Obesity can result from excessive intake of food, lack of physical activities, lack of knowledge on balanced diet and genetic factors etc. Obesity can also be visible as a result of side effect of some certain kind of medications. Obesity is considered as a disease by the medical fraternity as it may give rise to future health risks like – heart ailments, diabetes, prostate cancer, high blood pressure, and hypertension etc. Hence, it is important to get rid of obesity when time is left.

Acomplia is a diet pill is a sympathomimetic amine and is known as ‘anorexigenic’ or ‘anorectic’ drug too. This diet pill stimulates the central nervous system and its periphery thus helps in increasing heart rate and blood pressure. This increase in blood pressure and heart rate helps one decrease his or her appetite. Acomplia is a short term appetite suppressant to be used in tandem with controlled diet and exercises. As Acomplia is a diet supplement it cannot directly help one get out of obesity rather it helps in supplementing the process of weight loss through exercises.

Before starting its dosage individuals with thyroid problem, anxiety, epilepsy, allergy, and diabetes should tell their doctor about it. One should not take Phentermine if he or she has – heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma or have a history of drug abuse. Acomplia is a prescription drug hence this drug should not be taken without proper medical guidance. An obese can have online prescription for the drug from a number of online facilities. These online prescriptions are free of cost, i.e. one does not need any fee to pay to avail these services.

Side effects of Acomplia may include hallucination, abnormal behaviour, confusion, headache, blurred vision, difficulty in breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue or closing of throats etc. In case such events occur one should stop taking Acomplia diet pills immediately. Other minor side effects like restlessness, insomnia, headache, diarrhea and changes in libido may also occur. In case these happen you should talk to your doctor.

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(source: weightlossmedications.org)

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Of the four major categories of medications for psychiatric symptoms, only one will be covered in some detail here. This is one of two categories that correlate more closely to stress (the other category includes the anti-anxiety medications). And within this article they’ll simply be called “stress medicine” although this certainly isn’t a medical term.

Antidepressants:

As the name implies, these medications (meds) treat the symptoms of depression. This includes low mood, low energy, appetite problems, sleep problems, and poor concentration. They can also be effective for anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and phobias. It may be 2, 3, 5, or even 8 weeks before the patient notices a change. And never stop taking a med without first talking to your doctor.

The newer generation of these medications for depression is called “serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors” (SSRIs). They tend to cause fewer side effects. SSRIs include Prozac, Zoloft, Serzone, Lexapro, and Luvox.

The brain chemistry of depression and anxiety is not fully understood. However, evidence supports the view that people with these disorders have an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters. These are chemicals in the brain that allow nerve cells to communicate. One of the most commonly accepted theories suggests that two naturally occurring chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, are believed to affect core mood and pain symptoms of depression. An imbalance in these chemicals may be an important factor in the development of depression and anxiety.

These chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) aid communication between many areas of the brain and spinal cord that affect emotional aspects of a person’s nature. They are also important in “controlling the volume” of messages about pain between the body and the brain.

The SSRIs work in this way: Serotonin is released from one nerve cell and passed to the next. In the process, some of the serotonin released is reabsorbed by the first nerve cell. SSRIs block the re-absorption of serotonin into the first nerve cell. It is this blocking action that causes an increased amount of serotonin to become available at the next nerve cell and this is how SSRIs affect the balance of serotonin in the brain.

No two meds are exactly alike. And exactly what conditions a drug can be prescribed for vary as do the side effects for each drug or medication. Not everyone has side effects but the common ones include: Nausea, vomiting, excitement, agitation, headache, sexual problems, dry mouth, dizziness, sedation, weight gain, constipation, heart palpitations, cardiac abnormalities, insomnia, memory problems, over-stimulation, and hypertensive crisis.

Another sub-category of antidepressant stress medicine is called selective SNRIs (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). They work on the same basic principle as the SSRIs but target other chemicals. This impacts which conditions they can be prescribed for. Cymbalta is a common med and some of the side effects are nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, decreased appetite, increased sweating, and difficulty sleeping.

Wellbutrin on the other hand, helps balance the levels neurotransmitters called dopamine and norepinephrine. It’s another antidepressant. Some of the side effects are agitation, dry mouth, skin rash, loss of appetite, sweating, ringing in the ears, shakiness, stomach pain, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, fast heartbeat, sore throat, urinating more often, constipation, headaches, and weight loss.

