Botox and chemical peels are two popular, non-invasive anti-aging procedures. Both result in a more youthful appearance, though are quite different in regards to what they involve. Let’s review the differences to help you determine which procedure is right for you. Botox is one of many excellent anti-aging procedures available through your Beverly Hills skin clinic.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel requires applying a chemical solution to skin so it blisters and eventually peels off, resulting in a younger-looking appearance. Chemical peels are performed on the face, neck, and hands, and are used to treat a variety of “aged skin” issues. Such issues include fine lines around the mouth and under the eyes, sun damage, acne scars, age spots, freckles, and dark patches. Chemical peels are also used to improve skin’s look and feel.

Glycolic acid is the most common option for chemical peels, with other options including salicylic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, carbolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, and fruit enzymes. They vary in strength and are used depending on what type of peel you’re receiving–a superficial or light peel, medium-depth peel, or deep peel.

While there’s little to no risk involved with a superficial peel, side effects are associated with medium-depth and deep peels. Medium-depth peel side effects include temporary white or brown patches, hyperpigmentation, particularly if sunscreen isn’t used while outdoors, red skin, and even scarring. Deep peel side effects include scarring and loss of skin pigment.

Recovery from medium or deep peels generally take a few weeks, with most taking about two weeks off work. Four to six peels are generally recommended to achieve desired results, with the deeper peels offering more lasting effects.

Botox

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is an injectable toxin originally used to treat muscle disorders. Its use as a beauty treatment is more recent, but the results it produces has made it a very popular anti-aging treatment. The toxin is injected into the muscles to prevent them from contracting and creating wrinkles, resulting in a smoothed, youthful appearance.

Botox may be used to treat a variety of issues, including smoker’s lines around the mouth, Crow’s Feet lines around the eyes, vertical lines between the eyebrows, horizontal lines on the forehead, droopy corners of the mouth, and more.

Side effects of Botox in Beverly Hills are generally mild and can include pain and redness at injection sites, and headaches. Temporary muscle weakness may also occur, but usually very rarely. Botox is considered a “lunchtime” procedure in that it involves virtually no downtime and allows the patient to resume normal activities immediately. Results are evident in about a week and last up to six months.

Keep the harsh side effects of chemical peels in mind, and consider Botox to enjoy a fresh, radiant appearance.

For more on Botox, please contact your Beverly Hills skin specialists at The Kopelson Clinic today.