A pair of identical twins have shown us surprising results after one of them used Botox for 20 years while the other didn’t.
Now, Botox has become somewhat of a staple within society over the past decade or so.
While a lot of people were already getting ahead of the trend, it seems as though there is still an ongoing discussion about the pros and cons of the beauty procedure.
One study conducted on a set of identical twins might be able to give us a better insight into it all.
William J. Binder conducted the research on two women known as Twin 1 and Twin 2, one of which had been receiving regular treatments of Botox on the forehead and glabellar region (between the eyebrows) approximately two to three times each year, while the other, had undergone minimal work.
The check-in happened over a period of 13 years, initially starting in 2006.
Before-and-after pictures were taken of both women, and it was reported that Twin 2 (right) had noticeably smoother skin and lighter wrinkles on her forehead, while Twin 1 (left), who had only received a couple of Botox shots in her life, had deeper forehead lines, as well as ‘crow’s feet’ lines which became visible when she smiled.
Crow’s feet were less noticeable when the regularly treated twin smiled (even at 7 months after treatment) than when the minimally treated twin smiled.
As for the nasolabial folds, neither twin received any Botox injections in the lower half of the face, and the nasolabial folds in Twin 2 were at least as noticeable at rest as those in Twin 1.
This points to the idea that the lack of direct treatments most likely helped to keep that area in a similar condition, with only the natural process of aging affecting it.
“…The differences between the twins in the severity of their forehead and glabellar lines are attributable to the difference in the number of Botox treatments that each received over a long period of time (rather than a greater propensity for skin aging in the minimally treated twin),” the study stated.
In 2012, Binder followed up on the study to gain further insight into the impacts of Botox around the time the twins were 44 years old.
Twin 2 began her regular Botox injections and revealed even more differences between the sisters, showing that she had less noticeable wrinkles around her mouth compared to Twin 1.
Twin 1 (right) also appeared to have a fuller jaw, though it’s unclear whether Botox was a factor in this outcome.
There were other factors that were taken into consideration including the fact that Twin 1 lived in Munich, Germany, while Twin 2 lived in Los Angeles, California.
However, they both worked indoors and used sunscreen when they went outside. Other than the Botox, neither twins had any other treatment to alter the condition of the skin.
“Regarding the aesthetic quality of their skin, consistent long-term treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA [Botox] seems to be the only major difference in the lives of these twins,” Binder concluded.
“With long-term treatment, the patient may become used to having little, if any, need or ability to contract the target muscle and may eventually ‘learn’ to avoid even trying to contract it,” he continued.
“It is also thought that, by relieving the mechanical pressure of chronic muscle contraction in this way, dermal remodeling may be facilitated,” Binder added.
Expert reveals why you hear your heartbeat in your ear when you lie on your pillow
Ever lie down, only to notice the steady rhythm of your heartbeat echoing in your ear? While it might seem strange, hearing your heartbeat through your pillow is actually pretty common—and usually harmless.
Dr. Anthony Youn, a board-certified plastic surgeon from Detroit, explained on TikTok why this happens. “If, every once in a while, you’re lying on your side and you hear your heart beating, it’s most likely your carotid artery basically sitting against your pillow,” he says.
The carotid arteries, located on either side of your neck, carry blood to your brain and neck. When you lie on your side, the artery can press against the pillow, and in a quiet environment, the sound of blood pulsing becomes more noticeable. Most of the time, this isn’t anything to worry about.
But if the noise becomes persistent—occurring even when you’re sitting or standing—it could be a sign of something called pulsatile tinnitus.
This condition involves hearing a rhythmic sound that matches your pulse. Unlike the high-pitched ringing associated with more common forms of tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus feels more like a “whooshing” or “thumping” sound.
Dr. Youn warns, “But if you’re hearing your heart beating all the time when you’re lying on your side, or especially when you’re standing up, then it could be pulsatile tinnitus.”
There are several potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus, ranging from high blood pressure to irregular blood vessel structures.