Talk to your doctor about any other medications you’re on BEFORE getting a prescription for one of these antidepressants sometimes called “stress medicine.” They interact with some other medications in very dangerous ways.

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Alcoholism is a craving for alcoholism. What is like living with a craving? Ask yourself if you have ever had an uncontrollable craving for a certain food. Was there ever a time you ever felt that if you didn’t get that food you wanted you were going to freak out? That is how an alcoholic feels times ten when it comes to alcohol. If they do not drink, they will start to experience tremors, nauseousness and anxiety. When you are craving food, do you experience any of those symptoms.  Chances are you don’t.

If you are an alcoholic, chances are the only thought you have through out the day is when you can have your next drink. It consumes your every thought and you might find that you are unable to concentrate on any task. Your work begins to suffer. This is why most alcoholics are fired from their jobs.

Another side effect of alcoholism is that your personal relationships will suffer.  As your disease progresses, alcohol begins to take control of your life. You will find that you can not make even the simplest decisions. You will find that you would rather spend your time drinking than spending it with family and friends. Alcohol can also make you more violent then you are normally. Most domestic abuse involves drinking as well as some child abuse cases. Your temper and patience is much shorter than it would be if you were not drinking.

Denial is another side effect that comes alcoholism. Denial is actually a universal symptom of alcohol. Most people are not willing to admit they have a drinking problem and you might find yourself getting angry with family and friends when they voice their concerns about your drinking.

As you continue to drink, you might begin to find yourself alone. There are not many people who can stand by and watch someone they love kill themselves. Many alcoholics commit suicide by drinking themselves to death. Remember Nicholas Cage’s character in “Leaving Las Vegas”. The whole purpose of his trip to Vegas was to drink himself to death. He was alone and he was depressed although his drinking covered it up.

Depression is another emotion you might experience, and that can cause you to drink even more as time goes on.

Keep in mind the damage you might be doing to your family and loved one. Your drinking affects them. Your children look to you to set examples and what sort of example are you setting for them by losing control over your drinking.

Not all of the side effects from alcohol are physical ones. The physical ones hurt, but the mental ones can hurt even more.

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Levaquin can only be obtained through a prescription from a medical professional, and is generally prescribed in once-daily doses. It can be prescribed in either tablet form or in an oral solution, depending on the patient and other circumstance. It’s important to remember that antibiotics are used again bacterial infections, and because colds and flus are caused by viral infections, drugs like Levaquin and other antibiotics cannot treat or cure these kinds of illnesses. It is also important to remember that antibiotics work best when there is a consistent level of the drug in the body, so it is best to take the drug in regular intervals and to avoid missing a dose. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, but never as a double dose. Also the full prescription of antibiotics should always be taken even after the patient begins to feel better. Dosage levels will depend on the patient and are based on body weight. Because certain minerals can interfere with the absorption of the drug, it is suggested that the drug be taken within two hours of any supplements that contain calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc. There have also been instances of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs taken in combination with Levaquin increasing the risk of over excited CNS.

Pregnant or lactating women and children under the age of 18 should not take Levaquin because of the chance of bone and joint deformities in juveniles.

The most common side effects reported while taking Levaquin are nausea and vomiting, headache, diarrhea or constipation. Less common side effects have included sleeplessness, dizziness, rash, itching, and abdominal pain or gas. As with all antibiotic drugs, prolonged use may result in the development of an oral thrush. Though rare, allergic reactions are possible and symptoms include itching, rash, hives, swelling, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness. If you experience any of these signs contact your doctor immediately.

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This makes the emergence of hyaluronic acid supplements even more important to an aging America. While we are inundated with disturbing news regarding drugs such as Cox-2 inhibitors and Nsaids
(Vioxx® and Celebrex®), hyaluronic acid is a safe and effective solution for osteoarthritis sufferers.

Hyaluronic Acid Supplements Relieve Osteoarthritis Pain

More and more supplements are entering the market with hyaluronic acid in their formulations. Numerous clinical trials have proved their effectiveness when used as an oral supplement.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in connective tissue. It is a major component of articular cartilage and acts as a lubricant within the joints. When choosing a hyaluronic acid supplement molecular weight is extremely important. The most absorbable and clinically effective form is found in a material called BioCell Collagen II®. BioCell Collagen II® contains a uniquely bioavailable form of hyaluronic acid making it readily usable by the body. Several products on the market contain BioCell Collagen II® (hyaluronic acid). Phosoplex™ from Optimal Therapeutics is an excellent formulation utilizing BioCell Collagen II®, MSM, Glucosamine, Nextrutine and other safe pain and joint aiding ingredients. When combining multiple quality ingredients with hyaluronic acid a synergistic effect occurs making these types of formulations extremely effective in fighting Osteoarthritis pain.

