Fine Line Injections? You Have A Range Of Injectable Treatment Options

Cosmetic procedures can’t turn back the clock, of course, but they can make us look like we haven’t ridden around the sun quite so many times.

Many of us can age more gracefully with the help of fine line injections. There are many options on the market, and they don’t all work the same way. While you could try dermal fillers or perhaps laser skin tightening, let’s focus on neuromodulators for a moment – those wrinkle-reducing shots that relax away lines. While Botox is both the most common neuromodulator and sometimes a blanket term used for all botulinum toxin A neurotoxins, there are four on the market today:

Botox

The grandfather of all neuromodulators and the first on the market, Botox has been FDA-approved since 2002. Even patients who get other brands often say they’ve had “Botox treatments.” Injectors trained before 2009 were trained only on Botox. The FDA approved it for use on the lines between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s feet, but it is widely used for other kinds of wrinkle and fine line injections. It can also be used medically for TMJ clenching and pain, sweating, muscle tension in the shoulders and neck, migraines and more. For cosmetic purposes, results happen subtly within a day or two and improve for up to a week or longer. Results last an average of 3 to 4 months, but this varies widely.

Dysport

Dysport has been gaining patient recognition in recent years and is sometimes asked for by name. Dysport has FDA approval only for the glabella lines of the forehead, but it is used off-label for other cosmetic purposes. Some medical professionals report that Dysport diffuses – or spreads – more than other products so it can cover a large area better than Botox. This spreading can cause side effects if used incorrectly. As with Botox, results last 3 to 4 months or more, but they start to become visible more quickly, some doctors observe. Each unit generally costs less than Botox because the product is more diluted, but more units may be required, making overall treatment cost comparable.

Xeomin

Xeomin is a type of botulinum toxin A injectable that varies from the others in an important way: It contains only the toxin and nothing else. The others contain protective proteins and additives. Because there are no additional proteins, the product may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction, especially in those with autoimmune disorders. Xeomin is only FDA approved for frown lines but is used by injectors in much the same way as Botox and Dysport. It can also help with twitching eyelids, neck muscle spasms and other muscular irregularities. Maximum benefit is visible at around 30 days. Some medical professionals say that it wears off quicker than Botox or Dysport while pricing is similar.

Jeuveau

Approved for cosmetic use in 2019, Jeuveau is intended for frown lines but used for other purposes including fine line injections as well. The brand is a bit less expensive and targets millennials. Whether it can take over a significant share of the market isn’t yet known, but it seems to have similar effectiveness and duration to the other products while costing a bit less. Millennials tend to be early adopters in general, according to experts, meaning that the product should catch on quickly if it catches on at all.

A well-trained injector can make sure a patient is a good candidate for neurotoxin injections and help the patients decide which product or products is right for their needs. Dentox trains doctors, dentists, nurses and others to inject neuromodulators and dermal fillers. Each hands-on class is led by company founder Dr. Howard Katz, the leader in injectables training. Classes are available in person, live online and on demand. To learn more about becoming a certified injector with Dentox training, reach out now or sign up for a quick, thorough hands-on training class.