Botox-type injectables? Are These Anti-aging Neuromodulators Right For You? A quick review.
Whether you want to smooth out wrinkles, volumize your skin, or plump your lips, injectables can help. Injectables are very popular for facial beautification and rejuvenation. They have many anti-aging benefits and improve the overall appearance of the complexion. You may have heard of celebrities undergoing treatments like BOTOX, DYSPORT, JUVEDERM or DAXXIFY, but have you ever wondered what these treatments are and what they can do for your skin?
Neuromodulators (like Botox and Dysport) and dermal fillers (like Juvederm) can improve the appearance of your skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. There are many misconceptions about injection procedures and their effects on the body. Before you decide if these treatments are right for you, read these facts recommended by experts at the UPMC Center for Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health.
Neuromodulators (also known as neurotoxins) and hyaluronic acid injectables have grown steadily in popularity over the past five years, with people spending about $500 million in each category, according to the American Academy of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine, Kate Zibirich-Holcombe says “I love that using the injectables doesn’t require surgery, hopefully people look like a refreshed version of themselves.”
A quick science lesson:
Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator, a fancy name for a class of chemicals that disrupts the signals between nerves and muscles, relaxing muscles and reducing wrinkles. Botulinum toxin comes from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium secretes eight different subtypes of botulinum toxin. Type A is considered one of its most potent toxins and is the only commercially available form of botulinum toxin for cosmetic use. This botulinum toxin is called type A Botox. It was the first ever injectable neuromodulator and still holds the largest market share. There are currently five FDA-approved injectable neuromodulators:
1. Botox (approved 2002)
2. Dysport (approved 2009)
3. Xeomin (approved in 2011)
4. Jeuveau (approved in 2019)
5. The newest player on the market, Daxxify.
All of this raises a lot of questions, such as: How to choose the type of injection to get? How different they really are and. Is it just marketing or are these good at alleviating certain wrinkles?
Now that we know to avoid comparisons based on price tags and injections at medical spas, let’s move on to the main differences between brands. Start with Formulation and how much it spreads (i.e., how large an area can be covered with one injection), how quickly you can expect results, and how long they last. We will analyze the three neuromodulators and how they stack up.
Botox is the neuromodulatory drug with the broadest track record and market share. It is also the only neuromodulator approved in all three major therapeutic areas, i.e., between the eyebrows, forehead, and crow’s feet.
Botox was officially approved for cosmetic use in 2002 to smooth out frown lines. It has since been approved for the treatment of crow’s feet and moderate to severe forehead wrinkles, although doctors have used it regularly off-label for years in chin wrinkles, softening lips lines and neck bands.
There is relatively little downtime, as early as day 3 or 4 it starts showing results, but the full effect can take up to 2 weeks and can last 2-4 months.
Dysport’s claim to fame is its spreadability, which makes it ideal for large areas like the forehead. It also kicks in a little faster than its competitors. Another potential benefit is a reduction in the skins sebum production.
Dysport is very good at reducing sweat and sebum secretion and reducing pore size. It was approved by the FDA in 2009 to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines and to treat cervical dystonia in adults. Results are usually seen within a few days and may take up to a week to fully take effect, so it’s a bit faster than Botox.
In September 2022, Daxxify was approved to treat frown lines, but the interesting fact is that it’s results seem to last longer than any other neuromodulator.
Daxxify’s endurance comes from its unique stabilizer. Rather than using proteins i.e. Botox, Jeuveau, and Dysport, Daxxify is conjugated to peptides that are believed to stabilize toxins for longer periods of time. The peptides then enhance absorption, resulting in more stable binding to neurotransmitters post-injection, leading to longer results. But this can be a double-edged sword: Because the results last so long, people who are dissatisfied with the treatment have to wait longer for it to wear off than other injections. It may not be the optimal toxin for a first time user.
Do's and Don't:
Studies have found that anti-aging Botox-type injectable procedures are extremely safe when performed by an experienced/certified dermatologist. Side effects occur in less than 1% of recipients. Most of these were mild. These are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. People with certain health conditions or taking medications should discuss whether they are safe for them.
People also need to discuss what Botox or other injectables can realistically do to their appearance. Qualified health care providers, such as certified dermatologists, plastic/cosmetic surgeons, ensure the procedure is done safely and properly.
Risks or side effects:
In general, its side effects are rare, but some unwanted effects can occur, such as:
• Dry eyes, after using cosmetics
• Upset stomach
• Hearing loss
• Slight pain/swelling around the injection site
• Headache
• Temporary unwanted weakness or paralysis of nearby muscles
• Urinary problems after urinary incontinence treatment
• Cardiovascular events such as arrhythmia
Do not use Botox if you have:
• Sensitivity or allergy to it
• Injection site infection
Conclusion:
Botox-type injectables have cosmetic and medical uses. They reduce the appearance of wrinkles and also helps treat certain disorders of the nervous and muscular systems.
Anyone interested in trying Botox is advised to discuss risks, costs, and other considerations with their healthcare provider.
Comments
Post a Comment