How to Use Botox Alternatives
While millions of Botox procedures are performed every year to treat wrinkles in the face, Botox is not necessarily the magic bullet for getting the youthful appearance so many of us covet. Botox has its limitations. For one, Botox is costly and temporary. A year's worth of maintenance can easily total thousands of dollars for some. Additionally, Botox cannot always smooth out deeply etched wrinkles. For those who are concerned about these limitations, there are Botox alternatives that you can use in place of or in conjunction with Botox injections. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Consult with a cosmetic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist about the options for Botox alternatives you can use to treat facial wrinkles. There is a broad spectrum of treatments, and it makes sense to start with the ones that are least invasive and expensive first.
-
2
Visit the makeup counter at your local department store to learn about makeup that can help conceal wrinkles. If your wrinkles are minor, you may only need a product you can use as camouflage.
-
-
3
Try over the counter Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) peels and creams. These are usually relatively affordable and work to exfoliate the dead skin cells on the surface to reveal healthier, smoother skin underneath.
-
4
Look into cosmeceuticals available at many department stores, from dermatologists and at spas. Cosmeceuticals are a new technology that combine cosmetics with drug-like skin products and are sold without a prescription. Many cosmeceuticals work over time to plump the skin and reduce wrinkles gradually.
-
5
Consider using a stronger chemical peel applied by a medical practitioner. Peels with higher concentrations of acid must be applied by a medical procedure. These peels strip off the top layer of skin and eliminate mild to moderate wrinkles.
-
6
Talk to a plastic surgeon about fillers. Injectable fillers such as hyaluronic acid and collagen smooth lines from underneath. These can be used to treat deep wrinkles and often last longer than Botox, about 6 months on average.
-
7
Talk to a surgeon about a face lift or brow lift. The most invasive of the Botox alternatives, lifts can be used to treat deeply ingrained wrinkles that Botox cannot treat. Face and brow lifts are major surgery that require general anesthesia, so you should use them as a last resort.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Go to Europe to get the latest cosmeceuticals using DNA nanotechnology. Not available in the US as of yet, these products claim to help skin cells rejuvenate and multiply.
Strong chemical peels can be quite painful and require some time to recuperate. If effect, you are burning off the top layer of your skin so that when the skin heals, it is has a more youthful look.
Talk to your doctor about possible side effects from all medical procedures before consenting.
