Botox | Only Medication For Wrinkles?

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by

Joseph
in ,

Botox Isn’t the Only Medication for Wrinkles Anymore.

botox wrinkles

Neuromodulator History

Botox isn’t the only medication for wrinkles. BOTOX was initially used in cosmetic applications in 1989 for forehead asymmetry and has never looked back. Patient’s treatment with Botox was for muscular spasms for clinical needs, but applications cosmetically are most common use.

Botox isn’t the only medication for wrinkles today. Telling patients this brings about some consternation as they have only ever used Botox by Allergan. Today there are several medications to select from for treatment of facial wrinkles, including but not limited to XEOMIN, DYSPORT and JEAVEAU .

botox wrinkles

Botox

Botox is the standard against which all other neuromodulators are measured. Botox was originally discovered as a useful tool for muscle spasm and within the last 35 years and has grown to be the trade name associated with addressing cosmesis. Its onset is seen within 7-10 days and has an expected effect of 3 or more months. Patients that have used this product have fairly predictable effects and side effects. Patients have been using Botox cosmetically for over 30 years and are very comfortable with its use. Some have started to experience a resistance to the treatments and have been looking for alternatives.

Xeomin

XEOMIN  is another neuromodulator, similar to Botox in structure and function only a smaller molecule. What this translates to is a medication that has been able to be used in patients that have developed resistance to Botox injections. If treatment length effectiveness has dropped (now wrinkles are showing in 2 months rather than 3 months or more) this may be a better option for you. Factor in that they are trying to gain market share by being competitively priced and offer similar onset and longevity of effect.

Dysport

DYSPORT  a neuromodulator made by Restylane, again similar to Botox in structure and function only with a quicker onset. Botox and Xeomin both take up to 10 days to have the full effect. Dysport has its effect within 48 hours. For those looking to have an injection’s effect in this time frame (Weddings & social gatherings), this may be an option. Dysport’s concentration and volume requirements are 2.5 x what Botox is, so for an area you would inject 4 units, you will require 10 units. Offset by price being less than that of Botox.

Side Effects

Patient common side effects include but are not limited to pain, swelling, bruising, headache, flu-like symptoms, crooked smile, drooling, eye dryness, excessive tearing, drooping eyelids, or lack of response.

Tricks Post-Injection

Tricks to keeping the medication in place include

  • No rubbing, massaging, or applying pressure for 6 hours post injection
  • Avoid Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Motrin for 8 hours after your procedure to minimize bruising. Consider avoiding supplementals that thin the blood as well.
  • Topical Arnica or Dermaka gel can accelerate reabsorption of bruises.
  • Avoidance of sunlight and weather extremes
  • Do not restart Retinol, Retin-A or Tretinoin for 48 hours after injection.
  • Stay upright for at minimum 4 hours.
  • Makeup can be reapplied after treatment.
  • Limit your exercise after injection. No high intensity exercise for 24-48 hours, customizable per patient and exercise routine, note increased metabolism will break down the medication quicker.

botox wrinkles

Follow these simple rules to optimize the effects of Botox administration.

If you are interested in a NEUROMODULATOR injection or a consultation CONTACT US today. Patients are seen, assessed and injected by a physician by our office. We take pride in our service and consider it a privilege to help every patient.

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