Using Botox to treat facial wrinkles has become a common practice since its 2002 FDA approval for cosmetic purposes. It’s so popular that more than 7 million treatments were done in 2017, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Since its approval, Dr. Scott Thompson and Dr. Douglas Henstrom of Utah Facial Plastics have given daily treatments to thousands of patients who wanted a non-surgical option for facial rejuvenation.

Today, in addition to Botox, there are other injectable products available for wrinkle removal and more are in the works. Here are some keys to knowing what is available and how they can help you.

Botox — the original treatment

Beginning in 1977, Botox was used to treat strabismus, a misalignment of the eyes. From there, it became a treatment for facial muscle spasms, according to science and beauty site Youbeauty. When doctors noticed patients had fewer wrinkles in the skin overlying the treated muscle, they started using Botox for cosmetic treatments.

Results of Botox injections usually appear from a week to a month after the treatment. The effect can last as much as six months, depending on the individual patient, reports Healthline.

The Clostridium botulinum bacteria used to eliminate wrinkles is the same toxin that can cause botulism, a life-threatening type of food poisoning, according to Healthline. It works by relaxing muscles.

In addition to cosmetic applications, it is used to treat a variety of other medical issues, including the above-mentioned strabismus, or “lazy eye;” overactive bladder; excessive underarm sweating; neck muscle or eyelid spasms; and even conditions such as cerebral palsy or Bell's palsy.

In 2010, The FDA also approved Botox for the treatment of migraines. For additional information, you can read the Utah Facial Plastics blog.

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Jeuveau

This newest alternative was approved by the FDA on Feb. 1. While it works in essentially the same way as Botox, its primary advantage is likely to be lower cost. A Reuters report said the issuing company, Evolus, expects Jeuveau to be priced between 20 percent and 25 percent less than Botox. The company said its product should be available to consumers this spring.

Dysport

Dysport (also called Reloxin) uses the same botulinum bacteria as Botox and it is also used to treat facial wrinkles. One key difference is that Dysport is particularly effective in treating facial muscles that cause wrinkles between the brows and beside the eyes.

Another benefit of Dysport cited by Utah Facial Plastics is results are typically faster than Boxtox — usually taking effect in two to seven days.

As with Botox, results of Dysport treatment are temporary and typically last between three and four months at a time, according to Healthline.

On the horizon

The latest neuromodulator is from a different category than Botox and Dysport. Called “serotype E,” it usually works more quickly and doesn’t last as long. The new version, EB-001, shows results within 24 hours and lasts about two to four weeks, according to NewBeauty.

Faster results can be a benefit for both aesthetic and therapeutic uses. For example, in an article for NewBeauty, Executive Beauty Editor Elise Minton Tabinn reports a fast result is desirable for a patient seeking a touch-up between Botox appointments. In addition, those early effects can be particularly helpful for those who are being treated with EB-001 for postsurgical pain.

Another possible use would be for patients who haven’t tried Botox and are nervous about a bad first experience. They might be more comfortable with a shorter-lasting option.

Biotechnology company Bonti is developing EB-001 for various clinical uses, including both therapeutic and aesthetic treatments. Studies have shown safety and effectiveness in “reducing musculoskeletal pain in patients undergoing elective augmentation mammoplasty,” according to MDPI, a publisher of peer-reviewed, open-access journals.

Studies are underway as well for the use of EB-001 in aesthetics and it is expected to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of facial wrinkles in 2021, NewBeauty said.

Ensuring the best result

On rare occasions, unscrupulous clinics have treated patients with counterfeit Botox. This can be dangerous to the patient. More commonly, patients hoping for a good deal will choose a practitioner solely on price. Some medical professionals who offer Botox injections are not plastic surgeons and do not extensive training nor experience.

One way to make sure you receive the best treatment and result is to choose a board-certified and qualified surgeon. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes its members are required to have six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training.

The certified medical professionals at Utah Facial Plastics perform Botox treatments multiple times daily, most days of the week, so you know the person providing the treatment is qualified and experienced.

Editor’s Note: Anything in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Any opinions, statements, services, offers, or other information or content expressed or made available are those of the respective author(s) or distributor(s) and not of KSL. KSL does not endorse nor is it responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, information, or statement made in this article. KSL expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of this article.

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