Depression is a serious medical illness that affects millions of people throughout the U.S. Treatment usually comes in the form of visiting a psychologist who will talk to the patient, run some tests, and then prescribe therapy, anti-depressants, or a combination of thereof.

However, recent medical studies have shown that Botox can potentially help treat depression and some social anxieties. We’re going to look at what depression is, the current methods used to treat it, and exactly how Botox might be able to help alleviate the symptoms.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental disorder that negatively affects how people feel, act, and think. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness, loss of hope, and can lead to a loss of interest in activities that the patient used to enjoy. 

If left untreated, the condition can cause a wide variety of physical or emotional problems that will take their toll upon a person’s life, relationships, and even work. In some extreme cases, patients who suffer from depression will lose the will to go on with life.

While there are many different types of depression, the World Health Organization has estimated that over 250 million people worldwide suffer from some form of it. Fortunately, depression has been studied for many decades, and scientists have come up with multiple and effective ways of treating it.

How to Treat Depression?

Out of all of the mental disorders, depression is the one that’s the most treatable. Around 80 to 90 percent of those with the condition will eventually respond well to their prescribed treatments. 

The key to treating depression is to get diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional. A medical doctor, such as a family practitioner, cannot diagnose depression. They can only rule out medical conditions that might contribute to it. 

Before treatment is prescribed, the mental health professional will want to sit down and interview you face-to-face. They will ask questions that will help them come up with a diagnosis. They might even ask that you go back to your medical doctor and get some additional tests performed.

If the mental health professional does diagnose depression, there are several treatment options that they can prescribe at their discretion:

Medications – Scientists think that brain chemistry plays a significant role in depression. Anti-depressants can help alleviate it in some patients. There are many different kinds of medicines on the market—if you tried one ten years ago and it didn’t work, there’s a good chance there’s a new drug on the market that might help.

Therapy – Talk therapy, or psychotherapy, is sometimes used to help treat depression. In some cases, it might be used in conjunction with medications. Psychologists have found that talk therapy to be highly effective in helping treat some forms of depression.

How Can Botox Help Treat Depression?

Botox is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that’s typically used to smooth out lines and wrinkles on the face. Over the past few years, many medical studies have been performed that show Botox can be used to treat other medical conditions, such as a gummy smile, migraines, and excessive sweating.

Clinical Trials

Recent scientific studies have found that Botox could be an effective treatment for depression. Some people can have a very severe reaction to anti-depressants, or it can cause unintended side effects that can drastically reduce the quality of life.

In 2006, a clinical trial was performed where 30 people were given a series of Botox injections in the facial area. They were diagnosed with symptoms of depression and were already taking anti-depressants. Over the next 16 weeks, ½ of the people were given a Botox injection while the other half received a placebo saline injection.

The participants who received the Botox injection told researchers that they had experienced a 47.1 percent decrease in their depression symptoms six weeks after being injected. Over the next few years, several other studies were performed that seemed to mirror the similar results as the original one.

How Does Botox Treat Depression?

Researchers initially thought that by injecting Botox in areas on the face where frown lines can occur, it would improve the mood of the patient when they look at themselves in the mirror.

However, more recent studies are shifting that line of thinking. Some scientists now believe that facial expressions, such as frowning, can send signals to the brain that indicate a person is unhappy.  

By blocking the ability of the muscles to contract with a series of Botox injections, it prevents this part of the face from sending a signal to the brain that the person is depressed—and can result in an improved overall mood.

Botox in Dallas

While researchers are still studying the effect that Botox has upon the overall mood of patients who suffer from depression, it seems as if the results are showing signs of promise. 

Even if you don’t suffer from depression, Botox can help smooth out wrinkles and facial lines that you don’t like. If you’re in the Dallas area and would like to speak to an expert about Botox for depression, give Dr. Adams a call at (214) 965-9885 or schedule an appointment via our website.

Are you a guy who has pockets of stubborn fat that just won’t go away—no matter how much you exercise or diet? If so, there’s a highly popular, non-invasive surgical treatment that can help. It’s called CoolSculpting. It uses a wand that freezes away areas of fat on your body that are hard to lose through regular exercise and a good diet.

More and more men are discovering the benefits of CoolSculpting and reclaiming the bodies they had when they were in their late teens. We’re going to take a look at what CoolSculpting is, how it works, and why an increasing number of men are opting to undergo the procedure.

What is CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared procedure that was approved for the market in 2012. It helps treats visible fat bulges in several areas of the body, such as under the chin, thighs, abdomen, flank, upper arm, back fat, and underneath the buttocks. Also known as cryolipolysis, it’s intended to freeze and kill stubborn fat cells. Over time, your body will absorb the fat cells, process, and then naturally eliminate them.

The overall procedure can last anywhere from one to three hours. The cost will be dependent upon how much fat you have and the length of treatment time. To date, well over 4,000,000 people have successfully undergone the CoolSculpting treatment, and it’s one of the top five non-invasive procedures performed by plastic surgeons.

