Did You Know? There Are Wrinkle Reducing Skin Treatments Other Than Botox

Let’s face it. Everyone hates wrinkles. Crow’s feet, frown lines, cheek creases. Most people spend thousands of dollars on Botox to get rid of those pesky wrinkles. But is Botox the right treatment for you? Let’s explore the several alternatives to Botox and why they might be better.

Why Not Botox?

It’s no secret that Botox gets a bad rap. The truth of the matter is, Botox, like any medical procedure, comes with risks. Botulinum toxin is a potentially lethal substance, emphasis on the word “potentially”. If administered in large enough doses, it could cause botulism, an illness that causes fatigue, inability to see or speak, and possibly death. However, one would have to be truly irresponsible with the injection in order to face risks like these. Because Botox lasts only a month or so, many individuals return to their doctors often to receive another injection. Often times, Botox injections are overdone and administered too frequently. This can cause stiffness in the face, especially in areas such as the cheekbones and corners of the mouth. These negative side effects of Botox make it a less than desirable option. If the stigmatism has you turning from this popular procedure, there are other options.

Non-Botox Options

1) Retinoid Creams

We’re not talking about typical moisturizers and creams here. Retinoid creams are medicated topical treatments that effectively reduce wrinkles, dry and/or patchy skin, and uneven skin tones.

2) Dermabrasion

This procedure is all about resurfacing your skin. Essentially, a rotating device is moved evenly over your skin, sanding down the unwanted top layer. Once your skin heals these abrasions, what grows back is smoother and softer and, most times, wrinkle-free

3) Laser Resurfacing

You can think of this technique as an upgraded version of dermabrasion. Both remove layers of skin to stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin. Laser resurfacing, however, uses a precise, concentrated, pulsating beam of light energy to remove the unwanted skin.

4) Ultherapy

This is a very new option that has been recently approved by the FDA. Ultherapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy focused on the deep layer of the skin. The ultrasound energy heats the tissue deep below the surface causing new collagen to be produced. Eventually, the skin will be regenerated, resulting in lifted and tightened skin.

5) Chemical Peels

Let’s not mince words here. Chemical peels work by using an acid solution to blister the top layer of the skin. As the skin blisters, it begins to peel away, layer by layer. We realize how terrible this sounds. However, once the peeling ensues, you’re left with beautiful new baby-smooth skin.

Clearly, there are many alternatives to Botox. Some may be riskier than others but with the right group of certified dermatologists, each procedure is deemed safe. So, whether you’re shying away from it because of fear or you’re not willing to face those risks, the experts at The Dermatology Group can help you choose the right option for you. If you are in Cincinnati, Ohio or any of the surrounding cities, give us a call today!