Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNeurotoxinsFillersLaser ResurfacingSurgeryWhich Cosmetic Procedure Is Right For You?Lifestyle Changes: A Natural OptionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Neurotoxins
Fillers
Laser Resurfacing
Surgery
Which Cosmetic Procedure Is Right For You?
Lifestyle Changes: A Natural Option
Frequently Asked Questions
Botox(onabotulinumtoxinA) is a popular and effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, but there are other options you can consider—and each has pluses and minuses in terms of effectiveness, how often they’re needed, and more.
Injectable Botox alternatives include:
The benefits of Botox last about four months.Some of these have longer periods between recommended treatments, which may be attractive for both cost and convenience concerns.
Laser resurfacingis a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles that lets you avoid needles entirely. And various types of cosmetic surgery procedures may help you achieve your goals. It’s important to know that simple lifestyle changes can make your skin appear smoother too.
This article discusses Botox alternatives that can help smooth wrinkles and keep a more youthful appearance.
You might consider other neurotoxins besides Botox if you’re one of the rare people who has developed an“immunity” to Botox.
Myobloc (rimabotulinumtoxinB)
Myobloc is sometimes recommended specifically for people for whom Botox doesn’t work (Botox resistance).
Despite its FDA status, some healthcare providers prescribe it off-label to reduce wrinkles.
Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)
While just as effective as Botox, the molecules in Dysport are smaller than the molecules in Botox. Smaller molecules allow Dysport to work faster than Botox.
However, this can also cause it to spread away from the injection site. This spread appears to be more of an issue when larger amounts of the product are used, especially in the forehead.
Dysport may be paired with Botox or another filler to corral it and prevent the risk of spreading and weakening the forehead.
Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA)
The results are comparable to Botox, with benefits seen in about a week and lasting several months. The advantage may be a reduced risk of developing antibodies to the toxin, which means you’re less likely to see Xeomin stop working compared to Botox.
Xeomin vs. Botox: Which Is Right for You?
Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxinA)
Botox and Daxxify both contain botulinum toxin type A as their core ingredient, but Botox uses proteins for stabilization, whereas Daxxify uses peptides. The peptides in Daxxify make it more effective, with results lasting an average of 6 months (compared to 3-4 months for Botox and other neuromodulators).
Letybo (letibotulinumtoxinA)
Letybo is FDA-approved to treat moderate-to-severe glabellar lines in adults. The effects of Letybo can last for four months or longer.
Botox vs. Fillers: What’s the Difference?
Bellafill (Dermal Filler)
This semi-permanent filler tends to be a mixture of collagen andpolymethylmethacrylate(PMMA) microspheres. Bellafill is FDA-approved for treating acne scars, and its use for wrinkles and fine lines is considered off-label.
Once injected, your body absorbs the collagen. The PMMA microspheres stay in place and can plump up the skin or give it a smoother-looking appearance. Results can last up to five years.
Juvederm
Juvederm is a brand name for another family of injectable fillers known ashyaluronicacid dermal fillers.
This is man-made from a gel-like substance found naturally in the human body between cells, The fillers are soft when injected so they’re used in places like the lips that require more flexibility.
The effects may last nine to 12 months.
How to Choose a Facial Filler
Laser resurfacingis a professional skin treatment that can reduce lines without the use of an injectable. Using aCO2 laser, a surgeon works on areas of the skin where you want to reduce wrinkles, tighten the skin, stimulate new collagen formation, or repair skin damage.
The skin and the area directly underneath are heated, which destroys old tissue and stimulates the production of new collagen. The newly formed tissue is firmer, which results In a smoother appearance.
The full benefits of laser resurfacing may not be obvious for months or even a year, but the results can last several years.
Minimally invasive surgical procedures can be very effective. However, you may still have to deal with wrinkles and marks that develop from repeated facial movements post-surgery.