The overall results are promising. A recent study showed that, on average, there is a 20 to 80 percent reduction of fat in the treatment area following a single session. That fat loss occurred throughout a 3-month period. It also found that around 82 percent of people who underwent the procedure would recommend it to a friend.

How Does Coolsculpting Work?

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat-reducing procedure—which means no incisions, liposuction, or anything of the sort. Patients will come into the plastic surgery office and lie down on the table. A gel will be applied in the target area, and then a wand will attach to the area of fat that you want to get rid of.

You might feel a slight tingle or a sensation of extreme cold. These sensations will subside as the targeted area becomes numb. The freezing cold will start to kill off the fat cells during the treatment session. After the procedure is over, you’ll be clear to return to your normal daily life with little to no downtime.

You probably won’t notice a major difference in the following hours after the procedure. The CoolSculpting procedure killed the fat cells during the treatment session, but it can take a few days to a few weeks for your body to recognize, process, and eliminate the dead fat cells. Sometimes a couple of treatment sessions are required to get the full benefit of the procedure.

CoolSculpting isn’t intended for people who need to lose weight. It’s only a spot-treatment type of procedure. If you’re overweight and diet/exercise aren’t working, make an appointment with a plastic surgeon to discuss alternative weight loss options such as liposuction.

Men and CoolSculpting

So why are so many men getting this procedure done as of late? It’s most likely due to changes in public opinion regarding how men wanting to look their best. Men, much like women, have problem areas on their body that they are not proud of. For some, it could be excess body hair, for others excess fat. By undergoing the CoolSculpting procedure, it can help improve the self-esteem of men by removing stubborn areas of fat.

The popularity of such social media sites as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook have also given rise to the increase in men opting for cosmetic procedures. Plastic surgeons often see an uptick in non-invasive procedures just before the summer season. Guys want to look their best when they’re at the pool, river, or beach.

Another reason that more and more men are undergoing the CoolSculpting procedure is due to their lifestyle. A sedentary job, such as computer programming, requires a person to sit long hours at a desk in front of the computer. If that person has to travel a lot for work, it’s often challenging to find the time to get out to the gym and eat healthy. CoolSculpting can help support the good results gained from a healthy diet and regular gym exercise program.

CoolSculpting for Men in Dallas

If you’re located in the Dallas area and need some help losing that extra bit of stubborn fat on your body, give us a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us to set an appointment. Our CoolSculpting treatment can be used in conjunction with other non-invasive procedures to help you look your very best. Dr. Adams is a world-renowned plastic surgeon and will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and suggest the best treatment options available.

The holiday season is now upon us, and that means Instagram pics, selfies, and lots of photos. You’ll want to look your best as you mix and mingle with family, co-workers, and friends you haven’t seen in a while. Now is the perfect time to upgrade your appearance or get a few minor things fixed before the festivities begin.

Non-invasive surgical procedures can help give you the look that you desire with a relatively quick office visit. You’ll be able to go back to your daily routine without any downtime. They can help your appearance and allow you to look your best when celebrating the holidays. 

Here are six non-surgical procedures that you can have done to help you look your best this holiday season.

Botox

Look younger than you did last year with Botox. If crow’s feet, smile lines, and frown lines are starting to appear on your face (and in your social media pics), a round of Botox injections can help soften the wrinkles and restore your youthful looks.

The best part about Botox is that there is little to no evidence that you’ve had work done to your face. People you haven’t seen in a while will remark how young and radiant you look. The results can last anywhere from three to six months, so now is the perfect time to get it done!

Facial Fillers 

Facial fillers are often used in conjunction with Botox to achieve the perfect look. They contain Hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance that helps the skin retain moisture, and thereby looking younger and healthier. Fillers can accomplish many aesthetic goals, such as:

• Smoothing wrinkles and lines
• Enhancing facial symmetry
• Restoring lost volume to the hands and facial areas
• Plumping lips

There’s a wide variety of facial filler brands that you can get, and each one has its own unique set of benefits. Juvéderm®, Restylane®, and Volbella® are just a few of the many fillers that can help you look younger and more radiant.

Coolsculpting

Slim down for the holidays—and fit into your favorite outfit—with Coolsculpting. This non-surgical treatment uses a wand that’s moved over areas of fat on your body. It delivers a precise amount of cooling to freeze and kill fat cells. Once the fat cells die, your body will absorb and eliminate them naturally.

The best part about Coolsculpting is that it doesn’t require you to go under the knife or have anesthesia. Patients are wide awake during the treatment session, and there’s absolutely no downtime. It’s a great procedure to get done on your lunch break or in between your holiday shopping trips.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective alternative to other hair removal procedures. Unlike waxing, shaving, and plucking, laser hair removal permanently removes hair without the side effects of skin irritation and ingrown hairs.

It can help get rid of hair growth in areas such as the bikini line, underarms, upper lip, and arms/legs. Laser hair removal is also relatively painless when compared to waxing and other techniques. There’s no downtime, and patients can return to their regular daily routine immediately after the procedure.

