Do You Know the Difference Between Botox and Botox Cosmetic?

It has become common for the average person to refer to Botox as a blanket term to include Botox Cosmetic.  In fact, many people don’t even realize that these are actually two different products.  As a result, it is not surprising that the terms are used interchangeably.  If you are thinking about getting a Botox or Botox Cosmetic injection, it is important to understand the differences and similarities between these two products.

The Similarities between Botox and Botox Cosmetic

The biggest similarity is that both of these products contain botulinum toxin type A.  Botulinum toxin type A is a protein formed by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.  Clostridium botulinum is most well-known by the public as something which shouldn’t be eaten.  When unintentionally ingested, it can cause food poisoning.  It is important to note that Botox and Botox Cosmetic do not contain the actual bacteria or the harmful protein in it.  Instead, it utilizes a purified version of the protein which is not harmful when injected.

The Difference between Botox and Botox Cosmetic

Since the makeup of both of these products is essentially identical, you may be wondering what the differences are.  Botox was originally improved in the late 1980s to treat specific types of eye muscle disorders.  Later, it was also approved to treat neck and shoulder tightness in 2000.  Botox Cosmetic was FDA approved in early 2000 and is used for treating for headlines – also referred to as glabellar lines.

As you can see, both products work in the same way; however they are used to treat different areas of the body.

What is the Difference between Botox Products and Facial Fillers?

Now you understand the difference between these two products, you may be wondering how they are different than the other options available – specifically facial fillers.  Botox treatments temporarily eliminate or improve dynamic wrinkles caused by overactive facial muscles.  This is achieved by blocking the chemicals which cause facial muscles to contract.  This results in improved muscle relaxation.  Wrinkles that result from thinned and broken collagen, typically tied to aging, are a different type of wrinkle because they had different causes.  These are the wrinkles which facial fillers are designed to treat.  Both options can improve your appearance; they simply address different underlying causes.

What Results Should You Expect from Botox and Botox Cosmetic?

There have been a large number of clinical studies tied to Botox and Botox Cosmetic since the 1980s.  One of the most recent compared Botox Cosmetic to a placebo in order to determine its average amount of improvement on wrinkles.  During these studies, it was noted that the severity of glabellar lines was reduced for up to 120 days.  At seven days, Botox Cosmetic was 68% more effective than the placebo.  At 30, 60, 90, and 120 days it was 77 percent, 69 percent, 45 percent, and 24 percent more effective.  As you can see, the effects of using Botox Cosmetic are both instantaneous and significantly more effective over a period of three months.

Both Botox and Botox cosmetic should be approached individually because they were FDA approved to treat different things.  At the same time, since they have the same active ingredients many physicians can use them interchangeably.  For many people this slight difference may have no impact on how they view these two products.  It is vital that you always have as much information as possible before deciding to use any cosmetic products.  Now that you understand the difference between these Botox products and other facial fillers such as Houston Juvederm or Houston Botox injections, it will be much easier for you and your cosmetic surgeon to decide which option will give you the results you desire.

Contact us, or visit the medical spa today to make a plan for building a more beautiful you.