Are there any alternatives to botox

By adding filler along the jawline, it creates structure, which in turn gives the illusion of a slimmer jaw and can even visually elongate the neck. Fillers can last anywhere from five to 24 months, depending on the person and the filler used. Also known as microneedling RF , this treatment is more geared towards fine lines rather than dynamic wrinkles. Typically, three sessions is recommended to see the best results, spaced a few months apart, and the effects can last about a year.

For skin tightening and lifting and, to a degree, wrinkle reduction , another option that dermatologists recommend is ultrasound technology in the form of a device called Ultherapy.

It also can have an effect on those pesky neck bands. Ultherapy will not address those platysma bands in the same way that Botox will, however we still use Ultherapy as an alternative, but prefer to use it in conjunction with Botox when the platysma bands are an issue.

Specifically red lights, which, according to Dr. Katz, have been shown to have some effect on fine lines and wrinkles. Katz says it should be in the infrared light zone which is to 1, nanometer wavelength. Also known as acetyl hexapeptide-3, argireline is a type of peptide that — unlike its short-chain amino acid brethren — has been shown to have an impact on muscle movement by impacting the nerve-to-muscle communication, meaning that it is often billed as helping to target expression lines and wrinkles.

While creams, lasers, devices, and microneedling can superficially erase any lines that have formed, they are only serving as a bandage. They are not addressing the root cause like Botox is, therefore, the results will never be as impressive or as long-lasting as targeting the muscle movement. That said, innovation has come a long way since Botox was first introduced almost two decades ago, with new technologies and ingredients being introduced each year.

Many of these alternatives are either new to the scene or advanced evolutions of older technologies, meaning for those that are Botox hesitant , there may be even more advanced alternatives on the horizon. In the after photo, no smile means no crinkling around the eyes. Though some of these products do seem to deliver a certain measure of very temporary results, they can in no way be compared to the results achieved with Botox injections or with surgery. The real kicker is that most of these products cost almost as much as the real thing.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Most doctors worth their salt will tell you to save your money and skip the lotions and potions.

It seems that some doctors who are aware of the problem are offering Botox-resistant patients another option in the form of botulinum toxin type B which is sold under the brand name Myobloc. This form of the botulism toxin has proven effective in patients suffering from cervical dystonia a painful neuromuscular condition affecting the head and neck , pediatric urinary incontinence, migraine headaches, and other medical problems — even in patients who have developed resistance to botulinum type A Botox.

Although it is not approved for cosmetic use, some doctors do offer this off-label use as an alternative for Botox-resistant patients. The same type of toxin-blocking antibodies which are responsible for Botox-resistance have shown up in patients participating in clinical studies with Myobloc. However, no studies have been done on the off-label cosmetic use, which uses much smaller doses than are used to treat patients with cervical dystonia the only condition for which the use of Myobloc is currently approved.

The only answer anyone seems to have at this point is that it could certainly happen, but the use of careful minimal dosing may be able to prolong its usefulness in cosmetic patients. Like Botox, Dysport is a neuromodulator, which means that it blocks a nerve. And while the two work the same, they are different at a molecular level.

The molecule of Dysport is smaller than that of Botox, and as a result, tends to spread away from the injection site. This spread appears to be more of an issue when larger volumes of the product are used, especially in the forehead. Excess spread here can lead to a heavy eyebrow temporarily.

Because of this, it may be paired with Botox or another filler to corral it and prevent the risk of spreading and weakening the forehead. Another popular filler is inspired by our own skin: collagen. This semi-permanent filler tends to be a mixture of collagen and PMMA microspheres.

Polymethylmethacrylate beads, or PMMA microspheres, are not absorbed by the body though they are made from cow or bovine collagen. The results may last five years and are usually used for acne scars. One more invasive surgical option is available for those who would use Botox solely for the vertical frown lines which appear between the brows. The procedure is called a corrugator myectomy or corrugator excision. Key nutritional supplements may help improve collagen production.

They may also have an antioxidant effect that helps prevent damage from free radicals. The best supplements to take include vitamin C , vitamin E , and carotenoids.

Pros: Vitamins are easily accessible and affordable for most. They also provide important nutrients to your body as a whole. Cons: You have to be careful when buying supplements. Look for high-quality supplements from a reputable source. Learn more: The 4 best vitamins for your skin ». Many facial creams on the market claim to treat wrinkles. Look for antioxidant creams or cell regulators, which have a direct effect on collagen production and metabolism in the facial skin cells.

Cons: With so many types of anti-aging creams on the market, it can be hard to know what will actually work. Some creams may require a prescription or be quite expensive. Chemical peels are used to treat acne, reduce the appearance of discolored skin, and reduce signs of aging. Chemical peels require some recovery time, ranging from 24 hours to 2 to 3 weeks. Pros: Chemical peels are considered safe and effective. Your skin will continue to age, however, so you may need another chemical peel in the future as more wrinkles develop.

Cons: You need to see a skin care specialist for the procedure. The results are not instantaneous and may take 1 to 14 days to be fully seen. Recovery following the treatment varies depending on the chemical peel used. Your skin may look red and swollen, with peeling varying from minimal to severe. For deep peels, you may need a surgical dressing on the wound.