Botox Alternatives
Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a cosmetic injectable that is used to relax your muscles – typically in your forehead, glabellar lines, frown lines and crow’s feet (around the eye area). Botox injections prevent signals from the nerve cells to the muscles from occurring – resulting in paralysis of contraction.
Within 2 weeks of receiving Botox, you’ll notice the full results, that is, fewer wrinkles when making facial expressions due to the relaxation of the facial muscles. Botox has been FDA approved since 2002 and has been used for medical purposes first even before being used for cosmetic reasons. There are other Botox alternatives such as: Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau.
Jeuveau (Newtox) vs. Botox
Jeuveau (Newtox) works the same way just as Botox. However, there are a few differences between the two. Jeuveau uses a technology called Hi-Pure, this allows additional steps to purify the protein during the manufacturing process, making it safer. The downside of Jeuveau is that it’s only used for cosmetic purposes, whereas Botox can be used to treat many medical conditions such as: TMJ, chronic migraines, muscle spasms, overactive bladder, etc. Jeuveau is also only FDA approved for treating frown lines (glabellar lines) – these are the vertical lines that develop between the eyebrows.
Learn more about Jeuveau (Newtox)
Dysport vs. Botox
This is also true for Dysport – it’s only FDA approved for treating glabellar lines. The best candidates for Dysport injections are for those that have either moderate or severe glabellar lines. For Botox, Dysport and Jeuveau, you’ll notice the effect of the injections after a few days. Results last around 3-4 months. Some patients can develop antibodies towards Botox and/or Dysport, these patients can then switch to Xeomin – another alternative form of Botox. What distinguishes Xeomin from the others is that it does not contain any additives – so it’s less likely for someone to become resistant towards it. The side effects for Botox and its alternatives remain the same – bruising and/or swelling are common, which will subside within a few hours and downtime is minimal. Arnika is recommended to take prior to receiving any injections – it helps prevent any bruising from occurring. Even with the new competitors on the market, Botox still remains the gold standard: it’s safe, it’s effective, and it’s proven.
It’s worth nothing that there is a new, longer-lasting alternative to Botox from a company called Revance that is currently in development. This treatment is based on Daxibotulinumtoxin A. Initial trials have shown that it has the potential to last up to six months, almost doubling the duration that Botox is effective for. However, more tests are needed to ensure that this is truly the case. The treatment aims to be released in 2020 but still needs to go through FDA approval.
One of the benefits of some of the latest Botox alternative treatments, such as Xeomin is that these newer neurotoxins do not possess the molecule that makes individuals toxin resistant, which can be a problem or treatments such as Botox and Dysport.
Read more about Botox vs Dysport
Non-Injectable Alternatives
For someone that isn’t ready for injections just yet, there are pain-free natural alternatives that can help smooth wrinkles and reduce the appearance of fine lines. This includes many skincare products recommended by dermatologist that have wrinkle-free anti-aging benefits. If you’re not sure where to begin, start by finding a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid (HA) as an ingredient. (HA) is naturally found in our skin, it helps retain water and keep our skin hydrated. However, just like collagen and elastin, HA also decreases as we age. Using products such as moisturizers that contain HA will help hydrate and soothe dry skin.
Over time you’ll notice smoother skin and it’ll look more youthful because of improved elasticity of the skin. Vitamin C serums are also great reducing signs of aging. It brightens up the skin tone, it reduces redness, it helps reduce hyperpigmentation and decreases the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Vitamin C is very easy to use; apply it in morning after cleansing all over the face and finish off with a moisturizer (one with hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient)!
If you have concerns with eye puffiness or wrinkles around the eyes, there are many eye creams that can help solve these problems. Eye creams that contain retinol (form of Vitamin A) will help reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes by increasing collagen production and promoting new skin cells to grow. Alpha-hydroxy acids are used in a variety of skincare products, such as: serums, toners, and creams. AHAs help promote collagen production, corrects discoloration from acne scars, and also helps prevent further breakouts. You always want to make sure you wear sunscreen (SPF), this is a necessary precaution to prevent any sun damage from occurring which can lead to new wrinkles forming.
With all these skincare products on the market, it can be overwhelming at times so it’s best to seek advice from your dermatologist to decide which products are best suited for your skin.
If you’re ready to bring out the best in your skin, contact us online today or call 212-535-3088 to learn more about why Dr. Green is a trusted source for Botox and other skin care treatments in New York City.