Price War

Did you know that the price of Botox is set by the manufacturer, Allergan? That's why it's about the same price anywhere you can find it - between $10-$12 per unit.

You may have seen it cheaper at some places, but be careful. Discount Botox may not actually be the same Botox produced by Allergan. In fact, it may be a cheap knockoff that has not been approved for human use, like TRItox. Or, if it is actually Botox, it could have been so watered down that you may just end up paying the same price or more.

If you're unsure whether the Botox you're getting is the real thing, one way to find out is by just asking to see the vial prior to your treatment. It should have the name and Allergan written on it.

Topical Botox?

Ever heard of Argireline? The trade name for acetyl hexapeptide 3, Argireline is marketed by ingredients manufacturer Lipotec as an alternative to Botox. It is targeted to those of us who want to eliminate or reduce our wrinkles but don't want to get an injection or prefer not to be exposed to the toxin.

Applied topically, Argireline is part of some wrinkle-fighting creams and serums at a concentration of generally 3-10% and is believed to basically work like Botox. The ingredient (acetyl hexapeptide 3) penetrates the skin and inhibits the production of an enzyme that is required in the contractions of muscles, thereby keeping the overlying skin smooth.

However, according to reports, Argireline achieves effects that last not for months like Botox, but rather for just a few hours.

Reloxin

There's a new wrinkle fighter on the market that may give Botox a run for its money.

From Ipsen, a specialty pharmaceutical group based in France, comes Reloxin. Reloxin uses the same neurotoxin as Botox to fight wrinkles, but it's believed that it works within about 2 days (as opposed to 3-5 for Botox) and lasts longer. Reloxin has already been available in Europe for quite a while now, being sold under the trade name Dysport. However, it's still being reviewed by the FDA to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

With Botox being most likely the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure in North America, it will definitely take a hit when Reloxin becomes widely available.

Is Botox Permanent?

Remember - a single Botox injection, regardless of how many units are administered, does not achieve permanent results for any wrinkle. When Botox is injected into the muscle that is causing the wrinkle in the overlying skin, it only temporarily paralyzes that muscle.You should expect results to last up to 4 months, though it may be longer following a series of successful injections.

If you want something that lasts longer, you may want to explore other options, such as facial implants, some injectable dermal fillers, and fat transfer. Just ask a reputable cosmetic surgeon or physician to learn more!

Facelift or Botox

So it’s come to that point in your life – you’re considering having a little “work” done. But you don’t know what you want to do. Don’t know who to turn to or what to ask for. Well really, it depends on what stage of life you’re in when you hit “that” point.

If you’re in your 30’s, chances are you just have minimal wrinkles such as crowsfeet. Fillers or Botox can easily remedy and smooth out those areas and you’ll be happy as a clam.

In your 40’s, the “laugh lines” start to set in. Also your face starts to deflate just a bit. You might use a combination of fillers to combat these problems, or perhaps a “mid-face” or “short-scar” lift. Nothing too serious. A week off work and you’re ready to go.

By the mid-50s, the skin requires more attention around the neck. Also, the skin around the face sort of repositions itself. At this point you might opt for a more extensive combination of procedures: a facelift, fillers or implants to rejuvenate the face. This may take a little more time for recovery, but in the end the results will be worth it.

Once you’re in your 60s and 70s, you’ll start to battle “hollowness” from losing some facial fat or having a bit of sag. A facelift would probably be the option you’d take at this point in order to replace some of the volume and remove some excess skin to present a smoother, fuller face.

So yes, it’s come to that point, but as you see – there are a multitude of options from which to choose. So jump in with your eyes open. And come out looking great.

Charlize Theron not ready for Botox just yet

Charlize Theron has admitted that her boobs are sagging and her spectacular on-screen figures is not quite withstanding the test of time:

“I’m 32 and as you get older, you get wrinkles and your boobs sag. You get wisdom too so it’s not all bad.”

Despite this, she's not quite ready for Botox just yet:

“You can’t really do anything about ageing. Some people have Botox, and that’s great. Hopefully I’ll be okay with not getting Botox, but who knows?”

Only time will tell but remember, the best use for Botox is a preventative. It still works once you have the wrinkles but the best option is to use it before the wrinkles appear.

Good luck Charlize, you still look fabulous to us.

Botox and Pregnant Women

There's a lot of controversy surrounding the administration of Botox to pregnant women.
This all stems from the research that has been performed on the subject, which has been deemed inconclusive. Botox may or may not harm the baby of pregnant women.

However, if you're pregnant, it is advised that you should not receive Botox treatments because of the possible risk that it can harm the health of your baby. Possible risks include abnormalities of the fetus and miscarriage. There is a possibility that Botox can be passed onto the baby, whether while in the womb or through breast milk. Yes, studies remain inconclusive, but many women have chosen to not take the risk when it comes to their baby.

The FDA recommends pregnant women not receive Botox treatments.