Skin Tightening

Our skin tends to sag and loosen as we age and grow older. Non-surgical skin tightening can help stimulate elastin and collagen production, which will help tighten skin and provide a more youthful look and appearance.

There are several different kinds of non-surgical skin tightening procedures, each with their own benefits:

ThermiVa – Both aging and childbirth can take away the tightness of the vagina. The ThermiVa procedure uses radiofrequency energy as it stimulates and heats the surrounding tissue, which in turn stimulates the production of naturally occurring collagen.

ThermiSmooth – If you have saggy skin, cellulite, or wrinkles, ThermiSmooth can help reduce their appearance. It uses radiofrequency energy to heat the skin areas, which causes it to tighten and smooth. There is no recovery or downtime, and it’s performed in an outpatient setting.

Thermi-Tight – This procedure can help spot-treat the skin on any part of the body. It uses radiofrequency energy that’s delivered to the skin via a tiny probe. It’s most often used for tummies, necks, breasts, and the thigh areas.

Look Your Best for the Holidays

Now is the perfect time to get some minor work done. The above non-surgical procedures will have you looking your best for friends, family, and photos during this holiday season. Most of them can be performed in a single session without any downtime.

If you have an area of concern on your body that you’d like to discuss, give us a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us via our website. Dr. Adams can help you get your face and body ready for the events you’ll be attending countless photos you’ll be taking this holiday season. 

Summer is just a few short weeks away from coming to an end. As we move into fall and then winter, the cold dry air will start to cause to cause skin problems for many men. Unlike women, most guys don’t have a daily skincare regiment, so ours tends to dry out, crack, and in some cases, bleed.

Your skin is the largest organ in your entire body. It’s responsible for keeping all of your squishy parts inside your body safe and sound. Dry, cracked skin is not only unsightly, but it can actually allow viruses and bacteria to enter inside, which can cause a whole host of health problems.

We’re going to look at five great masculine skincare tips that men can do to help avoid dry, cracked, and even bleeding skin this fall and winter season.

Moisturize

Moisturizing isn’t just for women as it can keep your skin looking younger and healthier and prevent dry skin from forming in the first place. There are many different moisturizing products for men on the market that have essential vitamins and other natural ingredients that are designed to help trap water under the skin.

The best time to moisturize is right after a shower, bath, or shave when your skin is still damp. We’re not going to recommend one brand of moisturizing cream over another, but we will tell you that certain brands have no scent whatsoever while other ones have a masculine kind of smell. Experiment and see which brand works best for you.

Wash Your Face

Men should wash their faces after an exercise routine or other physical activity that caused them to break a sweat. Be sure to use a facial cleansing product that’s been specifically designed for the task.

Bar soap and certain brands of body wash can dry your skin out by wicking away moisture. A mild facial cleanser and warm—not hot—water is all that it takes to help wash away dirt, grime, and oils that can clog your pores.

Wear Sunscreen

The sun is the #1 enemy of your skin as even a slight over-exposure can cause damage. This is why you should wear an SPF-appropriate sunscreen when working outdoors, even if you’re mowing the lawn on a cloudy day in the dead of winter.

Be sure to apply sunscreen to all areas of your body, including your ears, neck, and even your lips. A broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunblock of at least 30SPF will do the trick. You can still get a sunburn even if the sun isn’t out, or if you’re wearing a hat or sitting under a shady tree.

On cloudy days, the UV rays that the sun gives off can cause a sunburn or skin damage. If you’re sitting near a pool, lake, or other body of water, the rays of the sun can reflect off of the water and burn your face despite you wearing a hat or sitting under a tree!

Read the Labels

You should read the labels of the skincare products carefully before you buy them. Certain products are explicitly designed for certain skin types. For example, if your skin is prone to acne breakouts, look for moisturizers and cleansers that say “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free.” They won’t clog your pores as other products will.

If your skin is sensitive, try to buy fragrance-free products. The fragrances that some companies add can cause skin irritation for those who have sensitive skin. Keep in mind that some of the “unscented” ones can still contain masking fragrances which will wind up irritating your skin just as well. Fragrance-free is the way to go.

Visit a Medical Spa

If your skin problems don’t seem to be going away, or you’d like an expert professional opinion, you can always visit Aya Medical Spa which offers a wide range of non-surgical skincare procedures that help men keep their skin looking and feeling great.

You can get a professional skin analysis, or choose from a wide range of skincare products that offer protection and performance above and beyond what you’ll find in the Walmart skincare aisle.

If your face has wrinkles and damage from years of sitting in the sun without wearing sunblock, you can always opt for a non-surgical procedure. Botox and even laser resurfacing can take years off your face and give it a youthful look and feel to it.

Men Skin Care in Dallas

If you’re a man and are concerned about the health and quality of your skin, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. More and more men nowadays are buying and using skincare products that help protect and keep their skin looking and feeling healthy.

If you’d like to get a professional medical opinion on your skin or would like to see which non-surgical procedures might be best for you, give us a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us on our website.

At the offices of Dr. Adams, we’re the foremost experts in skincare and can help offer advice and guidance on how to keep the biggest organ in your body healthy and looking great!