Sacramento Botox
Botox has become a fixture in the world of anti-aging medicine, used by physicians around the world to treat wrinkles, crows feet, glabellar lines, neck bands, and other issues. First approved by the FDA in 2002, the Botox product is actually produced from a toxic bacterium, Clostridium botulinum.
Though large amounts of the toxin can produce a dangerous condition called botulism, the amounts used for cosmetic purposes are much too small for that to happen. The risk of any dangerous side effects are minimal if the injections are done by a qualified professional.
By injecting Botox into specific facial muscles a controlled weakening can be caused that makes wrinkles relax and soften. Forehead wrinkles, frown lines and crows feet are reduced or removed very effectively with this procedure. Botox has also been used effectively in the neck area.
The procedure does not require anesthetic and will only take a few minutes. The needles used to inject the Botox are very small and produce little, if any, discomfort. The injection process itself takes about 15 minutes and can take up to 2 weeks to take it's complete effect. For most people, though, the full effect can be seen in 3 to 7 days, and the results last 3 to 6 months. There have been many reports that patients who have had multiple treatments notice the effects last longer.
Botox has been just about the only alternative for forehead lines and wrinkles, but not several alternative products have appeared. This could be good news for the patient, since competition usually reduces prices.
Dysport
Sold as Reloxin in Europe, this treatment was approved in 2009 by the FDA for treating facial lines and wrinkles. It has been disappointing to find that the cost is about the same as Botox. Dysport also has a couple disadvantages, the first being confusion in amount of product needed to be effective, since it uses a different measurement than Botox. The second disadvantage is that the product diffuses, or spreads, more rapidly making it harder to control.
Xeomin
Xeomin was approved by the FDA in July of 2010 for neck and cervical muscle disorders. When used cosmetically, it works in the same way as Botox, but the main difference is that it is free of complex proteins so there is much less risk of sensitization and antibody formation. This means that overtime, users of this product are less likely to develop Botox resistance.
Another difference is that this product does not require any refrigeration. In addition, it is available in both 50 and 100 unit vials so wastage may be reduced. While Xeomin has not been approved for cosmetic use, it won't be far behind as physicians begin to offer it as an off-label procedural option to patients, like they did with Botox when it first appeared on the market. More than 84,000 patients have been treated with Xeomin worldwide since 2005.
It takes about one week for the full effects of Xeomin injections to be realized, and once this occurs the results last from three to six months. Dysport, Xeomin and Botox should not be used interchangeably. They should also only be administered by skilled injectors such as dermatologists or board-certified facial plastic surgeons in sterile environments such as medi-spas or doctor's offices.
PurTox
Like Botox and Dysport, PurTox contains a refined form of botulinum toxin, which temporarily blocks the nerve signals that cause facial muscles to contract. Like Xeomin, PurTox is touted as a purer form of Botox, and therefore believed to produce more natural and longer lasting results. Currently in phase 3 trials in the United States, it is similar to Xeomin in its advantages. Having similar products which are equivalents or offer advantages should allow for more competitive pricing. FDA approval is expected in late 2010.
