Manufacturers of botulinum toxin preparations: which one is better and what to choose?

For many, Botox injections have become a common procedure. Several injections help maintain a young, fresh appearance for a long time. A half-hour manipulation is an excellent alternative to exhausting methods of regular anti-aging effects. But the choice of drug for injection often makes you think. Classic Botox has long been competing with Dysport, Xeomin, and Relatox. Developments in different countries differ slightly from the original version. The Russian drug managed to interest cosmetologists and patients. Relatox, reviews of which are mostly positive, deserves the attention of lovers of injection appearance correction.

General characteristics of the drug

Relatox is the only Russian-made drug based on botulinum toxin type A. The manufacturer is FSUE NPO Microgen. The substance is classified as a new generation of botulinum toxins. The Russian analogue of Botox has a slightly modified composition.

The substance contains:

• botulinum toxin with low molecular weight (150 kDa);
• gelatin (6 mg);
• maltose (12 mg).

The composition, unlike the classic version of Botox, does not contain albumin, which reduces the development of allergic reactions. Gelatin and maltose provide mild stabilization of the main active ingredient. The drug is tolerated more successfully than its analogues and is less likely to cause adverse reactions. A feature of Russian Botox is pain during injection.

The small mass of the botulinum toxin molecule determines the ability to diffuse. This property allows you to cover a large area with a single injection. In the inept hands of the performer, this results in negative consequences. The small molecular weight of botulinum toxin guarantees rapid action. The effect of the injections is noticeable after half an hour. After 3–7 days, the patient receives a full result from the botulinum toxin injection procedure.

The drug is available in bottles of 50 (100) units. The substance is in powder form. The substance requires dilution with saline solution. The liquid form of botulinum toxin is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The drug is sterile, non-toxic, and can be stored in a sealed (dry) condition at a temperature of 2–8°C for up to 2 years. All basic information about the drug is presented on the company’s official website.

What is Botox, and how does this cosmetic product work?

Probably, almost all women know what effect Botox can have on the face. After all, everyone has heard about this method that allows you to smooth out wrinkles and rejuvenate. However, few people have a clear understanding of the mechanism of action of this drug.

By its nature, botulin (the active ingredient of the drug) is a toxic compound with a neuroparalytic effect. However, you should not be afraid of such a frightening characteristic, because in cosmetology it is used in very small concentrations that are not able to affect the general condition of the body. In addition, injection administration ensures local action, that is, the drug will exhibit its effects only at the injection site.

So, after getting under the skin, botulin binds only to the nerve endings that ensure the transmission of efferent impulses to the facial muscles. By blocking neuromuscular synapses, this chemical compound seems to immobilize the area where it was introduced. This allows you to prevent creases in skin folds that form during active facial expressions. After all, wrinkles are most often formed from the fact that we make involuntary movements with facial muscles. Botox will help prevent involuntary wrinkling of the forehead, pursing of the lips and squinting of the eyes (which is what makes the face look older).

Indications for use

Relatox is used in medical (cosmetology) practice. The drug is effective for correcting:

• ophthalmological disorders (strabismus, blepharospasm);
• spastic muscle conditions (torticollis, cerebral palsy);
• increased sweating (hyperhidrosis);
• defects in appearance due to excessive muscle activity (expression wrinkles, ptosis).

Relatox is used to treat adults and children over 2 years old. The dosage of the substance and the method of correcting the existing problem are determined by the doctor. The Russian version of botulinum toxin is sold only to licensed institutions.

Cosmetic corrections with Botox are performed only on patients aged 18–65 years. For those who have not reached the age of majority, the use of Relatox is available exclusively for medical reasons. Informed consent is required for cosmetic procedures. The domestic analogue of Botox is popular among middle-aged men and women to correct age-related changes.

Important point! With regular use of Relatox, a decrease in effectiveness is sometimes observed. When using large doses (more than 250 units) and frequent injections (2-4 month interval), the formation of antibodies is observed, which makes further treatment with botulinum toxin impossible.

Indications for botulinum therapy

Relatox therapy is indicated for:

• longitudinal forehead wrinkles;
• transverse wrinkles between the eyebrows;
• wrinkles in the area around the eyes;
• pronounced nasolabial folds;
• wrinkles around the lips;
• wrinkles of the décolleté and neck area.

During the period of exposure to the drug, the patient gets used to not frowning, which prevents the appearance of wrinkles.

Facial expressions are not affected by the use of the new generation neurotoxin; the patient is able to express emotions.

