Cosmetic surgery is on an upward trend, but some procedures are increasing more rapidly than others. Consider the fact that surgical procedures only grew by 1 percent last year, whereas minimally invasive procedures grew by 3 percent. However, if you really want to see explosive growth, take a look at Botox cosmetic.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, use of the botulinum toxin (the active ingredient in Botox) has experienced a 703 percent increase in the past 13 years. That is more than any other minimally invasive procedure.

This popularity has not gone unnoticed in the cosmetics industry. Smart Beauty Guide reports that pharmaceutical giant Valeant recently offered Allegran—the makers of Botox—$54 billion dollars to merge.

Allegran hasn’t accepted the offer, but consumers could benefit from the merger. Pharmaceutical companies like Valleant excel at clinical research, and they have played a large role in the success of injectables.

Industry analysts speculate that a merger could streamline the research process, leading to faster innovation in the field.

The Merger Comes When Wrinkles Are All Over the News

For years, people have been focusing on the two worst causes of wrinkles: sun exposure and smoking. Although you should continue to avoid these issues, because they can cause more than just wrinkles, there are new reports that blame other habits for aging the face.

The New York Post reports that our obsession with mobile phones may have something to do with wrinkles. Next time you’re in a waiting room or on the subway, take a look at the people around you. You may notice that everyone is looking down at their phone in their laps.

This position of scrunching the chin into the neck may be to blame for an early development of wrinkles in the lower face. The media terms the effect “tech neck,” because of its ties with phones and laptops.

If you’re considering undergoing Botox cosmetic in New York, call us to schedule a consultation. At Shafer Plastic Surgery, we offer a full range of facial cosmetic surgeries and procedures including Botox, Juvederm, laser resurfacing and facelifts.

To arrange an appointment with an experienced cosmetic surgeon in New York, please call us at 212.888.7770.

Sugar Can Cause Wrinkles, But Cosmetic Surgery Can Reverse Them

MSN News reports that your diet could lead to the development of fine lines. Too much sugar can create a harmful protein in your body that damages the collagen in your skin. Collagen is the fiber that is responsible for keeping your skin firm.

Without it, skin becomes dry, dull and prone to wrinkles. Research also shows too much sugar can leave your skin more susceptible to the aging effects of the sun. Fortunately, Botox can help if you have a sweet tooth.

Botox can fill in the wrinkles, especially those around the forehead and the eyes. Dr. David Shafer is an expert on Botox. He even created an instructional DVD on the product to help other surgeons.

To learn more about cosmetic surgery during a consultation with Dr. Shafer, call us at 212.888.7770.