If you have considered Botox treatments, but are put off by the expense, you may want to consider some of the following non-cream Botox alternatives: Acupuncture, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and fat implants.
Believe or not, acupuncture has been used for thousands of years for aging skin. As you may know, acupuncture began in China and uses many tiny metallic needles that are placed in various parts of the skin.
Some, but not all, doctors who practice Oriental medicine use acupuncture for the reduction in facial wrinkles. Up to 40 needles are placed under the surface of the skin. The actual number of needles used as well as the necessary number of treatments is determined by an individual's skin type.
Advocates of acupuncture treatment as an alternative to Botox believe that it rejuvenates skin by stimulating one's life energy, known as qi (pronounced "chee"). It is thought that acupuncture stimulates the making of collagen, resulting in a smoothing of the skin.
Some patients have reported success with acupuncture in the reduction of facial creases on their face and forehead. Nevertheless, there is currently no agreement among dermatologists, and even some acupuncturists, concerning its effectiveness.
Another alternative to Botox is laser resurfacing. With laser resurfacing, a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is used, which emits very quick pulses of high-intensity light. Due to the brevity of the pulses, heat damage to one's skin is minimized; however, there is sufficient energy to vaporize skin tissue cleanly.
Laser resurfacing is most effective in treating fine line wrinkles and creases such as those caused by ageing and/or sun damage. These types of ageing signs are typically not effectively treated with Botox.
Dermabrasion is a procedure that in effect "sands" away the upper layers of skin. Dermabrasion makes use of a high-speed abrasive wheel or brush. The goal is to improve irregularities in the skin surface caused by acne and chicken pox scars. However, the procedure is also used for facial skin rejuvenation.
Microdermabrasion is a technique also often used to treat facial scars and signs of skin ageing. Microdermabrasion works by blowing aluminum oxide crystals against the skin, and is used to treat more superficial skin defects requiring the removal of less surface skin.
Fat implants function similarly to collagen injections. That is, fat implants are used as sub-dermal fillers. The procedure involves removing fat from one area of the body (e.g. belly, buttocks, or thighs), and placing it in another. Desired areas where the fat is typically deposited include laugh and frown lines, hollow cheeks, and sunken chins.
Acupuncture, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and fat implants are only a few of the non-cream alternatives to Botox that you may encounter as you research your options. Of course, as with any medical procedure, you should discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of any procedure you are considering.