Botox alternatives

Botox Cosmetic has become a fixture in the world of anti-aging medicine, used by physicians around the world to treat wrinkles, crows feet, glabellar lines, neck bands, and other issues, such as hyperhidrosis.

However, Botox isn't for everyone, and it isn't alone in the field of minimally invasive wrinkle treatments; there are many alternatives out there to fill, relax, or reduce your various facial lines, wrinkles and folds.

Botox alternatives may be divided into three categories:

•  Products that also contain the neurotoxin botulinum type A
•  Products that add volume to the skin to fill problem areas
• Treatments administered by your physician to rejuvenate skin or surgically correct imperfections

Botulinum type A

The botulinum toxin was first introduced years ago to treat muscle spasms, and now it's used by physicians to treat facial wrinkles and a variety of non-cosmetic problems. Botox has been the dominant product in the United States, but in other nations like the United Kingdom and New Zealand, Dysport has been used for the same purposes.

While the dosing is slightly different for Dysport, it works through the same physiological process (neuromuscular blocking) as Botox:

The neurotoxin blocks nerve impulses that lead to specific muscles in the face, causing them to become temporarily paralyzed or relaxed. This paralysis of the muscles allows facial wrinkles and folds to flatten out and become less noticeable.

You may ask, "If the chemical makeup of Dysport is basically the same as Botox, why use one rather than the other?" Here are two possible reasons:

1. Before Dysport was approved in the U.S., results of a research study were published that seemed to show a patient preference for Dysport over Botox.
2. There may be pricing differences between the two products (but also dosing differences).

The market for Botulinum type A is expected to grow because there are other similar treatments on the horizon. Johnson & Johnson owned Mentor is developing a wrinkle treatment called PurTox, and a company called Revance Therapeutics has sparked interest with their topical, non-injectable form of botulinum toxin, which recently completed a second phase of clinical trials.  

Injectable Fillers

There are many different products available that a physician can use to fill lines and wrinkles. The composition of these products will vary, but they all perform the same basic function - adding volume or 'plumping' of the skin and tissue to reduce the appearance of lines, creases, folds, wrinkles, furrows, etc.

All are administered by injection, which means you should always seek out a competent physician - never try to do it yourself!

• Collagen - one of the first developed wrinkle fillers. Uses human or animal based collagen - the natural building block of skin tissue.
• Hyaluronic Acid -  synthetic wrinkle fillers that closely mimic a natural body substance
• Polymers/other filling agents - fillers that contain microscopic materials that are designed to last longer and stimulate collagen growth

Injectable Filler Brands

• Juvederm - Hyaluronic acid filler approved for mild - moderate facial creases
• Radiesse - Filler composed of calcium based microspheres in water based gel
• Restylane - Hyaluronic acid filler used for treatment of mild - moderate facial creases
• Evolence - A filler composed of purified porcine collagen, a collagen that closely mimic that of a human
• Sculptra - (aka Newfill) is a thicker polymer used for deeper wrinkles and facial folds

Other procedures

• Chemical peel - removes old facial skin and allow for growth of new, fresher skin
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) - treatments such as Photoderm are increasingly used in wrinkle treatment by encouraging the body to grow new collagen.
• Cosmetic surgery - for a dramatic, more permanent result, a facelift can lift jowls and sagging skin. An eyelid lift and/or brow lift can also remove hooding over your eyes and furrows in your forehead.
• Thread lift - less invasive cosmetic surgery option that can lift sagging jowls and loose skin that causes wrinkles
• Laser peels and laser skin resurfacing - effectively stimulate the generation of new skin that is wrinkle-free. Lasers are also good at pinpointing specific problem spots.
• Microdermabrasion - superficial skin polishing often used to treat fine lines and wrinkles

Related Links

• What is Dysport?
• Dysport or Botox: What's the difference?
• Are there any Botox alternatives?
• Which Botox alternative can I use on forehead lines?
• What Botox alternative do doctors recommend?

Sources: Joel Schlessinger, MD; Stephen Goldstein, MD;