Other surgical options target the corrugator muscle, which draws the eyebrows down and together:
Unless the corrugator muscle is completely removed during the procedure, the results may not be permanent.
Some risks come with this procedure, including decreased sensation in a small area of the forehead and a cosmetically undesirable depression between the brows. In addition, some doctors warn against this procedure, saying that it can result in the face taking on an exaggerated, artificial, perpetually “surprised” look.
There are many things to consider if you are thinking about having a cosmetic procedure.
Cost is a factor, and surgery is generally the most expensive option. Other factors that affect the cost include where you are having the procedure, how much of a change you are looking for, and which product you are having injected. Some cosmetic clinics may have different prices for different products, depending on how often they use them.
Contraindications are another factor. People who have health conditions that could make surgery or anesthesia risky might be advised to steer away from surgery or any major procedure. Additionally, if you are taking blood thinners, it might increase your risk of bruising from an injection, and you may need to stop taking it before having a procedure with a higher likelihood of bleeding.
You and your provider will also need to discuss which method will be most likely to achieve the results you are looking for, how long the effect is expected to last, recovery time, and the most common risks.
Comparing Different Cosmetic ProceduresHow it worksHow long it lastsRecovery TimeRisksBotoxParalyzes musclesApproximately four monthsIrritation or redness may last for a few hoursMinimal risk of nerve damage or scarring Botox resistanceMyoblocParalyzes musclesApproximately four monthsIrritation or redness may last for a few hoursMinimal risk of nerve damage or scarringDysportParalyzes musclesApproximately four monthsIrritation or redness may last for a few hoursMinimal risk of nerve damage or scarringXeominParalyzes musclesApproximately four monthsIrritation or redness may last for a few hoursMinimal risk of nerve damage or scarringDaxxifyParalyzes musclesApproximately six monthsIrritation or redness may last for a few hoursMinimal risk of nerve damage or scarringBellafilInjected material fillerUp to five yearsIrritation or redness may last for a few daysBruising, skin irregularityJuvedermInjected material fillerNine to 12 monthsIrritation or redness may last for a few daysBruising, skin irregularityLaser resurfacingStimulates new tissue productionYearsPain and swelling for daysMay cause scarsSurgeryReshaping skin, muscle, and tissueYearsBruising can take days or weeks to healSurgical complications or scarsLifestyle Changes: A Natural OptionLifestyle changes that help you maintain healthy skin are always recommended, whether you opt for a cosmetic procedure or not.As standalone approaches to smoothing skin, they may not be as effective as medical or surgical alternatives, but they can have a positive effect.Lifestyle changes that can help you minimize fine lines and wrinkles include:Stay hydratedGet regular exerciseReduce exposure to ultraviolet raysAvoid smoking and secondhand exposureEat a well-balanced dietGet adequate rest and sleepThese also offer the added benefits of having no side effects and improving other aspects of your health.Research has shown that diet plays an especially important role in skin health. To maintain youthful skin, researchers suggest adding the following foods and supplements.Multivitamins: Try to get adequate amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, biotin, and the minerals chromium, iron, selenium, and zinc.Resveratrol: Found in high concentrations in the skin of grapes and wine, it’s also in blueberries, cranberries, and peanuts.Flavonoids: These powerful antioxidants are found in green tea.Turmeric: With antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, turmeric has been shown to benefit the skin in a variety of ways.SummaryAlternatives to Botox include different types of injectable neurotoxins and fillers, laser resurfacing, and cosmetic surgeries. Diet and a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the signs of aging.It’s important to discuss all options with your healthcare provider to be sure that medications, surgery, or changes in your diet or routine are good for your overall health.Frequently Asked QuestionsMyobloc has proved effective in people who have become resistant to Botox, although as a cosmetic tool, it is used off-label and no studies have been done on it for cosmetic purposes.No. They both last several months, and it all depends on your body. They are mostly comparable in the treatment of wrinkles and fine lines.A facial massage is one natural option that has been shown to significantly reduce signs of aging.Other options include all-natural topical treatments such as vitamin E cream and rosehip seed oil.While most celebrities tend to guard their beauty secrets, it is common to hear some of the most youthful-looking actors and entertainers talk about their commitment to good health. Exercise, avoiding UV rays, and eating well are keys to maintaining a great complexion.
