Topical Anesthetic Cream for Botox Injections
Botox Cosmetic injections are one of the most popular cosmetic medical procedures in the United States. The overwhelming majority of Botox users are women aged 35 to 50 years of age. The cost per treatment is $300 to $1000 with an average cost of approximately $400. The use of a topical anesthetic cream for Botox injections is a pain management pre-treatment that makes the procedure more comfortable for those who prefer foregoing the pain associated with the treatment.
What is Botulinum toxin type A?
Botulinum toxin type A is an injectable neurotoxin, better known under brand names such as Botox Cosmetic®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®. Neurotoxin treatments are the most popular single cosmetic procedure in the U.S. and are mainly used to smooth dynamic wrinkles, or those wrinkles that form as a result of facial movements like frowning, squinting, smiling, and other expressions we tend to make day after day. Treatment works by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles, causing them to relax. As a result, your expressions soften and the dynamic wrinkles are greatly reduced.
What Types of Wrinkles can Botox-type Injectables Treat?
Botox-type injectables can help an adult patient of any age improve his or her appearance, not only imparting a more youthful look, but also alleviating an overly concerned look, helping you look better refreshed or even more pleasant. The most commonly treated areas are those where muscle activity influences facial features, such as the following:
- Glabellar lines (a.k.a. “elevens” or frown lines)
- Wrinkles around the eyes, such as crow’s feet
- Forehead creases
- Corners of the mouth
What is the Difference Between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin?
Now you know that each of these products contain the same active ingredient: botulinum toxin type A, and are designed to address the same types of wrinkles and other cosmetic concerns. So how are they different? The main distinction lies in their formulation, which influences the dosage used, how much the product spreads, and how quickly a patient might see the results. For example, Botox Cosmetic is formulated with an accompanying protein. Dysport contains a smaller version of a similar protein, while Xeomin doesn’t contain an accompanying protein at all. All three products are FDA approved and have been used safely and effectively for years. Which of these products is best for you will depend on your unique anatomy, your goals, and your cosmetic surgeon’s recommendations.
Topical Anesthetic Cream for Botox Injections
The needle used for Botox injections is very thin and short. The multiple injections are not very deep. However, some people still feel pain and prefer using a topical anesthetic cream for Botox injections to numb the area prior to the procedure. Choosing an effective topical anesthetic cream for Botox injections is not very complicated, but care should be used when determining the most appropriate one.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Topical Anesthetic Cream for Botox Injections
Formulation. There are a large variety and number of brands of topical anesthetics available. What will make one more appropriate as an effective topical anesthetic cream for Botox injections than another is the benefits derived from a safe and effective formulation. Formulators of topical anesthetic cream for Botox injections often consider adding penetration enhancers or drivers to improve efficacy as well as decrease the time it takes to reach its peak onset of action. Some of the more well known ingredients included in formulations of topical anesthetic cream for Botox injections are:
- MSM
- Ethoxydiglycol
- Propylene glycol
- Ispropyl myristate
- urea
Each of these singly, or any two or more in combination can improve the penetration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), typically, lidocaine, making it more effective
Another important consideration is the packaging. Single-use, sanitary packets can reduce any risk of cross-contamination as compared to the multi-use jars and tubes most commonly used. The continual reopening of topical anesthetic cream for Botox injections contained in multi-use jars and tubes creates the potential for contaminants, such as pathogenic microbes and fungus to enter and be passed on when applied prior to treatment.
Compare price per gram (mL). The single-use packages come in boxes of 100 packets each! Only $0.60 per gram! HUGE SAVINGS on a product with a 2-YEA SHEL LIFE!
NeuroMed 7 Single-use, sanitary 4 mL packets – lidocaine – smooth and creamy grit free formula – supplied in single-use sanitary packets – includes penetration enhancers in its formulation