The Phosoplex™ Hyaluronic Acid Connection

Fran, a 48 year old school teacher from Rockville, Maryland, used Phosoplex™ for 12 weeks. Fran states “I feel so much better. I can actually see the inflammation in my hands and knees going away. Everyday activities are no longer a painful experience.” These types of results and comments seem to be the norm with consistent users of hyaluronic acid containing products.

Hyaluronic acid in the form of BioCell Collagen II® is an exciting safe new alternative to pharmaceuticals in our never ending battle with osteoarthritis pain. Based on current research and recent problems with both pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter drugs, natural alternative ingredients like BioCell Collagen II® and natural formulas like Phosoplex™ are the future for safe and effective pain management. If you are in pain give these natural alternatives a try. Be consistent and administer as directed and hopefully you will get the desired results thousands of others have already experienced using these natural aids.

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If you are one of these people, then you might consider weight loss drugs to help achieve a clinical significant weight loss. Weight loss drugs are not meant to be used by the Jacks and Jills who just want to lose a few pounds for cosmetic reasons. You can benefit from weight loss drugs if you are obese, and this obesity is causing health problems.

Weight-loss drugs should not replace the need for changes in your eating habits or activity level.

Practitioners may recommend weight loss drugs to different classes of people including:

1. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more,
2. Overweight patients with a BMI of 27 or more who either lack “good” HDL cholesterol, have too much “bad” LDL cholesterol, are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, have a high blood pressure, or have sleep apnea
3. People who have tried other weight loss methods, and failed

Common drugs available on the market

Some commonly available drugs are listed below. This list is by no means exhaustive. The first two are available on the NHS, if you meet their criteria.

• Sibutramine Meridia (US) /Reductil (UK)). This drug changes your brain chemistry, making you feel full more quickly. Typical dosage is 10 milligrams (mg) once a day. Possible side-effects include increased blood pressure, headache, dry mouth, constipation and insomnia.
• Orlistat (Xenical). Prevents the absorption of fat in your intestines. Normal dosage is 120 mg three times a day. Possible side effects include frequent oily bowel movements, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain.
• Rimonabant (Acomplia). Works by blocking the endocannabinoid system in the brain which regulates hunger. This stifles hunger and cravings. You take 1 pill a day. Possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, anxiety, diarrhea and insomnia.

During tests sibutramine and orlistat users typically achieved weight losses of 3-4 percent over a year. Rimonabant users typically achieved 5-10%, with almost 40% achieving 10% weight loss. Rimonabant is not expected to be on the NHS within the next two years due to its cost (£55 per patient per month).

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More than 45 years since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved “the pill” in 1960, it continues to be the most popular and one of the most effective forms of reversible birth control. Today, American women have more than 40 different oral contraceptive products from which to choose.

“The pill” is the common name for oral contraception. There are two basic types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills. Both are made of hormones like those made by a woman’s ovaries. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin. Both types require a medical evaluation and prescription. Both can prevent pregnancy.

Progestin-only pills

The progestin-only pills (also called “mini-pills”) became available in the 1970s. Their use was and has been limited - making up only 1 to 10 % of contraceptive market. This type of pills contains no estrogen and therefore they do not usually prevent ovulation. To work effectively, they must be taken at a certain time every 24 hours. Even missing one pill can greatly reduce effectiveness.

Progestin-only pills have specific advantages over combined oral contraceptives. Because they do not contain estrogen, they are a good contraceptive choice for breastfeeding women, as estrogen reduces milk production, and for women with health conditions that preclude use of combined oral contraceptives pills, such as migraine headaches, thromboembolism, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, progestin-only pills do not have most of the estrogen-related side effects of oral contraception: nausea, headaches and other symptoms associated with starting the combined pill are minimal. However, bleeding and spotting days during the intramenstrual period may be higher than with the combined pills and missed pills may result in a higher chance of pregnancy that with the combined oral contraceptives.

