Wrinkle Treatment: Collagen or Botox?
With all the anti-aging skin programs it can be difficult to choose which is best. Treatments include injections that can fill in the wrinkles. The two main contenders are collagen and Botox. So, which is better for you?
Botox, which is actually botulinum toxin type A, is injected into the facial muscles to relax them, thus erasing fine lines and wrinkles. It has few side effects and a typical Botox treatment will cost between $300 and $400, depending on how many injections are needed. A Botox treatment will need to be repeated at least every six months to maintain results.
Collagen is a protein that is produced in the dermis layer of the skin. However, as we age, the dermis produces less of this protein, so the skin becomes less elastic and fine lines and wrinkles appear.
Collagen can be injected into facial tissues to fill in those wrinkles. The collagen can be taken from cows or other animals (such as Zyderm and Zyplast), or from human sources (such as CosmoDerm or CosmoPlast. Those from animal sources generally cost less but some people are allergic to it. (A skin test is generally given before an injection procedure to determine if the patient has such an allergy.
Collagen is generally more expensive than Botox. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, collagen can cost about $780 per procedure, depending on the brand of treatment used.
Which is better for you? That depends. Some patients prefer Botox because it is less expensive. It is also a popular treatment. There are even Botox parties: several patients gather at someone’s home and have their treatments administered there. They have fun and leave looking younger.
Other people, however, are bothered by the idea of injecting botulism toxin, a poisonous substance, into their faces to paralyze them. The long-term effects of such a procedure are largely unknown. Further, if done incorrectly, a Botox treatment can freeze your face into an odd expression, leaving you with raised eyebrows, stiff lips etc.
On the other hand, collagen is more expensive and potentially allergic (if the collagen is derived from animals). Collagen is intriguing because in addition to treating wrinkles, it can also be used to correct acne scars and under-eye circles. It can also be used to make your lips fuller and more attractive.
Collagen injections can stimulate the bodyís own collagen production and relieve arthritis pain and replenish lean muscle mass. However, it may take several months for the effects of collagen injections to be noticeable.
It is best to consult a reputable dermatologist to determine which procedure best meets your needs. Determine how much your budget can afford and whether you want instant results or can be satisfied with a procedure that takes more time to notice.
A high-quality wrinkle treatment can be worth the time and expense if looking younger is important. By choosing either of these procedures, you can erase years of wrinkles and be the envy of your friends.
Painless Wrinkle Treatment: Is It Possible?
Are you concerned that your fine lines and wrinkles are aging you? These days you want to look as young as possible for as long as possible, but you don’t want skin care treatments which are invasive and painful. However, if you’ve given Botox the cold shoulder, what’s left for you?
There are a variety of skin rejuvenation techniques you can try, starting with the over-the-counter anti wrinkle creams available everywhere.
If you find that you’re not satisfied with these creams, there are two strategies which are almost painless, and which will help to erase the years from your face.
1. Topical Prescription Creams Smooth your Lines: Beware of the Sun Afterward
Make an appointment with your dermatologist, who may prescribe topical retinoids for you. These creams are derived from Vitamin A, and many people get great results from them. They’re available under several brand names, including Renova, and Retin-A.
While effective, there may be side effects to retinoids, including dryness and itching. Therefore, if you have extremely dry skin normally, these creams are not for you.
Tip: your doctor will advise you to wear sunscreen and hats when you go out, because these medicated creams can cause your skin to burn more easily.
The topical retinoids are available in over-the-counter creams too, but these versions of the creams are less strong, and you’ll need to use them over a longer period.
2. Microdermabrasion: Sanding Away Lines and Imperfections
There’s another solution: you can have the top layer of skin removed with microdermabrasion, which is a milder form of dermabrasion. In microdermabrasion your facial skin is in effect lightly sanded, removing the top layer of skin which contains the lines, discolorations, and other imperfections.
Although a layer of skin is removed, there’s little pain associated with microdermabrasion: you may feel a slight tingling or burning.
A microdermabrasion treatment takes around an hour, and if you have it done during your lunch hour, you can go right back to work — your face may be flushed, and you shouldn’t go out into the sun, however.
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New Wrinkle Treatment Approved
Here’s great news if you’re looking for an alternative wrinkle treatment.
FDA Approves New Wrinkle Treatment reports:
“Dysport (formerly known as Reloxin) is made from the same active ingredient as Botox (made by Allergan), Clostridium botulinim toxin type A. Botulinum toxins temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles by restricting the muscle actions that cause creasing and frown lines.
Like Botox, Dysport is administered via an injection at the site of forehead wrinkles. According to Ipsen Biopharm Ltd., which makes Dysport, the FDA based its approval on clinical trials involving about 2,900 people at 80 study sites.”
Over 90 per cent of the people in the study reported an improvement; however, there are side effects, including headaches and pain at the site of the injection.
