Enter the world of Botox, and all you need to know.
Welcome to the world of cosmetic neurotoxin injectables A.KA. Botox. Here we share everything you need to know about this popular method to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions (yes we are talking about frowning, squinting and even smiling). Even though Botox has become a household name to refer to the treatment mentioned, it is actually only one of the three Health Science Authority (HSA) approved brands available in Singapore that aesthetic practitioners use.
But before we get into all that, let us first break down what this treatment is all about.
The name Botox actually derived from the active ingredient called Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) which is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as non-cosmetic conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding), blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid contractions), strabismus (crossed eyes), cervical dystonia (involuntary contraction of neck muscles) and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) to name a few.
Botulinum Toxin works by temporarily altering the nerve signals sent to the muscles for contractions and relaxes muscles of the targeted area; preventing the face from forming lines. The result? Lesser dynamic facial wrinkles for several months!
Aesthetic uses of Botox
Most would know that Botox helps tackle dynamic facial wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead frown lines and bunny lines, but it can also be helpful for body or muscle contouring!
Botox muscle contouring is a commonly sought treatment to reduce bulky muscles and add definition to body areas such as shoulders (trapezius muscles), the calves and even slim the masseter (jaw). Read more on Botox for muscle contouring here.
Are Botox and fillers the same thing?
A misconception that people may have is that Botox and fillers are essentially the same thing. While they are both administered via injection, they include vastly different active ingredients and are used for very different purposes. Fillers are biodegradable gels that, as the name suggests, adds or fills volume into the dermal layers of our skin. So while Botox treats fine lines and smoothens the face, dermal fillers replace loss volume and are also often used to enhance facial features. Find out more about dermal fillers here.
The time taken for results to show and its duration period also differs between Botox and dermal fillers. The results of fillers can typically be seen instantly but require 1-2 weeks to stabilise whilst the results of botox can be seen within a week. The effects of fillers also last longer than Botox. Both treatments are also commonly used together to enhance the overall result and face shape!
Now that you understand a tad bit more about Botox and what it does, we introduce you to the three available brands namely DysportTM, Xeomin® and Allergan Botox®.
Difference between the brands:
Dysport
Dysport is manufactured by Galderma and contains the neurotoxin Abobotulinum-toxinA. The brand was initially formulated for frown lines between the eyebrows, otherwise known as Glabellar lines, though it can now be used to target a variety of locations. The result from Dysport treatment takes up to 3-5 days and can last up to 4 months.
Xeomin
Xeomin is manufactured by Merz Pharma and contains the neurotoxin Incobotulinum-toxin A. Also initially formulated for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, Xeomin can also be used to treat various target areas. The onset of results come within 3-7 days with maximum effect in 30 days and can last up to 3
months.
Botox
Last but definitely not least, the most popular neurotoxin: Allergan’s Botox containing Onabotulinum-toxin A. Botox can be used to treat a whole host of locations and conditions which include both cosmetic and non-cosmetic conditions. The specific location will be shown in an image below.
The onset of Botox takes slightly longer, about 5-7days and even up to 14 days for some, and typically lasts up to 4-6 months.
All in all, these three brands can be used to treat any Botox suitable areas despite their differences. Individual doctors and clinics have their own preference in alternating between the different brands for the various target areas.
How much does Botox cost?
The cost of Botox is dependent on several factors such as the brand, number of Botox units, area and even a doctor’s expertise. A more experienced doctor will tend to charge higher for their treatments and vice versa. However, the most common way of determining the cost is usually by the number of units required for each target area.
Below is a breakdown of pricing for the three different brands according to units:
Botox price in Singapore: $15- 25/ unit
Xeomin price in Singapore: $15- 20/ unit
Dysport price in Singapore: $12- 20/unit
Another way of determining the price is by the area.
The image below shows the areas in which botox are commonly injected:
How long is the downtime?
One botox session usually takes around 15-20 minutes. Numbing cream is often applied 20-30mins before the treatment to help ease any discomfort during the process. You will also be glad to know that there is almost no down time after! You are able to continue on with your usual routine of work or school immediately after receiving the treatment, though you should avoid exercise for the next 24 hours and alcohol for at least six hours after the treatment.
Are there any side effects?
The adverse effects for Botox treatment includes headache though occurrences are rare. There is also a possibility of mild swelling or bruising and redness at the injected site which will usually clear within a few hours.
And there you have it! Everything you need to know about Botox, the three brands, their purpose and price range.
Reach out to Zoe Medical to find out more! Whatsapp us here!
Address: #03-07/08 Camden Medical Centre, One Orchard Boulevard, Singapore 248649
Telephone: 6836 6035 or 9147 6430
Email: info@zoemedical.sg
All information provided is purely for educational purposes only and does not constitute as medical advice.
