Erase Wrinkles with the Right Injectable
When you think of using an injectable to smooth out your frown lines or reduce the lines that come up when you squint, you probably think of Botox, right? While Botox works wonders, it’s not the only injectable on the block. There are other injectable neurotoxins on the market that will provide the youthful results that you’re looking for. Keep reading to find out which one is right for you.
Injectable Options for Smoother Skin
Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin all give you smoother, more youthful skin for three to four months. To the average patient, it may not seem like there is a big difference between these products. All of them provide similar results and last for about the same amount of time. Let’s dig deeper into the differences of these neurotoxin injections:
1. Botox
Botox is a pretty well-known name. That’s because it is the original wrinkle-relaxing injection to be approved by the FDA in 2002. The drug is designed to treat forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet, but there’s also a therapeutic version that can be used to treat medical conditions like migraines, excessive sweating, eye spasms, and more.
To see these results, you need to practice a little patience. It takes about three to five days to start seeing results. It could be up to two weeks before you see the final outcome. After the results appear, they will stick around for about three to four months.
2. Dysport
Dysport started making headlines for treating frown lines when it was approved in 2009. The big difference between Dysport and Botox is that it has a higher rate of diffusion. This means Dysport works better for treating larger areas like the forehead. Like Botox, this injectable can be used for some therapeutic reasons too. For instance, it works well to calm muscle spasticity.
You won’t have to wait as long to see the results you want with Dysport. The effects usually show up within 24-hours. These results are supposed to last for about 3-4 months, but some patients have found that the results don’t last as long as Botox.
3. Jeuveau
Jeuveau is the new kid on the block that is gaining popularity. The FDA approved Jeuveau for cosmetic use in 2019. One of the biggest draws to this neurotoxin treatment is that it costs about 20 to 30 percent less than Botox.
When it comes to results, there’s not a ton of clinical studies that have been done because of how new the product is. However, patients have had great luck with this product so far. In fact, the results happen in three to five days and last for about three to six months.
4. Xeomin
Xeomin has been around since 2011. The neurotoxin therapy was approved to treat frown lines, but it’s also used for several medical reasons like excessive drooling and muscle spasticity.
Xeomin takes about five days to a week to kick in and lasts about 3-4 months, just like the other injectables. However, there are a couple of great benefits of this neurotoxin compared to the other options. For starters, Xeomin doesn’t need to be refrigerated, so this makes the injection process a little more comfortable. You also don’t need as many units with Xeomin to get the results you want.
Botox Treatment: Still the King of the Injectables
While Jeuveau, Xeomin, and Dysport are great neurotoxin injections, Botox still reigns supreme as the top choice. In fact, Botox accounts for about 80% of the injection market. So, how does it work so well? Simply put – the drug temporarily paralyzes the muscles. It does so by stopping the release of acetylcholine, which is a chemical messenger the nerves release. By blocking the release of acetylcholine, the muscle cells won’t contract. This helps to keep your face relaxed, so wrinkles don’t appear.
The primary use for Botox is to reduce wrinkles. The FDA has only approved these injections to be used around the eyes and on the forehead, but patients have found this drug to be useful for many other problem areas. Botox is known to smooth lines between the eyebrows, around the eyes, in the forehead, in the corners of the mouth, and in the chin. While the results aren’t permanent, they can be maintained if the injections are done every 3-4 months. And the best part? There’s no downtime needed. The procedure is fairly quick and can be done on your lunch break. And when it’s over, you can easily return to work right after without needing to take any time off.
It’s not just about wrinkles!
Botox can easily tackle wrinkles, but that’s not all. The drug has also been approved by the FDA for a number of medical uses that can help improve the quality of life.
Here are some of the conditions that the FDA has found that a Botox shot can help with:
- Upper limb spasticity
- Crossed eyes
- Hyperhidrosis (severe underarm sweating)
- Migraine prevention
- Reducing an overactive bladder
- Eyelid spasms
- Cervical dystonia
And while these treatments haven’t been FDA approved, some people have had success using Botox for other medical treatments:
- Alopecia
- Sialorrhea
- Psoriasis
- Raynaud’s disease
- Facial redness during menopause
- Keloid scars
- Help with hidradenitis suppurativa, which is an inflammatory skin disease
- Can help with blistering lesions brought on by a rare genetic disorder called Hailey-Hailey disorder
Keep in mind, the conditions where the FDA has not approved treatment need more research. While patients have found relief with a Botox shot, there still needs to be more research done to prove the drug is effective.
What to Expect with a Botox Injection
There really isn’t anything special that needs to be done before you get a Botox treatment. Dermatologists do ask that you avoid drinking alcohol at least a week before the procedure. You’ll also want to stop taking aspirin and any anti-inflammatory medications at least two weeks prior to help prevent bruising.
One of the best benefits of Botox is that the entire process only takes a few minutes. There won’t be any anesthesia involved. During the process, your dermatologist will use a small needle to inject the drug in the areas that were discussed, and that’s it! It really is that quick and simple. You’ll be able to get back to work and go on with your day like normal. However, there are a few restrictions. Dermatologists ask that you take the day off from exercising. You’ll also want to make sure that you stay upright for 4 hours and don’t rub the injection site for at least 24 hours.
Botox is safe with few side effects. The most common side effect is bruising around the injection site. Headaches, a crooked smile, dry eyes, flu-like symptoms, upset stomach, numbness, and muscle weakness are side effects that are rare but still possible.
Get your Neurotoxin Treatment from Winston Salem Dermatology
Are wrinkles making you feel self-conscious? There’s no better time than now to start taking care of yourself! Here at Winston Salem Dermatology, we are passionate about giving you the skincare results you’re looking for. We understand how important it is to feel good about yourself, so let us find a neurotoxin treatment to help you achieve the skincare results you’ve been dreaming about. What are you waiting for? Get in touch today at (336) 774-8636, and let us find a solution for your skincare needs.