Efficiency of use

In cosmetology, Relatox is used to eliminate vertical and horizontal wrinkles located on the forehead, between the eyebrows, in the eye area, nose, chin, oral area, neck, and décolleté. Problem solving and administration regimens are similar to those adopted for the classic version of botulinum toxin.

The substance is most effective for those with oily, normal skin. Dry skin with a finely wrinkled type of aging is best treated using the mesobotox method, which is rarely used based on Relatox (due to the increased pain of injections).

Purchase nuances

All drugs based on botulinum toxin, regardless of the name, are sold exclusively for professional use. A narrow circle of specialized pharmacies work with substances. The drugs are released only to clinics that have the appropriate license. You cannot buy botulinum toxin in a standard retail pharmacy.

Such a sales scheme guarantees the buyer a quality product, excluding counterfeits. Control over the purchase of drugs by holders of licenses to work with botulinum toxin ensures confidence in the quality use of the substance. This is necessary not only for patients, but also for the manufacturer to form a positive opinion about the product.

The average price for a tube of 50 units of the substance is 9,500 rubles, 100 units can be purchased for 11,000 rubles. The dry product is diluted with saline solution without opening the tube. The needle of the syringe with liquid is inserted into the cap of the bottle. The prepared botulinum toxin solution is also withdrawn using a needle.

The amount of liquid administered depends on the required concentration and the initial number of units of the active substance in the tube. 1–8 ml of sodium chloride solution (0.9%) is introduced into the bottle.
One division of an insulin syringe (0.1 ml) yields 1.25–5 units of botulinum toxin ready for injection. The package always contains an instruction form that will help you figure out how to dilute the drug.

Price of Dysport, Botox and Xeomin

As for the prices for the listed drugs, they differ from each other. So, botox is more expensive than dysport. However, in terms of effectiveness, 500 units of Dysport are equal to 100 units of Botox. That is, to obtain the desired result, Botox will require 5 times less than Dysport.

As for the average cost of one unit of Botox, it is 350 Russian rubles. One unit of dysport costs approximately 150 rubles, and xeomin - 300 rubles. The price for one procedure depends on the number of units of the selected medication used. On average it is 2800 rubles.

We recommend reading: What is the difference between drugs and pharmaceuticals?

Preliminary preparation

No special preparation of the skin or injection sites is required for the procedure. It is enough to provide complete care for the integument, implying the absence of dirt, inflammation, and irritation. The skin should be healthy, and thinning by various procedures (peeling, polishing) is excluded. Conditional preparation for the procedure is considered:

• avoiding alcohol and medications that affect blood quality (thinning, clotting) 1–2 days before injections;
• ban on taking antibiotics and anticoagulants for 1–2 weeks;
• stopping activities that cause blood flow to the injection sites (physical activity, massage, bending head down) 12–24 hours before the procedure.

On the day of the proposed Relatox injections, you do not need to drink excessive amounts of liquid, wear complex makeup, smoke, or experience nervous tension.

Administration of the drug

The procedure for administering domestic botulinum toxin involves 3 stages. Initially, the patient undergoes a consultation with a cosmetologist. The doctor assesses existing problems, determines the possibility of performing manipulations, informs about restrictions, and sets a date for injection procedures.

On the day of manipulation, the patient’s skin is cleaned, treated with an antiseptic, and the puncture sites are cooled with ice. In some cases, the use of local anesthetics before the procedure is stipulated.

Attention! Relatox injections are painful; doctors often recommend using a reliable method of pain relief.

The cosmetologist marks the injection sites. To do this, the patient is asked to actively use facial expressions. The doctor administers a botulinum toxin solution at the marked points. Use a thin insulin syringe. The input method is determined by the cosmetologist and depends on the problems being solved.

The doctor determines how many units of Relatox to use individually. During the initial administration of the drug, cosmetologists prefer to underestimate the dosage, eliminating the risk of undesirable consequences. For different areas there is a maximum possible number of units:

• forehead - 20;
• between the eyebrows - 25;
• raising an eyebrow - 5;
• crow's feet - 15;
• nose - 5;
• lips - 6–10;
• chin - 6;
• oval lift - 60;
• neck - 50.

After administration of the drug, heaviness and pain are felt at the puncture site. Unpleasant symptoms disappear within 30 minutes. At this time, the doctor monitors the developing picture and well-being. The body can react to the administration of botulinum toxin in different ways. Swelling and bruising may occur in the injection areas.

The procedure lasts no more than 30 minutes. A qualified doctor copes quickly, leaving no obvious traces of manipulation. A cosmetologist will help you quickly rehabilitate, avoiding unwanted manifestations. At the end of the session, it is permissible to get behind the wheel and go to work.

