Skin Rejuvenation vs Botox

agespot2There’s no question about it, aging is a hot topic in today’s society. Anyone with wrinkles is trying to get rid of them, and anyone lucky (or young) enough not to have them is worried about preventing them. Lasers (skin rejuvenation) and Botox are popular choices in tools for the battle of aging. They can have their similarities but are very different from each other.

For those living under a rock, Botox is a form of botulism (essentially poison) that is injected into the skin and paralyzes the muscle. As a result the muscle can’t move the skin and wrinkles and crows feet relax. It typically lasts from 4-6 months and has some potentially nasty side effects like drooping eyelids, headaches and temporary bruising at the injection site. Botox can be used to treat existing wrinkles or as a preventative measure.

Laser skin rejuvenation works much differently than Botox. Lasers remove the top layers of the skin, and the new skin that forms is tighter and firmer than it previously was. Side effects are uncommon but can include blistering and sunburn if newly treated skin is not protected from the sun.

Unlike Botox who’s positive effects will only last months, skin rejuvenation is a much longer lasting option. Botox can freeze wrinkles but won’t improve the surface of your skin the way skin rejuvenation will.

By Elizabeth Threadgill