It can also result from increased awareness of blood flow in the ears. While the condition is usually benign, it’s essential to rule out more serious underlying problems.
“Although it’s usually benign, there are some potentially concerning causes, so it’s best to see your doctor,” Youn said.
So, what should you do if this happens to you? If you only notice the sound occasionally when lying down, there’s likely no need to worry. However, if it becomes persistent or interferes with your daily life, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
A doctor can assess your symptoms and, if necessary, run tests to check for conditions like high blood pressure or vascular abnormalities.
Hearing your heartbeat through your pillow can be unnerving, but understanding the cause can provide peace of mind. Stay informed, and if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.
Expert reveals what it means if you have to pee moments after you’ve just urinated
Experts has revealed what it means if you have to pee moments after you’ve just urinated.
Have you ever felt the urge to want to go to the toilet even though you’ve just been? It can be frustrating but there might be a reason behind it.
Known in the healthcare industry as “frequent urination,” there could be five main reasons why this happens, according to Business Insider.
Drinking excessive fluids or irritantsOne of the main reasons this could be happening might be related to what you’re putting into your body. From drinking excessive amounts of liquid to consuming bladder-irritating foods, there’s a host of things to look out for.
According to Dr. Courtenay Moore, a urologist and clinical associate professor of urology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, some things that can cause irritation are acidic fruits or fruit juices, alcohol, fizzy drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, and spicy foods.
So what can you do to stop this from happening?
The quickest and easiest thing to do, according to Moore, is to limit how many of the “irritating” foods and drinks you’re having in your daily diet.
It is also advised to try drinking smaller amounts of liquid throughout the day rather than large amounts all at once, as this can put pressure on your bladder rather than gradually filling it up.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)The next underlying reason for needing to pee frequently, even after you’ve just been, could be related to a urinary tract infection.
Now, if you’ve ever had the displeasure of experiencing this common but annoying bacterial infection, then you know just how irritating they can be.
Dr. Ramesh Krishnan, a urologist at Memorial Hermann Medical Group, has previously emphasized that UTIs can cause inflammation in the bladder, which in turn causes the bladder to become overactive.
Other symptoms can also range from painful urination, pressure in the abdomen or pelvis, and pee that’s bloody, cloudy, or smelly.
In terms of treatment, UTIs are usually treated with a course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Drinking extra fluids can also help to flush the infection out of the area.
Overactive bladderHaving a generally overactive bladder can also increase the amount one needs to go to the toilet.
While it is considered normal to be going to the toilet between six to eight times a day, if you’re having to go more than that, then you’ve probably got an overactive bladder, if it’s not anything else on this list.
To confirm this, a healthcare professional would need to identify the underlying cause – whether it be Bladder obstructions, hormonal changes or the introduction of new medication – before they could work on the appropriate treatment.
Interstitial cystitisThe next reason can be related to something known as interstitial cystitis.
Business Insider states that interstitial cystitis sometimes referred to as painful bladder syndrome, is a “chronic condition that results in pain in the pelvic region and frequent urination.”
As per Moore’s advice, many of those who experience this sensation find relief when they go to the toilet as the pressure builds up over time as their bladder fills up.
The pain can range from mild to severe but in the most extreme cases, Moore says some people may even go to the bathroom about 50 times a day.
The condition is much more common in women than men, experts say.
There isn’t a particular treatment for this one, but it can be managed better using tactics such as pelvic physical therapy, botox injections into the bladder, and dietary modification to avoid bladder irritants.
Prostate issuesAnd one of the final reasons some people need to pee just after they’ve gone to the toilet could be a prostate issue.
In men, prostate issues, particularly an enlarged prostate, can cause frequent urges to pee, Krishnan told the outlet, noting that it could be related to signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Other symptoms include peeing in the middle of the night, trouble emptying the bladder, and having a weak flow of pee.
So there we have it.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing any of the above, please seek medical advice from a trained professional.
