When given the option between receiving an injection to smooth pesky wrinkles or simply lathering on a bit of cream, what person in the right mind would choose the former? There are, in fact, some skincare companies selling a topical-like botox — or cream designed to remove wrinkles and smooth skin. The question is: does this topical botox really work?
The short answer? There is a new topical cream similar to botox that actually does work similarly to true botox injections in some areas.
What is topical botox?
Plastic surgeons began administering botox injections to smooth wrinkles in the skin, especially lines along the forehead and crow’s feet beside the eyes over a decade ago. In recent years; however, innovative researchers have developed a topical cream designed to do the same thing. This cream is called Revance. It uses ingredients similar to botox injections, like peptides, neuropeptides, and other natural muscle relaxants, which are designed to release the tension in cells that cause wrinkles.
What are botox injections?
Actual botox, on the other hand, involves injecting a small amount of the deactivated and safe botulinum toxin beneath the skin. This stops the signals in certain nerve cells, effectively weakening the muscles and preventing wrinkles in the area the botox was injected. Once injected in the tissue by an experienced plastic surgeon, botox takes between a day or two to reach its full potential and the effects should last between 3 to 4 months.
What makes botox injections different?
While topical botox may have a slight effect on relaxing muscles in the face and, thereby, reducing wrinkles, the reality is that a cream sold in a drug store will probably never be as potent as a drug injected beneath the skin by an experienced injector or plastic surgeon. While it has been successfully tried on patients’ with crows feet and excessive sweating in the hands and the feet, a topical botox has a short effect, not reaching the long-lasting effects of an actual botox injection. It may be cheaper, as well, but it also must be administered regularly, whereas you need injections only two or three times per year.
How to decide which is right for you?
At the end of the day, it’s up to you whether you feel comfortable receiving botox injections or would prefer to go with a cream. Many men and women who would like to experience the effects of injections opt out simply because they don’t want to go through the pain. That is perfectly understandable! For those individuals, a cream, even if less effective, might be a good, inexpensive alternative.
For those who are comfortable with minor injections; however, an injection may still be the best option, especially for more complicated areas around the mouth and lips, which require a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist with a lot of expertise. Remember: botox injections last between three to four months, so you get smooth, younger-looking skin for just a short stop at your plastic surgeon or dermatologist’s office. This minimally invasive procedure is popular among men and women alike, and it’s been proven by the test of time to be safe and effective for a number of people who simply want to feel good in their skin.
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