Is Botox facing competition from the new injectables?
When you think of cosmetic injectables, the first one that came to mind five years ago was probably Botox. Now the market is flooded with new injectables and cosmetic fillers. Names like Juvederm, Restylane, and Collagen are popping up everywhere. If you are considering facial rejuvenation, you may be confused by new trends, products, and gossip from plastic surgeons and their patients.
If you’re worried that Botox isn’t as effective compared to the newer injectables, you don’t have to worry. Even with the glut of products available, the number of Botox procedures administered has steadily increased in recent years and still plays an important role in plastic surgery. Most of the other newer fillers like Restylane have also gained popularity, while more natural options like collagen and fat fillers have declined dramatically.
Although new options are available, the product you choose depends on your aesthetic goals. Botox is not the same substance as Juvederm. Each has a specific purpose, benefits, and risks.
Botox is one of the only injectables that does not fill in lines, but instead prevents facial muscle from creating wrinkles. It is a toxin that paralyzes the muscle. So technically it doesn’t erase wrinkles so much as it freezes them. It should only be used sparingly to maintain a natural appearance. Botox is also used primarily for lines that form between the eyebrows, on the forehead, laugh lines, and crow’s feet.
Restylane is a type of facial filler used for fine lines, acne scars, deeper grooves, and lip fillers. Juvederm is similar but is more highly concentrated. These types of fillers are good for filling in hollow areas of the face, giving a more youthful appearance. However, they will not affect the muscles of the face. They just add volume that will diminish in four to eight months. The effects of Botox are also limited and last up to six months.
Before Botox, collagen and fat were the only options to diminish the appearance of wrinkles or plump up the lips and cheeks. Part of the reason for its recent decline in popularity could be the cost. Collagen is similarly priced to other injectable treatments, but fat is often removed from other areas of the body and then injected into the target site, which is much more expensive than many of the other fillers available. Another reason for the decline in the number of plastic surgery patients using fat or collagen could simply be the influence of the media. Brand name fillers are advertised everywhere, while collagen and fat fillers would only be suggested by a plastic surgeon.
When choosing a filler or injectable, trends can be a good indicator, but ultimately research and the advice of a qualified plastic surgeon should be the deciding factor. As fashion and makeup trends fluctuate, the aesthetics of plastic surgery will change over time, especially with rapid changes in cosmetic technology and techniques. Consult with a plastic surgeon before committing to any product.
Even with the glut of new injectable products, the number of Botox procedures administered has steadily increased in recent years, and it still plays a significant role in plastic surgery.