An identical twin went vegan for 12 weeks and the other ate meat to see how it affected their bodies
An identical twin decided to go vegan for 12 weeks, and the other ate meat to see how it affected their bodies.
Now, experts have long preached the importance of a balanced, healthy diet.
From colorful fruits and veggies to legumes and grains and of course, the world’s current health obsession protein, we’ve been told that a balanced diet is key to living a long and fulfilling life.
While most people generally take this advice on board, a set of identical twins decided to put it to the test by embarking on two different types of diets.
Hugo and Ross Turner wanted to see if eating different foods would alter their bodies physically as well as impact their mental state.
They tested a vegan diet versus a meat diet over a period of 12 weeks in the hopes that they would be able to see which one had the better outcome.
So they controlled what they could – their DNA, the amount of calories they consumed, and the amount of exercise that they did – and Hugo vowed to strictly eat vegan for the duration of the experiment while Ross stuck to a diet that included meat, dairy, and fish.
In an interview with the BBC, the pair opened up about the results of the test as well as any difficulties they may have faced.
“I think the first couple of weeks it was really craving and wanting meat and dairy and cheese. I love cheese,” Hugo said, noting that his body definitely took a “hit” when he first embarked on the diet.
However, he later added he saw the benefits of giving up animal products.
“I was now having to eat fruit and nuts and alternatives that didn’t have any dairy in them – and so that meant I was eating a lot more wholesome food, which meant that my sugar levels were a lot more satiated during the day,” he explained. “I felt like I had more energy.”
While also losing weight and boosting his resistance to type 2 diabetes, Hugo also saw his cholesterol levels drop “off the scale.”
However, there were some downsides to the diet too, as it affected his gut bacteria.
The gut microbiome should be filled with a diverse range of healthy bacteria to keep everything running smoothly in the area, but Hugo discovered that the levels dropped “severely” due to the limited foods he was eating.
Ross, on the other hand, stated that his days were a little bit more unpredictable.
He said that on some days he felt “energetic”, while on others he experienced “huge lulls.”
Ross also put on 10 pounds of muscle but gained fat, bringing his end body fat percentage up from 13 to 15 percent whereas Hugo lost one percent of his overall body fat.
In a 12-week period, both men found that there wasn’t “a huge difference if any” between the two diets.
Doctors warn about permanent damage caused by new beauty trend causing people to resemble reptiles
Doctors are warning against a new beauty trend that causes dangerous ‘lumps and bumps’ on people’s skin.
This technique, which involves injecting a mix of vitamins and minerals under the skin to reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, and eliminate under-eye bags, has been trending on social media despite serious risks.
Developed in France in 1952 to treat blood vessel and immune system disorders, mesotherapy has evolved into a popular treatment for skin rejuvenation and fat reduction, per DermNet.
Today, it is marketed as a non-invasive alternative for addressing signs of aging in areas such as the face, hands, and stomach.
Mesotherapy injections often leave small, raised bumps under the skin, creating a temporary honeycomb or reptilian-like texture before the mixture settles, per Healthline.
While the procedure is billed as painless with minimal recovery time, experts warn that the potential side effects can far outweigh any cosmetic benefits.
Via the Daily Mail, Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a New York-based dermatologist, cautioned: “The risks of under-eye mesotherapy go beyond minor side effects, especially when people go to inexperienced technicians or do this at home.
“Patients may experience long-lasting bruising, severe allergic reactions, skin necrosis due to product placement in blood vessels, or even permanent eye damage.”
Unlike regulated injectables such as Botox, mesotherapy formulas are not standardized, meaning patients often have no knowledge of what they are being injected with.
“While mesotherapy may be legal in some other countries, the absence of US regulatory oversight means patients could be exposed to counterfeit or unverified products,” Dr. Kazlouskaya added.
The ingredients in mesotherapy blends, ranging from vitamins and enzymes to prescription medications, are supposed to include FDA-approved components.
However, the formulas themselves are not FDA-approved for use on the face, leaving room for dangerous inconsistencies.
