A. That recent article was not the first to make this suggestion, but it is getting press because it is the latest, and the most scientifically sound. It was placebo controlled, meaning some in the study merely got sterile normal saline injected. In addition, surprisingly, patients did not guess correctly if they got Botox or the placebo, but the ones who did get the Botox had improvement of their depression. The patients on the “control” or placebo side did not. This could be related to Botox’s effect on neurotransmitter uptake and/or the muscles being relaxed, having a feedback to the brain improving brain chemistry in the depressed. This certainly warrants further study, but needless to say it suggests yet another benefit to this amazing drug.
Q. If Botox is a toxin, how can it be safe?
A. I am asked this question often. Many things in nature can have therapeutic effects in tiny doses, but the same drug found in nature (after all, Botox is a purified protein found in nature) can have toxic effects at high doses. Modern medical scientific research has found many compounds in nature to improve illness. One of my favorites is digitalis, a heart drug to improve the ejection of blood from a failing heart. This drug was found in nature and is also toxic in some doses, yet saves the lives and improves the quality of lives in millions with congestive heart failure every day when used in tiny doses.
Q. Is there a new competitor to Botox?
A. Yes, Merz US distributes Xeomin, a new neuromodulators. In clinical trial it behaved similarly to Botox. I have used it in any patient who wants to try it to compare and see if it might work better or longer than Botox in them.
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Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
- 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
- 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 - Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.
