Injections and Ultrasound Therapy and Microneedling, Oh My! Botox and the top Botox Alternatives
Three cheers! Advanced Body Sculpting & MedSpa founder Alexis Lebahn is now certified to perform Botox injections at our Apple Valley spa and clinic.
But while Botox injections may be the most popular treatment for reducing wrinkles and fine lines, you have other options. So here's a little more information about Botox and Botox alternatives. Then you can choose the solution that's right for you.
Botox: The Original Wrinkle Reducer
Botox. We've all heard of it. But what exactly is this wrinkle-be-gone solution? Botox is a brand name for a purified form of the botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that causes muscle paralysis. Don't worry — it's not as scary as it sounds! When used correctly, Botox is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including migraines, muscle spasms, and excessive sweating.
It's also widely known for its cosmetic uses. Botox reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. By injecting Botox into targeted muscles, it blocks the nerve signals that cause them to contract, resulting in smoother skin. Results can last anywhere from two to six months, but most patients find that it works for three to four months.
Botox has long been approved by the FDA for both medical and cosmetic purposes. When administered by a qualified professional, it's a safe and effective option to reverse the signs of aging.
Other Neurotoxins: Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau
Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau are all neuromodulators that use the botulinum toxin. These neurotoxins reduce and prevent wrinkles by blocking nerve signals from reaching facial muscles so they can't contract as much as usual. This leads to fewer lines and smoother skin overall.
Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau work similarly to Botox but have slightly different formulations.
Dysport is the least potent but diffuses the most, spreading out over larger treatment areas.
Jeuveau is the closest one-to-one substitute for Botox but hasn't been approved for medical uses by the FDA — only cosmetic ones.
Xeomin contains only purified botulinum toxin with no added ingredients. It's a better option for people with antibodies against certain proteins found in other formulations.
Results typically last as long as those from Botox and depend on the individual’s metabolism rate and lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol.
Dermal Fillers: Restylane, Sculptra, Juvederm
Dermal fillers are also injectables to treat the appearance of wrinkles. Unlike neurotoxins that work on facial muscles, fillers add volume and hydration to your skin. They help to plump up areas that have lost volume due to aging or sun damage, such as around the eyes or mouth.
Common dermal fillers include:
Hyaluronic acid (Restylane, Juvederm)
Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)
Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra)
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
Some clients choose to use neurotoxins and dermal fillers together, which is fine. Just be sure to only visit experienced and safe medical providers and disclose all skin care products and cosmetic procedures.
Ultrasound Therapy: Ultherapy, HIFU, Sofwave
Ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help reduce wrinkles and improve the overall look of your skin. Devices use sound waves at varying frequencies to stimulate collagen production beneath your skin’s surface layer – resulting in firmer skin with fewer wrinkles over time.
One advantage of energy-based procedures such as Sofwave ultrasound treatments is that they can target lines and wrinkles on areas of the body as well as the face. Some have them performed on the chest or neck, and others receive ultrasonic procedures to reduce cellulite and tighten skin.
Microneedling: Skin Pen, Dr. Pen, Morpheus8
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure where an esthetician uses tiny needles to create punctures in the skin, which stimulates collagen production and helps reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. It can also help improve acne scars and even out skin tone.
Microneedling can also be combined with other treatments. For example, our Morpheus8 workstation adds radiofrequency to affect deeper layers of the dermis and better contour the skin's surface. And our SkinPen treatments allow the serums we use to penetrate the skin more fully.
Nano-Needling
Nano needling is a less aggressive option than microneedling and uses even smaller needles. For the most effect, opt for a procedure that pairs nano-needling with infusions. Hyaluronic acid is a popular choice and produces an extra boost of hydration and a plumping effect on fine lines.
Acupuncture
One more way to use needles for younger-looking skin.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments including wrinkles and fine lines on the face. It works by stimulating trigger points on the face which relaxes facial muscles and reduces wrinkles over time with regular treatments.
The therapy can also reduce stress levels and increase circulation, both of which leads to smoother-looking skin.
Peels and Facials
The effectiveness of any one anti-aging facial depends on several factors, but regular facials generally slow down the aging process and support skin health.
Cryofacials / Cryotherapy
Cryofacials — jokingly called fro-tox by some — have become really popular over the last year due to celebrity endorsements. In a cryofacial, an esthetician uses cryotherapy to freeze or hyper-cool the skin on the face, scalp, and neck. This helps to tighten pores, diminish wrinkles, soothe inflammation and puffiness, brighten under-eye circles, and remove blemishes.
The best part about cryofacials is that they work immediately. Your skin will look and feel refreshed and rejuvenated after your treatment.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells and promote cell turnover for a smoother texture. Skin care providers use it to treat everything from discoloration to acne to fine lines.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid to exfoliate the skin, which helps reduce wrinkles over time. Peels can also stimulate
It’s important to note that chemical peels can cause some redness or irritation, so talk to your provider and time treatments so they don't interfere with social events.
Turn Back the Clock with Advanced Body Sculpting & MedSpa
Okay, we can't really help you time travel, but we can make your skin look younger and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. We provide Morpheus8 microneedling, Sofwave ultrasound therapy, cryofacials, and a range of chemical peels.
Plus, we're proud to offer Botox, Apple Valley residents. It's the gold standard of neurotoxins. Contact us if you're interested in any of these treatments, or book an appointment online.