In my practice, it is very important to offer many different treatment options for patients, because no one person is the same. Each has their unique challenges and goals when it comes to their skin and anti-aging. One of the newest technologies we’ve introduced to the office is the Skin Pen. Skin Pen is a safe and effective microneedling device. If you’re new to the concept of microneedling, I’ll take a moment to explain how it works. Microneedling creates minute channels in the skin without being ablative. The channels create a temporary injury that stimulate collagen production and allow topical treatments to penetrate deeper and more effectively into the skin. As a result, patients will see improvements in the texture of their skin, pore size, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and even pigmentation. There is little downtime with this procedure, and it can be used on all skin types. It is an excellent option for ethnic skin that is more sensitive to laser. Another benefit of this technology is that it can be used on any area of the body, so treating the neck, chest, arms, and legs is a no brainer with this device. Whatever your specific needs, Skin Pen can be a great tool to use as part of your treatment plan. I encourage you to check out more information on our skin pen page, or schedule a consultation in our practice to find out about the ways Skin Pen can benefit you.
Botox Brands
Many patients come into my practice asking for Botox. Most patients use Botox as the generic term for neurotoxin, when in fact there are many options of neurotoxin for those looking to treat their forehead lines and crows feet. The botulinum neurotoxin used for facial wrinkles is a substance that inhibits signals from the nerves to the muscles in the face preventing them from contracting. When contraction ceases, it causes the wrinkles in the treated areas to relax and soften creating a more youthful appearance. At this point, there are 3 different options when it comes to using botulinum neurotoxin:
- Botox® Cosmetic – An Allegan product FDA approved since 2002 for the treatment of glabellar lines (frown lines).
- Dysport® – A Galderma product FDA approved for the treatment of glabellar lines (frown lines) since 2009.
- Xeomin® – A Merz Pharmaceuticals product FDA approved for the treatment of glabellar lines (frown lines).
When it comes to choosing which neurotoxin is right for you, it’s important to consult your provider and make an informed decision. Price, longevity of the product, and speed of the product taking affect can all influence which option your provider will recommend. Some patients will try all 3 brand options overtime and decide which product they feel gives them the best outcome. The most important thing to know is that when you hear “Botox” or “neurotoxin” to remember you have many choices designed to fit your needs.