Is Botox or Laser Better for Wrinkles?

Clients always want to know if Botox or Laser is better for treating and preventing wrinkles because the reality is that we all want to find the most efficient and effective way to reach our goals. In this blog post, we discuss the ins and outs of both options and how to determine which would provide the optimal results you are looking for.

Is Botox or Laser Treatment Better?

Botox and laser treatments are effective in treating wrinkles but in different ways.  

First, it is essential to understand there are two types of wrinkles on the face. 

• Dynamic wrinkles exist when we make facial expressions as the skin folds.

• Static wrinkles exist without facial expressions.

Both types of wrinkles are most common on the forehead, between the eyes (the glabellar), around the eyes (periorbital), and around the mouth, especially for those who smoke.

Botox is the first recommendation and the most straightforward treatment for dynamic wrinkles, as it relaxes the muscles that move to make them. We prefer "relaxing" rather than "freezing," so there is still some expression but not enough to leave wrinkles visible when the face is neutral. There is evidence to suggest that Botox is preventative for static wrinkles. If you aren't moving those muscles as much, they are less likely to create lines on the face.

Botox is widely used and positively received as there is no downtime, and a response is typically seen in 3-5 days after the injections. The peak effects of the treatment are at 2-3 weeks. They will slowly dissipate over the next 3 months (sometimes longer) depending on the wrinkles treated, the amount given, and the individual's metabolic rate.

If a client is uncomfortable with Botox or the skin condition is such that Botox doesn't achieve the optimal result due to sun damage or laxity, laser or light therapy options are a better choice. 

At New Image, we have many different types of laser and light treatments. 

• Microneedling with radio frequency: Effective for minimally damaged skin with some fine lines appearing.  It is common to need a minimum of 3-6 treatments to achieve desired results, depending on the amount of wrinkling.

• Moxi: A laser that is very effective for the busy, active individual who doesn't have downtime. This laser treats fine lines, improves texture, and diminishes sun damage in the form of browns and/or melasma. Again, depending on the level of damage, one treatment can be quite an improvement and, of course, even better in a series of 3-6 over 6 -12 months.

• BBL Hero: A light-based treatment that penetrates the layers of the skin to address fine lines, tightening, reducing pores, and reducing browns and/or reds—another great option without downtime for the busy individual and often done in a series for best results.

• Halo: The closest laser treatment to the "silver bullet" for substantial wrinkles along with lax skin and sun damage. Halo is a hybrid laser that reduces wrinkles by stimulating the collagen layer to thicken over 3-5 months, significantly smoothing and brightening the skin. When done effectively, it requires 5-10 days of downtime, depending on a client's lifestyle and work environment. This treatment is closer to a "one and done" improvement, and when the skin is cared for and sun-protected, the effects can last up to 5 years.  

What do we recommend?

In our 15+ years of experience in the aesthetic industry, we have determined that both are the best option. Our clients who commit to a Client Journey that leverages Botox and laser treatments experience optimal results over the long term. Our commitment to you is to provide you with our best recommendations based on your goals and lifestyle. And once you determine what your preference is, we deliver natural-looking results with tested and proven treatments.

If you'd like to find out if Botox or laser treatments are right for you, schedule your consultation with our team at (740)774-7444.