BOTOX® Cosmetic has been the top non-surgical aesthetic procedure since 2002, when it first hit markets as an FDA-approved wrinkle treatment. For nearly a decade, Botox has had no competition from another neuromuscular blocking toxin wrinkle remover. While Botox is often included in the dermal filler group, alongside Restylane and Juvederm, Botox technically isn’t a dermal filler because its solution doesn’t “fill in” wrinkles. Rather, Botox eliminates wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing facial muscles. Now a threat has finally emerged for Botox’s domination of the wrinkle treatment industry: Reloxin®.
Reloxin will be the first cosmetic botulinum toxin injectable to be distributed in the U.S. since Botox. Currently in the process of receiving its FDA approval, Reloxin is estimated to reach nationwide cosmetic clinics by late 2009. So, the question on many Botox lovers’ and distributors’ minds is: How does Reloxin compare? What is the difference between the two treatments? To help answer these questions, here’s a basic breakdown of five things you should know about Reloxin.
1) Reloxin is known internationally as Dysport
While Reloxin is just now undergoing FDA approval for distribution in the U.S. and Canada, the wrinkle treatment has been distributed in 21 other countries by its international brand name, Dysport, since 2007.
2) Reloxin uses the same toxin to treat wrinkles as Botox
Since Reloxin injections use the botulinum toxin type A, the active ingredient in Botox injections, they are designed and reported to successfully treat the same facial wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead creases that Botox does.
3) Reloxin’s formula is rumored to result in “spreading”
Since Reloxin purportedly has lower protein concentrations in its solution than Botox does, the formula is said to spread more easily during treatment. This effect could create positive or negative treatment results depending on the area being treated, and might require more precision on the part of the cosmetic provider.
4) Reloxin results are long-lasting
Due to Reloxin’s less-concentrated solution, the Botox competitor will supposedly prompt less antibody production with treatment. A decreased number of antibodies would allow Reloxin’s botulinum toxin to remain strong and effective for a longer period of time.
5) Reloxin will cost less than Botox
Per treatment, Reloxin injections will reportedly cost less than Botox injections; even by as much as $200, depending on the cost averages where you receive treatment.
Conclusion
As far as how Reloxin will measure up to Botox in the long run, we’ll just have to wait and see. Once Reloxin begins mass distribution, we’ll be able to learn even more about who will pull ahead in the Reloxin vs Botox saga. As of now, it looks like both wrinkle injections are well-equipped to turn our frown lines upside down.