Combination pills

When you hear the term “birth control pill,” it most often refers to oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin. Combination pills contain a combination of these two hormones. They are categorized as monophasic, biphasic, or triphasic pills depending on whether the level of hormones stays the same during the first three weeks of the menstrual cycle or changes.

Combined birth control pills work by preventing ovulation - the release of a mature egg from a woman’s ovary. The estrogen in the pill causes this.

Monophasic pills

Monophasic pills contain the same amount of estrogen and progestin in all of the active pills in a pack. Examples of monophasic pills include Alesse, Brevicon, Desogen, Levlen, Levlite, Loestrin, Modicon, Nelova, Nordette, Norinyl, Ortho-Cept, Ortho-Cyclen, Ortho-Novum, Ovcon, Yasmin. Because of the uniform hormone level in all the pills, monophasics are least likely to cause side effects, such as mood changes, that can result from fluctuating hormone levels in the body.

The FDA approved a new packaging of a monophasic birth-control pill called Seasonale in 2003. The product is packaged in a 91-day supply and is designed to prevent menstruation for the entire time period. Women taking Seasonale will have only four periods a year. Seasonale contains the same estrogen and progestin in the same amount as many other monophasic birth control pills. Although many other monophasic birth control pills are used in this way, Seasonale is the only product approved for use.

Multiphasic pills

Phasic pills were developed in the 1980s. Multiphasic oral contraceptives contain varied amounts of hormones and are designed to be taken at specific times throughout the entire pill-taking schedule. They were developed to reduce side effects of oral contraceptives, including breakthrough bleeding, spotting and amenorrhea, associated with higher levels of hormones.

Biphasic pills change the level of hormones once during the menstrual cycle. The progesterone dose is increased about halfway through the cycle. Examples of biphasic pills include Jenest, Mircette, Necon 10/11, Nelova 10/11, Ortho-Novum 10/11.

Triphasic pills contain three different doses of hormones in the active pills (changing every seven days during the first three weeks of pills). Triphasic pills gradually increase the dose of estrogen and some pills also increase the progesterone dose. Triphasic pills include Cyclessa, Ortho-Novum 7/7/7, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Triphasil, Tri-Levlen, Trivora, Tri-Norinyl.

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP)

Emergency contraceptive pills are not intended to be used regularly as a contraceptive. They are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. The FDA has approved one emergency contraception pill called Plan B, which contains the progestin levonorgestrel.

Advantages of ECP:

• Reduces the chance of unintended pregnancy
• Can be obtained easily - Plan B will soon be available over the counter for women 18 and over can be obtained in advance and kept handy in case of an emergency.

Disadvantages:

• Timing. Because you must take the first dose within 120 hour of having unprotected sex. The sooner you take them after unprotected intercourse, the more effective they are.

Which Pill is better?

Monophasic birth control pills work as well as the more expensive and more complicated biphasic and triphasic products. Monophasic products with low amounts of estrogen may cause less bloating or breast tenderness but more breakthrough bleeding. So for most women, the monophasic birth control pills represent a good first option. All combination products containing both estrogen and progestogen are more effective in preventing pregnancy than are the “mini-pills.” However, progestin-only pills are a good choice for breastfeeding women and for women who can’t use combined oral contraceptives pills.

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Well, did you know the Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States (DEA) has busted and close over 5000 online pharmacies? Did you know that many online pharmacies sell counterfeit medication? Did you know it is a federal crime for you to order prescription drugs from outside the United States?

It is true, online pharmacies are a great source of pain relief medication. This article teaches you to order pain medication legally, from within the United States, with a legal prescription. It’s the only way to go!

First, the caveats: You cannot legally order medication from outside the United States, even if you have a prescription. We always hear about the elderly taking buses to Canada to buy cheap medicine. The fact is, as of this writing, this course is illegal. Also, you cannot legally order medicine from a pharmacy without a prescription. Many online pharmacies (including my own) have physicians on staff who review your medication request and write you a prescription if they think it’s safe. In addition, NEVER order narcotics through the mail. Forget codeine, Tylenol #3, oxycontin, demerol, percodan and percocet. You can be charged with a federal crime for buying these substances. Lastly, regardless of the medication you buy, be sure to read the package insert (or a monograph on my web site). Drugs interact with each other and with your body- the package insert will tip you off to potentially dangerous behavior with respect to the medication you ordered.

