You have probably heard the terms Botox® and Botox® Cosmetic used interchangeably, but it is important to note that these two products are actually quite different. While both products are FDA-approved and made from the same active ingredient, Botox is a prescription medication approved for treating certain medical conditions, and Botox Cosmetic is solely for aesthetic treatments.
What is the difference between Botox and Botox Cosmetic?
Botox and Botox Cosmetic are used in different areas of the face. Botox is a medical treatment used on various areas of the face and body, while Botox Cosmetic is reserved for areas of the face and neck for cosmetic purposes.
Several strains of Botox are widely used today, including:
- Botox: OnabotulinumtoxinA
- Dysport®: AbobotulinumtoxinA
- Xeomin®: IncobotulinumtoxinA
- Daxxify®: DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm
What is Botox used for?
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for:
- Cervical dystonia
- Jaw clenching
- Teeth grinding
- Chronic migraines
- Some types of muscle pain
- TMJ
- Uncontrolled blinking (blepharospasm)
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Botox targets the muscles that cause spasms that impact the neck, shoulder, and face. It blocks nerve signals to those muscles to provide therapeutic relief. Although Botox is administered by a simple injection, you should consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure the correct dose and needle placement is used.
What is Botox Cosmetic used for?
Botox Cosmetic is a safe and effective treatment for the following cosmetic concerns:
- Dynamic wrinkles
- Crow’s feet
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines (also known as the 11s)
- Lip lines
- A wide jawline
- Gummy smile
- Horizontal banding around the neck
Botox Cosmetic is an effective solution to treat signs of aging and reduce lines and other concerns caused by overactive muscles. Botox Cosmetic is most impactful in treating dynamic lines and wrinkles that form due to repeated facial expressions like laughing, smiling, and frowning. The injectable targets muscles to reduce movement and diminish the formation of lines and wrinkles.
Are the results different?
Patients can expect similar results with both Botox and Botox Cosmetic. Both injectables last approximately 3-4 months, with some patients experiencing longer results. Results also vary based on the type of condition or severity of the issue and are not permanent. Patients should expect to receive regular injections to maintain desired medical or cosmetic results. Your injector will help you create an appropriate maintenance schedule based on your desired results.
Patients can also experience different cosmetic results based on the type of neuromodulator used. Dysport is a cosmetic treatment that may spread further than Botox Cosmetic, making it ideal for larger treatment areas. It may also last longer in many patients and can also be used for medical conditions like migraines and TMJ. Your provider will determine the best product for you based on your specific needs.
Learn more about Botox injections here.
Contact us to learn more about Botox and Botox Cosmetic in Charlotte, NC
Carolina Facial Plastics is a team of highly trained professionals in Charlotte, NC, led by myself, Dr. Jonathan Kulbersh. I am a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery. My team of experts includes two board-certified physician assistants, Heather Bryant, MPAS, PA-C, and Amanda Piligian, PA-C, as well as our board-certified nurse practitioner Courtney Whitley, FNP-C. All three of these expert injectors perform treatments in our state-of-the-art treatment center. It is critical to consult with expert injectors to ensure safe, natural, and successful results.
Our upscale office in the Southpark area offers concierge patient services to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about Botox and Botox Cosmetic or book your appointment online.
Next, learn how Botox can be used to perform a nonsurgical lip lift.
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