RELOXIN: Giving BOTOX a Run for Its Money

Leading NYC Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Yael Halaas Weighs in

When beauty breakthroughs make an entrance, it’s in their nature to turn heads. Already turning heads (younger), and not even available in the States yet, is the Botox battler, Reloxin.

Reloxin has been used outside the U.S. for more than 15 years to treat neurological disorders, “which should tell you something about its safety,” asserts Dr. Yael Halaas, a leading female facial plastic surgeon practicing in Manhattan and active member of the America Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

“The latest trials show that its effects can last, on average, about as long as the effects of Botox. And it’s looking like it will be less expensive,” says Dr. Halaas. “Cosmetic treatments are elective, and to have one offered that is just as effective, but costs much less is a great alternative in these times for patients and doctors alike. So, to me and my patients, it’s a no-brainer.”

Dr. Halaas is one of many facial plastic surgeons eager to get her hands on the Botox alternative. Wrinkled foreheads are dead ringers for advanced age – particularly in a world-weary, worrying state of the nation. But like the days of worrying about how to address those wrinkles on the cheap, the tyrannical rule of Botox is set to end as soon as mid-2009, when the FDA may clear Reloxin for the use of reducing forehead wrinkles.

“Anything set to rival Botox, the most common cosmetic procedure in the U.S., has my attention, and I know I’m not alone,” says Dr. Halaas.

One of the main differences between Botox and Reloxin is the level of protein in each formula. Reloxin has less protein, which means the body will break it down at a slower rate. Reloxin also disperses beyond the area of injection than Botox does, which is not necessarily a good thing; in the wrong hands, it could cause eyelid and brow drooping.

“Reloxin needs to be in the hands of a skilled aesthetic surgeon,” explains Dr. Halaas. “It can’t be injected the same way as Botox; closer attention to muscle placement needs to be paid. I’m very anxious to see more test results, and for when somebody does a head-to-head (or forehead-to-forehead, if you’ll pardon the expression) comparison of Botox and Reloxin.”

“Competition is the lifeblood of a free market, and Botox has had a monopoly for too long. It’s time to shake up our industry for the better,” adds Dr. Halaas.

DR. HALAAS
Yael Halaas, M.D., is a leading female facial plastic surgeon in a male-dominated industry. She graduated in the top ten percent of her class at Cornell University, with prestigious distinction of membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honors Society. Dr. Halaas also earned the American Medical Women’s Association award as part of her membership in the top five percent of her graduating class.

Dr. Halaas takes a natural approach to facial plastic surgery and specializes in “little things that go a long way.” She values natural-looking results, tailoring surgery to compliment her patients’ individual needs. Some of Dr. Halaas’ popular procedures include fat transfer, surgical hair restoration, blepharoplasty, endoscopic brow lifts cheek lifts, rhinoplasty, Botox® and injectables. She is one of the only female facial plastic surgeons to offer natural hair restoration surgery.

Yael Halaas, M.D.
New York, NY
212.772.9474

Source: Dr. Halaas