Botox is a popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment for reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Botox consists of a neurotoxin that blocks the release of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter needed for muscles to contract, forcing the muscle to relax. As the muscle relaxes, the skin above the muscle becomes smoother, reducing the look of wrinkles. If the idea of injecting a neurotoxin into your body is uncomfortable, there are other substitute options on the market to receive some of the same results.
Natural Dermal Fillers
One common substitute for botox injections is the injection of natural dermal fillers. These dermal fillers include substances, such as bovine-based collagen (Zyplast and Zyderm) or human-based collagen (Cosmoplast and Cosmoderm) and fat transfers from donor areas of your body. Once injected into the skin, dermal fillers fill in spaces left by worn down collagen and elastin fibers. This plumps out the wrinkle so that its surface is even with the surrounding skin tissue.
Synthetic Dermal Fillers
For those with worries of allergic reaction to animal-based dermal fillers, there are also synthetic dermal fillers available on the market. Synthetic dermal filler injections, such as hyaluronic acid (Restylane or Juvéderm), work similar to natural dermal fillers by filling in the space between collagen and elastin fibers, plumping out wrinkled skin. Radiesse, made from calcium hydroxylapetite, is also a common synthetic dermal filler.
Chemical Peels
Another substitute for botox injections are chemical peels. Chemical peels involve placing chemicals (such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid or salicylic acid) on the skin. These chemicals react with the skin cells on the affected treatment areas, causing them to peel off. This removes old skin and causes new skin growth, which according to the American Academy of Dermatology, can help remove fine lines around the eyes and mouth. The stronger the chemical peel solution, the deeper the results from the treatment will go.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing may also be used as a substitute for Botox injections. Laser resurfacing acts similar to a chemical peel, except it uses an ablative laser to evaporate the outer layer of skin, rather than a chemical peeler. Non-ablative lasers can also be used for wrinkle treatment. Non-ablative lasers penetrate the skin and activate the growth of new collagen.
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