alternatives are Dysport and Xeomin. Both of these Chicago injectables are produced by reputable pharmaceutical companies. Highly regarded physicians often use these products in their office to reduce wrinkles and will advertise them under the correct name brand and not misrepresent them as Botox.

How to avoid getting “fake” Botox?

As a general rule, it is always good to see the bottle or the container from which someone is injecting you. However, selecting a physician who is shown on a company's website is another way to help determine this.

Botox is an excellent product to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and even help prevent wrinkles while the drug is active.  The results will often last for 4 to 6 months at a time to provide a younger look and when injected with authenticate botox, may provide a highly favorable safety profile.

Once a year, we have that Hallmark holiday that is dedicated to that special “someone” in your life. Not saying that long-stem roses aren’t wonderful, along with chocolates and a romantic dinner. Those are all greatclassic Valentine's Day gifts! Why not give a gift that lasts a little longer than a week?There is a special promotion during February only that Dr. Shah's is proud to announce!

A Radiesse dermal filler wrinkle treatment. Buy 1 Get 1 Free.
The benefit of this promotion is that you can be creative. I am getting some filler and would like for you to join me.  This promotion is specific and specially designed for Dr. Shah's office from the manufacturer, Merz.  Radiesse is a filler which can make a face look younger in the office in 15 minutes. You can literally soften lines and add volume to your face quickly, safely and effectively. Radiesse can last a long time, usually more than a year.

Any laser hair removal treatment for $100!
Nothing says I love you like lasering your back for your significant other. Whether it’s your legs or that underarm hair you hate, come in for a painless hair removal treatment. Keep in mind that most laser hair treatments require a series so start now to be hairless by summer.

We also have gift certificates available. So, if you have something in mind for you or your loved one and aren’t sure really what they would like, just give them a beauty gift card instead!

Follow us on Twitter
Join us on Facebook