The world of aesthetic medicine has become increasingly confusing. With more and more treatments coming onto the market and different clinics using different terminology, knowing what you need and what treatment is required for a specific condition can sometimes cause some confusion. One of the commonest queries is what is the difference between Botox®, anti-wrinkle injections and Botulinum Toxin?
The simple answer is there is no difference between Anti-Wrinkle Injections and Botox® (Botulinum Toxin)!
What is Botox® (Botulinum Toxin)?
Botox® is the brand name for one of the many cosmetic forms of Botulinum Toxin medication available on the market in the UK.
Botulinum Toxin is a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
Botulinum Toxin works by blocking nerve signals to the muscle, therefore preventing muscle contraction.
By injecting Botulinum Toxin into the targeted muscle, you can prevent muscle contraction, and this results in a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
Are there different types of Botulinum Toxin?
In the UK, there are currently 3 main manufacturers of botulinum toxin.
Merz makes Bocouture, Galderma make Azzalure and Allergan make the most well know brand ‘Botox®’.
All 3 of these products are derived from Botulinum Toxin A. They are all licensed for cosmetic use on the face in the UK, and they have all had significant testing and research into their safety before coming to market.
As mentioned, ‘Botox®’ is simply the name of one brand of Botulinum Toxin available on the market. The success of Allergan’s marketing has resulted in people referring to any anti-wrinkle treatment regardless of which brand of Botulinum Toxin is used as ‘Botox®’.
A similar marketing comparison would be Hoover vs Vacuum. There are many brands of vacuum cleaners including Dyson, Miele and Hoover. But often people refer to their vacuum cleaner as the hoover – regardless of the brand, which may or may not be made by ‘Hoover’
At BTX London in Clapham, Dr Raman is experienced in using all the different brands of Botulinum Toxin available on the market. Having reviewed several publications and research, it has been established that is no significant difference in performance or duration of action between the 3 main toxins named above.
How does Botox®/Anti-wrinkle Injections/Botulinum Toxin work?
Now that we have established that Botox® and anti-wrinkle injections are the same things, I will now explain how they work.
When we use our facial muscles for example, when we frown or raise our eyebrows – we contract the muscle. The contraction of facial muscles creates visible facial lines. Initially, these are dynamic lines that disappear when the muscles relax. Over time and with the repeated use of these same muscles, the lines become permanent or static lines. Once a line is static, it will remain visible even when the muscle is relaxed.
Botox®/anti-wrinkle injections work by preventing muscle contraction and therefore maintaining the muscle in a relaxed state. They, therefore, prevent the process by which static lines can develop.
The commonest areas on the face where Botox® is used cosmetically are the frown lines between the eyebrows, the forehead lines and the smile lines around the eyes.
What are the benefits of having anti-wrinkle injections?
Dr Raman has treated thousands of happy customers over the last 15 years. At BTX London in Clapham, we provide a doctor-led service using anti-wrinkle injections to delay the signs of ageing and give customers a natural fresh appearance. Dr Raman will take time to answer any questions you have and map out a treatment plan that takes in your individual needs. He will listen to your concerns and make suggestions based on his vast experience.
The procedure itself is relatively quick. Clients can attend during their lunch break and be back at work or on a zoom call that same afternoon.
Feel free to book a no-obligation consultation with Dr Raman at BTX London in Clapham if you have any further questions.