The following are quick summaries of common pain relief drugs you can order through the Internet with very little risk:

Fioricet (butalbital)

Fioricet is a combination drug. It is made up of acetaminophen, caffeine and butalbital. Acetaminophen is the same medication in Tylenol You know caffeine from coffee (or even your favorite candy bar.) Butalbital is a mild barbiturate. It relaxes you.

Medical Science does not have an explanation for the reason this combination of drugs works so well, but the fact is Fioricet (and its generic form butalbital) is highly effective for tension headache. Presumably, it relaxes the muscles in the head and neck which typically tighten during tension headaches.. This is the top selling drug at our pharmacy month after month- it really helps headaches!

Soma (carisoprodol)

Soma is a muscle relaxant. It acts by blocking electrical signals among nerves in the reticular formation of the brain and in the spinal cord. Carisoprodol, combined with rest and physical therapy, is prescribed for the short term relief of painful muscle conditions- particularly muscle spasm (where the muscle tightens and does not relax). Most back strains result in muscle spasm, so patients find carisoprodol highly effective in relieving back pain.

Celebrex (celecoxib)

Celebrex is used in the treatment of symptoms of arthritis. This includes joint pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation. The medication does not cure arthritis, but does provide symptomatic relief. It s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which relieves pain and inflammation. The drug works by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins contribute to the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.

Ultram (tramadol)

Ultram is used for treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain. It binds to the opiod receptors on nerves (the same mechanism used by narcotics), but it has a far lower potential for dependency. It’s the closest medication to a narcotic you can order legally in the US online. It is not a NSAID (nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drug) and does not carry the risk of stomach ulceration and internal bleeding which can accompany the use of such medications. It is often prescribed for pain associated with shingles, fibromyalgia and other chronic diseases.

Ulracet

Ultracet is a combination of acetaminophen and tramadol. It is typically prescribed for the short term (up to five days) relief of moderately severe acute pain. It is often prescribed for post-surgical pain or after dental procedures.

The ultram mechanism as described above is very similar to the mechanism employed by narcotics. Acetaminophen of course is the active ingredient in Tylenol. It works by increasing the threshold to pain (i.e. it takes more pain stimulus to cause the sensation of pain). These two drugs work by different mechanisms, and they combine to be more effective than either drug alone.

Pain relief medication can be ordered safely online, but one should exercise appropriate caution before doing so. Specifically, it’s important to determine whether you need to see a physician before ordering pain medication. If you have a sudden onset of pain which is not readily explained, you should consult a physician first. If in doubt, go to the emergency room. If however you are a patient who has been diagnosed, and pain is a recurring problem, you can conveniently order pain medication online- typically at a lower cost than the combined cost of a doctor’s appointment and the medication itself.

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Eflornithine Hydrochloride works by stopping the action of enzyme- ornithine decarboxylase that is mainly responsible for stimulating hair growth. It is to be applied twice a day for a minimum period of two months to show results in most of the users. In some users, the results may appear faster. You will continue using your standard hair removal method till that time. This cream is well absorbed by the skin, and you will begin observing difference in hair growth on your face in short time.

Many women have abnormal hair growth problems such as hirsuitism. Some women experience unwanted hair growth during menopause and some suffer from hormonal diseases and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Because of these hair appears on unwanted places on the face and affects the psychology of the sufferer.

For better results, apply the cream twice a day and leave it in place for at least four hours before washing off. You can apply your cosmetics after the cream is absorbed by the skin and has dried. You should consult your doctor about proper use. Stopping use of this cream for long term may reduce the effects seen. It is well tolerated by most women and if you experience any side effects, you should consult your doctor. Proper use of this cream can get you out of trouble of hair removal forever. Please talk to your doctor about Eflornithine hydrochloride in detail before using it and find out how best to use it.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

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If you’ve got the funds, plastic surgeons have a host of solutions to make your hands look young again — or at least be a closer match to your face.

“The best place to guess someone’s age is their hands,” says Danny Vleggaar, MD, a physician at Clinique Vert Pre in Geneva, Switzerland, and part of a panel of plastic surgeons discussing new options for rejuvenating aging hands at the annual meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in San Diego.

Pigment changes, age spots, texture changes, loss of fat, contour changes, and prominent veins all contribute to make the hands look older, Vleggaar and his colleagues say.

To turn back the clock, plastic surgeons are offering topical treatments, lasers, and soft tissue fillers, the same ones that refresh the face.