Dr. Tripathi, a California-based plastic surgeon, likened the lack of regulation to the supplement industry: “Just like the multi-billion dollar supplement industry, it’s not regulated, so you sometimes may not know what you’re getting.”
Mesotherapy kits, sold online for as little as $45 and as much as $349, have also encouraged a DIY culture among social media users.
Videos on TikTok show individuals attempting to administer the procedure at home, which experts say significantly increases the risks of infection, granulomas, or scarring.
The appeal of mesotherapy lies in its promise to eliminate under-eye bags, but dermatologists stress that the causes of under-eye issues vary widely.
Factors include fat migration, pigmentation, dehydration, and aging-related loss of elasticity. Addressing these concerns requires a tailored approach, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Dr. Tripathi explained: “Not all eye bags are created equal. The treatment has to be tailored based on anatomy. For some, discoloration may be the issue, and skincare or plasma injections can help. For others, laser treatments or blepharoplasty surgery might be more effective.”
While mesotherapy might theoretically help those with hollowing under the eyes, Dr. Tripathi pointed out that clinical studies have not supported its effectiveness.
Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a New York-based dermatologist, emphasized the importance of seeking evidence-based treatments: “As a dermatologist, I always emphasize the importance of a tailored approach to addressing dark circles, starting with identifying the underlying cause and exploring evidence-based options that provide safe and predictable results.”
While mesotherapy may seem like a quick fix for under-eye concerns, its risks and lack of regulation make it a potentially hazardous choice.
Doctor addresses claims people can catch STDs from sharing gym equipment
A doctor has addressed concerns that it’s possible to catch STDs from shared gym equipment.
STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are something to avoid, and this can be done by practicing safe sex.
Of course, regular check-ups for those who are sexually active, especially with different partners are also advisable.
But recently there have been rumors that you can catch an STD at the gym.
The rumor originated from TikTok user @grinny45, who shared his experience of being diagnosed with chlamydia after initially believing he had conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” as cited by News.com.au.
In his video, the user explained he hadn’t been sexually active and suggested the infection stemmed from a gym towel placed on a workout bench.
“Chances are someone has sweated on the seat you put your gym towel [on], wiped your face, and [got] pink eye,” the TikToker quoted his doctor as saying.
The claim sparked alarm among users, with some uploading videos of themselves vigorously wiping down gym equipment to avoid what they called “eye chlamydia.”
One user, @alaskaaayoung77, speculated that the issue stemmed from women exercising without underwear, further fueling the panic, per the Daily Mail.
But is there genuine cause for concern?
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Dr. Zac Turner, a biomedical scientist and physician, addressed the controversy in an interview with news.com.au.
“The latest viral panic swirling around social media has gym-goers terrified that they’ll catch chlamydia from their squat racks and yoga mats,” he said. “Before you start setting fire to your gym membership, let’s unpack this one with a bit of science and some sensible advice.”
The short answer? No.
“Chlamydia is not the ghost of sweaty treadmills past, waiting to haunt your reproductive health,” Dr. Zac clarified.
Unlike bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, which can survive on surfaces, Chlamydia trachomatis – the bacterium behind this common STI – requires direct membrane-to-mucous contact to transmit. It cannot survive long outside the human body.
“For chlamydia to be transmitted, there needs to be direct, membrane-to-mucous contact, usually through sexual activity. So unless you’re getting far too intimate with the gym equipment (a conversation for another day), you can unclench your glutes – you’re safe.”
While he conceded that science avoids saying “never” outright, Dr. Zac explained the odds of such transmission are astronomically low. “Chlamydia needs a warm, moist environment like the human body to survive. Once exposed to air or gym wipes, it’s toast.”
Chlamydia remains one of the world’s most common sexually transmitted infections. According to Dr. Zac, it spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex and often shows no symptoms, making regular testing critical.
“Left untreated, it can cause complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, fertility issues, or discomfort that’ll make those gym squats feel even worse,” he warned.
“Bottom line: Use protection, get regular STI screenings, and don’t blame the dumbbells.”
