Botulinum Toxin treatments for lines and wrinkles has revolutionised the industry and become a house hold name, “BOTOX”. In this blog I look at the new kids on the block!

There has been 3 major brands available to choose from for aesthetic treatments for years: BOTOX manufactured by Allergan, AZZALURE by Gladerma and BOCOUTURE by MERZ. Over recent months we have seen ALUZIENCE and LETYBO join the list of available products. I have now used both of these in clinic and will withold personal judgement until I can obtain more patient feedback.

The main claim to fame of the new products is longevity. As those familiar with injections would know, the effect lasted for around 3 months - which is also supported by clinical research data. We now have products the claim 6 month longevity! As with the previous products, that does not mean you’ll wake up one day in 6 months and all of a sudden all movement has returned, but rather a gradual fading of the action over the lifespan.

WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN IN PRACTICE?

ONE: Less frequent visits to you aesthetic doctor for Botulinum Toxin is of course seen as the main benefit. Patients will benefit financially as the pricing of the new products are not much different from the usual.

TWO: For those on a budget, spending less on Botulinum Toxin allows for exploration of complimentary treamtments and products to get more for the same level of spending. Patients can now explore the addition of prescription skin products, injectable treatments such as meso-therapy or dermal fillers; which some previously may not have been able to include. This means improved results for the same budget!

THREE: I used to pride myself in providing pain free Botulinum Toxin by implementing specially designed extremely fine needles and reconstituting the product with Bacteriostatic Saline to prevent “stingy” injections. Alluzience comes already re-consituted with sterile water, which unfortunately leads to a slight stinging sensation when injected. Rest assured that all the patients have tolerated it very well and did not find it too uncomfortable. Alluzience also require a specialist syringe, which comes with the needle attached. This needle is still very fine, but not as fine and painless as the needles I usually use. Once again patient feedback thus far is that although it is slightly more uncomfortable, it is easily manageable.

FOUR: When rare complications occur with the use of Botulinum Toxin, the silver lining is of the short duration and passing nature of such. With the new longer lasting products, the complications will hence also last longer!

FIVE: As with all prescription medication, the longer it has been around, the more evidence on its reactions and safety profile. As clinician we all become accustomed to the products we prescribe and use and commencing a new product always require due diligence.

SIX: Overall the choice of product will be heavily influenced by patient choice. Although published data reveals much the same result between the previously used products, I have noted individual variation amongst patients and most of my patients usually request the specific brand they have become familiar with and trust.

SEVEN: From a clinician perspective it is important to be up to date on the newest available products, evidence and safety data. This knowledge enable us to relay such information to our patients, ensuring informed consent and patient choice.

Lets see how these new products integrate in aesthetic clinics! I am looking forward to continue to use the whole spectrum of Botulinum Toxins available and to be able to offer more choice to my patients.