Topical and Laser Treatments for the Aging Hand

Topical treatments include tretinoin, says Barry E. DiBernardo, MD, a plastic surgeon in Montclair, N.J., and another panel member. Chemical peels can also improve the appearance of the skin on the hands, he and others say.

Laser treatment can also improve the hand’s appearance. “Feathering” the effect of the laser near the wrist can help prevent a “line of demarcation,” says DiBernardo, who works as a consultant for filler and laser manufacturers.

Filler Treatments for the Aging Hand

Fillers approved for use in the face are being used to restore the lost volume in the hands that often accompanies aging.

DiBernardo mixes the filler Radiesse with lidocaine, an anesthetic, and injects it to help restore a more youthful contour. Once injected, he massages the hand to distribute the filler evenly.

“It will take one or two syringes [of filler] per hand if there is significant contour to improve,” he says.

If patients are happy with the fillers, DiBernardo says he sometimes switches to autologous fat injections (fat collected from your own body) the next time if the patient agrees. The fat is typically longer lasting, he says.

Another filler, Sculptra, may last longer than other fillers, up to two or three years, says Vleggaar, who has presented studies about the filler at professional meetings and works as a consultant for Sculptra’s manufacturer and other companies.

Treating the Veins in Aging Hands

Another alternative is laser removal of unwanted hand veins, a technique favored by Roxanne Guy, MD, a plastic surgeon in Melbourne, Fla., and another speaker.

In her study of the technique, called laser ablation, she and a colleague performed the treatment on 28 women and 54 hands in all, reporting the results in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. A laser is placed on the tip of a wire, which is threaded into the vein. As the wire is slowly pulled out, the laser energy heats the veins and damages the vessel wall’s inner lining. Over the next few weeks, the vein dies.

The patients, aged 41 to 68, were followed for up to 31 months. “Patient satisfaction was high,” Guy says. Post-procedure swelling, which was expected, usually resolved within two weeks, she says. On average, most patients had four veins per hand treated. One woman had a skin burn where the laser exited. Even so, all 28 said they were satisfied with the results, Guy says.

Aging Hand: Caveats

Not everyone is a candidate to rejuvenate their hands, Vleggaar says. Among the conditions that may disqualify a patient, he says, are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hand tremors, or Parkinson’s disease.

Not everyone thinks the dermal fillers should be used in the hands. On its web site, the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety states that dermal fillers shouldn’t be used in the hands. Fat injections in the hands, however, are viewed as acceptable by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

What Price for Pretty Hands?

“It can get quite costly, between lasers and injectables, to treat a hand,” DiBernardo says. “Overall, the cost could be $3,000-$5,000, if you did everything.”

For patients on a budget, DiBernardo suggests they “set up a treatment protocol according to the problem you would like to tackle.”

Or if you want the most return for just one treatment, he suggests correcting the contour with filler. “It’s a very dramatic result and you can see it right away.” Most patients who have their pigment problems treated seem happy too, he says.

While the fillers are temporary, Guy says she believes her vein removal procedure is permanent, “but we have only followed these people for a couple years.”

Second Opinion: Aging Hands

Skin treatments with lasers or a technique known as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy may be the best bets for hand rejuvenation, says Jack Friedland, MD, a Scottsdale, Ariz., plastic surgeon not involved in the panel discussion.

Lasers or IPL ”that treat brown pigmented spots for removal work,” he tells WebMD.

He says he is not convinced that the fillers used in the hand give a completely natural look.

Aging Hands: The Jewelry Alternative

Another alternative for younger-looking hands? Wear jewelry.

In a survey, published in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and cited by Guy, hands with jewelry were rated as younger looking by observers than those without, although the differences weren’t significant.

SOURCES: Roxanne J. Guy, MD, plastic surgeon, Melbourne, Fla. Jack A. Friedland, MD, plastic surgeon, Scottsdale, Ariz. Danny Vleggaar, MD, physician, Clinique Vert Pre, Geneva, Switzerland. Barry E. DiBernardo, MD, plastic surgeon, Montclair, N.J.; clinical associate professor of plastic surgery, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. Bains, R. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, June 2006; vol 117: pp 2212-2218. Guy, R. Shamma, A. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, December 2007; vol 120: pp 2017-2024. Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety. American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Annual Meeting, San Diego, May 2-6, 2008.

© 2008 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.

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