Alternative to Botox Injections

Botox injections reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, in the forehead and between the eyebrows by relaxing the wrinkle forming facial muscles. The effects last for up to four months and should be given by a qualified plastic surgeon or board-certified dermatologist to reduce the risk of side effects. Possible side effects of Botox injections include facial pain, nausea, droopy eyelids, muscle weakness and bleeding at the injection site. Alternatives to Botox injections include other injected collagens, chemical peels and prescribed creams that produce the same results as Botox in helping to smooth the skin.

Filling Agents

Filling agents are substances injected to plump up the area underneath wrinkles or lines. These injections don't affect nerves or muscles as Botox does, so it can be used as an alternative to Botox injections. There are possible side effects from filler injections such as inflammatory reactions and scarring.

Zyderm/Zyplast

Zyderm/Zyplast collagen is a filling agent made up of purified bovine material that is derived from a closed and monitored bovine herd that is veterinarian-treated. Zyderm helps to smooth wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth and eyes, while Zyplast is used to treat frown lines, deeper wrinkles and increases volume in the lips and face. Before using it as a Botox injection alternative, the patient must undergo the allergy spot test on her skin.

Dysport

Dysport is an alternative to Botox that freezes the frown muscles temporarily that smoothes wrinkles and facial lines for approximately four months. It contains the protein extract botulinum toxin type A similar to Botox, and it is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Chemical Peel

As an alternative to Botox injections, some people choose to have a chemical peel such as a Glycolic acid peel. Also known as an alpha hydroxy acid peel, it works by removing the top layer of your skin, which triggers production of new elastin and collagen. The result is the erasing of wrinkles and fine lines.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin is a prescription cream that helps improve the look of wrinkles. It serves as a Botox injection alternative as it hydrates the skin, but it can also cause irritation and redness. Because there is a possible risk of birth defects, it isn't safe to use during pregnancy.

GFX

GFX weakens the motor nerves that connect to the forehead muscles used for frowning by using targeted radiofrequency energy. It reduces and eliminates frown lines for up to a year and serves as an alternative to Botox injections that only last for up to four months. The GFX injections are given in the doctor's office with a GFX pen that is placed underneath the skin for a single puncture.

References

• Forbes
• Real Self
• eMedTV

Resources

• The Plastic Surgery Channel
• Dr. Stanley Jacobs