The average cost of a unit of Relatox in Moscow clinics is 150–200 rubles. This is almost half the price of classic Botox. Often the price is decisive for the decision in favor of choosing a domestic analogue. Especially if the procedure involves the participation of a large number of units of the substance.

The last stage of the procedure is a control visit to the cosmetologist. The doctor evaluates the achievements and makes corrections if necessary. An experienced cosmetologist rarely misses the dosage. If the restrictions of the recovery period are observed, undesirable consequences after the procedure do not occur.

Application

The procedure for introducing Refinex does not involve serious preparatory measures.

Some rules must be followed before use:

1. 2-3 days before it is recommended to stop taking medications that affect the ability of blood to clot. It is important to avoid aminoglycoside, erythromycin and tetracycline antibiotics to avoid increased effects of the injection.
2. 7 days before the session it is necessary to avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages and nicotine.
3. It is not recommended to visit saunas and steam baths or take hot baths for 2-3 days. You should also avoid chemical peels.

At the beginning of the session, the cosmetologist conducts a thorough examination of the patient’s skin and asks the necessary questions. Taking an anamnesis will help you choose the correct method of drug administration. The doctor needs to find out whether the person has allergic reactions and chronic diseases, and how long ago the infections were suffered.

Refinex, reviews of cosmetologists about which speak of a pronounced result, is used in the following sequence:

1. Cleansing . Residues of cosmetics, dirt and sebaceous secretions are removed from the surface of the face and neck. The skin is treated with an antiseptic.
2. Inspection. The specialist examines the person and determines the injection site and dosage. To do this, they make active grimaces. In the process, it is possible to understand the characteristics of aging skin.
3. Agreement. The patient draws up a document indicating his consent to the injections. Before doing this, it is recommended to check the quality certificate and expiration date of Refinex.
4. Pain relief . Emla cream is used as anesthesia. The effect of the anesthetic begins after 20 minutes. after application.
5. Cooking . The cosmetologist must open the package with the drug strictly in the presence of the patient. The substance is diluted in the required dosage.
6. Introduction . The substance is injected into the dermis and hypodermis at the marked points using the classical method. To do this, use a special thin needle and insulin syringe. The allowed volume of the substance in each muscle is 0.1 ml. It is unacceptable for the needle to get into small vessels and capillaries. If this does happen, immediately remove the needle and continue injecting the drug into another area.
7. Treatment . At the end of the procedure, an antiseptic and soothing cream are applied to the skin. To prevent swelling, apply a cold compress.

For some time after the injections, do not strain the treated areas of the face.
Otherwise, the drug will be distributed unevenly in the tissues. Within 30 min. the patient remains under the supervision of a specialist. During this time, he gives recommendations on skin care in the coming days. The dosage of the substance is selected individually based on the location of the wrinkles, their depth and quantity. The average volume of Refinex depending on the problem area is presented in the table:

Don't miss the most popular article in the section: Face fitness for facelift, rejuvenation, muscle tone. Master class from Elena Karkukli

Recovery period

Relatox injections are fast-acting. The first results are noticeable within half an hour, the maximum effect is achieved in 2–5 days. Effectiveness depends on individual characteristics, the skill of the performer, and the number of units entered. Compliance with the restrictions of the preparatory and recovery periods has an impact. After the procedure you cannot:

• take a horizontal position, bend forward, make sudden movements 4–6 hours after injections;
• touch the affected areas, rub, stretch the skin (1–2 days);
• exercise physical activity (up to a month);
• sleep on your stomach (2–5 days);
• drink alcoholic beverages, many medications (5–7 days);
• warm up and steam for a week (massage, bath, sauna, hot shower, tanning in a solarium or in the sun).

Strict restrictions apply 1–2 days after the procedure. After a week, it is permissible to smoothly return to your usual lifestyle. The ban on excessive physical activity lasts 2-4 weeks after the Botox procedure. You can return to taking solar, warming procedures after 1–2 weeks. It is not recommended to become pregnant 2-4 weeks after botulinum toxin injections.

To successfully administer the drug, the doctor will advise you to actively use facial expressions for 1–3 hours. The injection sites do not require special care. More often than not, botulinum toxin works without any complaints. It is advisable to stop using cosmetics for 1–2 days. The result lasts 4–6 months, sometimes up to 9 months.

A repeat procedure is carried out after the effect of the previous manipulation has been completely eliminated. After 1–2 weeks, it is permissible to make a correction (entering additional units of a small amount) if you are dissatisfied with the result. The manipulation is prescribed by the doctor after examination and assessment of the condition.

What should you not do after the Relatox procedure?

The procedure does not have a recovery period. Doctors recommend spending 3-4 hours in a calm state after administering the substance.