Lifestyle changes that help you maintain healthy skin are always recommended, whether you opt for a cosmetic procedure or not.
As standalone approaches to smoothing skin, they may not be as effective as medical or surgical alternatives, but they can have a positive effect.
Lifestyle changes that can help you minimize fine lines and wrinkles include:
These also offer the added benefits of having no side effects and improving other aspects of your health.
Research has shown that diet plays an especially important role in skin health. To maintain youthful skin, researchers suggest adding the following foods and supplements.
Summary
Alternatives to Botox include different types of injectable neurotoxins and fillers, laser resurfacing, and cosmetic surgeries. Diet and a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the signs of aging.
It’s important to discuss all options with your healthcare provider to be sure that medications, surgery, or changes in your diet or routine are good for your overall health.
Frequently Asked QuestionsMyobloc has proved effective in people who have become resistant to Botox, although as a cosmetic tool, it is used off-label and no studies have been done on it for cosmetic purposes.No. They both last several months, and it all depends on your body. They are mostly comparable in the treatment of wrinkles and fine lines.A facial massage is one natural option that has been shown to significantly reduce signs of aging.Other options include all-natural topical treatments such as vitamin E cream and rosehip seed oil.While most celebrities tend to guard their beauty secrets, it is common to hear some of the most youthful-looking actors and entertainers talk about their commitment to good health. Exercise, avoiding UV rays, and eating well are keys to maintaining a great complexion.
Myobloc has proved effective in people who have become resistant to Botox, although as a cosmetic tool, it is used off-label and no studies have been done on it for cosmetic purposes.
No. They both last several months, and it all depends on your body. They are mostly comparable in the treatment of wrinkles and fine lines.
A facial massage is one natural option that has been shown to significantly reduce signs of aging.Other options include all-natural topical treatments such as vitamin E cream and rosehip seed oil.
While most celebrities tend to guard their beauty secrets, it is common to hear some of the most youthful-looking actors and entertainers talk about their commitment to good health. Exercise, avoiding UV rays, and eating well are keys to maintaining a great complexion.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How long does Botox last?American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.Injectables & Wrinkle Treatment.Food and Drug Administration.Daxxify label.Food and Drug Administration.Bellafill summary of safety and effectiveness data.U.S. VA.Supplements for Skin Health.Garcia A, da Silva DB, Goncalves VDF, de Camargo Ferreira A.Manual therapy in the treatment of facial wrinkles and sagging: A quantitative-qualitative randomized clinical trial.Man Ther, Posturology Rehabil J.2019;17. doi: https://doi.org/10.17784/mtprehabjournal.2019.17.772Datta HS, Mitra SK, Paramesh R, Patwardhan B.Theories and management of aging: modern and ayurveda perspectives.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011;2011:1-6. doi:10.1093%2Fecam%2Fnep005
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.How long does Botox last?
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.Injectables & Wrinkle Treatment.
Food and Drug Administration.Daxxify label.
Food and Drug Administration.Bellafill summary of safety and effectiveness data.
U.S. VA.Supplements for Skin Health.
Garcia A, da Silva DB, Goncalves VDF, de Camargo Ferreira A.Manual therapy in the treatment of facial wrinkles and sagging: A quantitative-qualitative randomized clinical trial.Man Ther, Posturology Rehabil J.2019;17. doi: https://doi.org/10.17784/mtprehabjournal.2019.17.772
Datta HS, Mitra SK, Paramesh R, Patwardhan B.Theories and management of aging: modern and ayurveda perspectives.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011;2011:1-6. doi:10.1093%2Fecam%2Fnep005
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