Recommendations for the first 2 weeks:

• give up alcohol;
• do not visit the bathhouse, sauna;
• avoid open sunlight, solarium;
• postpone going to the gym;
• reduce physical activity.

At the end of the recovery period, visit a cosmetologist. If necessary, undergo correction.

Drug elimination

If side effects occur, it is possible to reverse the effect of the toxin with medication only within 30 minutes after administration. In other cases, it will not be possible to remove the drug immediately. If you are dissatisfied with the results, cosmetologists offer:

• massage of injection sites;
• physiotherapeutic effects;
• drug treatment.

The effect of botulinum toxin is weakened by the influence of certain medications (antibiotics, B vitamins). You should take medications under the guidance of a doctor. “Treatment” should be carried out no earlier than the result of maximum strength is obtained. Massaging and physiotherapy are also best performed under the supervision of a doctor. Possible increased reaction.

By the way, at home, patients often use steaming to weaken the effect of Botox. Hot baths, steam baths, saunas, supplemented with light self-massage, bring a noticeable weakening effect. Some people practice drinking alcohol, but this is an ambiguous way to help in a difficult situation.

Comparison of popular botulinum toxins

Most patients wonder which drug to choose for injection. Doctors recommend starting your acquaintance with botulinum toxin with classic Botox. They switch to Relatox more often because of the attractive price. There are no significant differences in potency, dosage, or duration of effect.

Many people notice that the domestic toxin is easier to tolerate and less likely to cause unexpected reactions. A significant disadvantage of Russian Botox is the pain of injection.

When compared with Xeomin, they say that the effect of the foreign version is milder, the product does not require special storage conditions. The domestic drug is produced in small doses in original packaging. Find bottles of Xeomin (Botox, Dysport) 50 units each. it won't work.

In terms of price, Relatox compares favorably with foreign analogues. The cheaper Dysport in fact turns out to be equal in cost to Botox, since it requires a larger quantitative injection. Relatox is also characterized by the rapidity of obtaining a noticeable effect. For some this is an important indicator.

Possible side effects

Russian scientists took care of the safety of the substance, which is why negative reactions are reduced. Side effects include:

• Bruises, hemorrhages. Micropunctures of the skin lead to damage and cause microtrauma in 2-5% of cases. No treatment is required and disappears in 2-7 days.
• Pain at the puncture site. Natural reaction of soft tissue to injection. It bothers the patient for up to a day.
• Weakness. When using the substance in excessive quantities (200 or more units), muscle weakness occurs for 4-7 days.

Complications caused by unprofessional actions of a cosmetologist are not considered systemic negative reactions.

Compatibility with other procedures

Botox injections are rarely combined with other procedures in the same session. A break is required to perform the complex. When performing plastic surgery (blepharoplasty, contour lifting), the tissue recovery period is at least a month. During this time, the skin returns to normal and swelling subsides. The same applies to the compatibility of botulinum toxin injections with peeling and resurfacing procedures.

It is not advisable to perform surgery after Botox treatment. The surgeon will not be able to determine the natural condition of the skin. The results can be disastrous. It is better to wait for the natural elimination of the drug.

It is not recommended to combine injection correction with hardware procedures or massage. The gap between sets of effects is 2–3 weeks. This is due to a decrease in the effect of Botox from cosmetic interventions.

Some doctors combine the injection of toxin with mesotherapy or biorevitalization. Botox is mixed with a cocktail of drugs and injected subcutaneously in small portions. Mesobotox based on Relatox is rarely used due to the severe pain of administration. More often, cosmetologists separate these procedures, leaving a gap of 2–4 weeks between sessions.

Filling large folds with fillers can be combined with Botox injection. This is possible when affecting different zones. Simultaneous treatment of a single area with Botox and gel is not carried out.

Precautionary measures

Immediately after the procedure, you may experience unpleasant symptoms such as pain in the injection area, swelling and bruising. This is a normal reaction of the body; after 2-3 days the condition of the integument returns to normal.

An experienced cosmetologist working with high-quality, proven brands of Botox minimizes the risk of side effects. Therefore, it is important to carefully choose a salon or clinic and a specialist.

Failure to comply with dosages and violation of administration technique can lead to the following complications:

• deterioration in general health;
• increased body temperature;
• loss of facial skin sensitivity;
• extensive hematomas;
• severe pain syndrome;
• asymmetry;
• discomfort in the injection area.

If the above symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Despite the safety of the drug in small concentrations, it belongs to the category of neurotoxic substances, which means it has a number of contraindications for use:

• chronic diseases of internal organs and vital systems of the body;
• severe myopia;
• blood clotting disorder;
• the presence of malignant neoplasms;
• age-related decrease in muscle tone;
• viral infections accompanied by high fever;
• tendency to form keloid scars;
• myasthenia gravis (severe autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular system);
• taking antibiotics, drugs that affect blood composition;
• dermatological skin problems;
• herpes;
• skin damage (wounds, abrasions, ulcers);
• condition after plastic surgery;
• individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• menstruation, pregnancy or lactation in women.

Contraindications

Limitations and negative consequences when using Relatox are typical of those characteristic of other drugs with botulinum toxin. It is necessary to refuse injections if contraindications are observed:

• poor health (exacerbation of chronic diseases, occurrence of systemic diseases);
• pregnancy, lactation;
• diseases of the blood, neuromuscular system;
• endocrine disorders;
• somatic disorders;
• allergy to the components of the solution.

It is not advisable to carry out the procedure during menstruation or during periods of stress. During a preliminary conversation with a cosmetologist, you need to focus on your state of health, medications taken, and lifestyle. Based on this data, the doctor makes a decision about the possibility of carrying out the procedure.

What are the similarities and differences between Dysport and Botox?

As for Dysport and Botox, these drugs consist of the poisonous substance botulism. Under the influence of such poison, paralysis of muscle tissue occurs. However, such medications contain this substance in small quantities. So it will not harm the body.

We recommend reading: What is the difference between depilation and hair removal?

What lasts longer: Botox or Dysport? The principle of action of such drugs is simple: local paralysis of the facial muscles occurs. As a result, the muscles responsible for the formation of wrinkles begin to relax. While they are in a relaxed state, the deformed skin is restored.

An ultra-thin needle is used to inject such agents under the muscle. These medications are similar in their contraindications. Thus, they are not recommended to be used if you are allergic to certain components of such products. They are also prohibited for use in the case of cancer and dermatological diseases.

Botox and Dysport are also contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Those who have to use hormonal drugs or antibiotics should avoid using them.

The main differences between these medications are discussed in the following table.

Reviews from cosmetologists

Doctors rate Relatox positively. Low prices allow cosmetologists to attract more patients. Working with Russian Botox does not cause any difficulties. The results are similar to those obtained on the basis of foreign analogues. Situations when the drug does not work are rare. Customer reviews are often positive.

Many cosmetologists are afraid to completely switch to Relatox. The drug is young, sometimes problems arise in the work.

After the drug was refined, complaints about its effectiveness appeared. Cosmetologists are beginning to refuse to work with Relatox.

Long-term observation of the results gives confidence in the quality of the product.

The use of botulinum toxin in cosmetology

From the age of 25, irreversible changes begin on the face. Bad habits, disruption of work and rest schedules, lack of adequate sleep and poor nutrition lead to a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin. This leads to a decrease in the elasticity of the dermis. Moving facial expressions aggravate the situation, because elasticity and tone are not enough to maintain the smoothness of the skin. This is associated with the appearance of folds and wrinkles that cover the face. The picture is unpleasant, but women and men face it every day.

Muscle fibers are attached to the skin, which guarantees the mobility of facial expressions. The muscles contract, affecting the skin, and a smile spreads across the face. Surprise, anger, joy or dissatisfaction appear.

Preparations containing botulinum neurotoxin are designed to eliminate the connection between muscle fibers and nerve endings that transmit impulses for contraction. Dysport contains a concentration of toxin that is safe for humans.

Doses used for cosmetic purposes act only on the injection area, which means they are not capable of harming the patient’s health.

The neurotoxin in Dysport or Botox can cause botulism or paralysis, which is what cosmetologists rely on. Reduced concentration, purified solution does not cause an allergic reaction and does not spread throughout the body. The action of the drug is local at the puncture site. This guarantees immobilization of the “switched off” muscle for 6-12 months. Factors influencing the exposure time of a substance:

• the drug used;
• characteristics of the patient’s body;
• quality of injection performed;
• cosmetologist experience;
• implementation of recommendations after botulinum therapy;
• contraindications.

Patient reviews

Patients' impressions of Relatox are varied. Some people prefer classic Botox. Many are happy to take advantage of the opportunity to receive the same services at a more attractive price. There are complaints that botulinum toxin has not taken hold and does not adhere well. If the upper eyelids droop or asymmetry occurs, then the matter is not in the substance, but in the skills of the doctor. The choice of a cosmetologist is more important than the selection of a drug.

We are happy with Relatox, but the results do not last as expected.

Many people who switch from Botox are satisfied with the effect of Relatox.

Many people like Relatox more than foreign analogues.