Do Your Wrinkles Make You Look Angry or Confused?

Apart from making you look older, wrinkles, folds, and creases on the face, may not reflect how you really feel inside. This is especially true for frown lines or vertical lines between the brows that resembles the number 11. They can sometimes make your resting face look confused, tired, or angry.

The sad part is, there are also cases where these lines are accompanied by forehead lines and other wrinkles on the face. If you have the same worry or had friends or family members comment that you look angry or tired (even when you feel the otherwise), it is time to consider aesthetic treatments. 

Here are Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore, we have two anti-wrinkle treatments (Botulinum Toxin and Xeomin) that can effectively minimize or improve the appearance of angry 11 lines. Continue reading to find out what you expect from these injectables.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox)

Botulinum Toxin, commonly known as the brand Botox, is a US FDA cleared injectable that is commonly used for treating dynamic wrinkles or those that are formed due to repetitive facial expressions or muscle contractions. You can turn to this treatment to reduce the appearance of:

• Frown lines (angry 11s or glabella lines)
• Crow’s feet (wrinkles in the corners of the eyes)
• Forehead lines
• Smoker’s lines (lines on top of the lips)

How does it work: Botox works by temporarily blocking the signal from nerve to muscles to relax and soften the wrinkles caused by muscle contractions. The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes and may involve the use of topical anesthetic cream to improve patient comfort.

What results to expect:  It will take at least two weeks to see the full results, which can last for three to six months or longer with repeated treatments. With the right dosage and technique, this injectable can give you a natural, well-rested look while maintaining your facial expressions.

Are there side effects: Some patients report minimal side effects such as slight pain, mild redness, swelling, and bruising of the treatment area. All of these side effects are temporary and should resolve within a few days.

Read our previous post to learn more about this injectable and the things you need to know when getting Botulinum Toxin in Singapore. 

Xeomin

While Xeomin contains the same active ingredient as Botox (botulinum toxin type A), it has a different manufacturing process and formulation. It undergoes an additional purification step to make it free from complexing or accessory proteins.

Xeomin is known as a “naked injectable”, which means it does not contain any additives or other proteins. It provides a highly purified form of neurotoxin that the body is less likely to reject or become resistant to. This also means lower risk of allergic reactions.

This injectable is FDA-approved for treating moderate to severe frown lines. It is used in the forehead, particularly between the brows, to soften or improve the appearance of frown lines or glabellar lines in adults.

How does it work: Just like Botox, Xeomin works by blocking the nerve activity that contributes to wrinkles. It targets and blocks the release of the neurotransmitter that causes facial contractions. This then relaxes the facial muscles and smooths away wrinkles.  

What results to expect: You may start to see visible smoothing as early as 3 to 4 days after the injection. Full effects, however, can be seen after two weeks and the results can last at least 3 to 4 months. 

Are there side effects: Just like other injectables, the common side effects of Xeomin include redness, swelling and bruising on the injection site. Other side effects may also include dizziness and headache.

Check our previous blog for an in-depth look at Xeomin and learn everything you need to know about this Botox alternative. 

Should you choose one over the other?

A consultation with an aesthetic doctor can help you learn which treatment is suitable for you. In many cases, however, if Botox doesn’t work for you or if have developed an immune response to the injections, Xeomin is worth considering. 

Because Xeomin is a pure product that doesn’t contain extra proteins, you are less likely to become resistant to the treatment. But then again, a consultation with an expert is recommended. 

Important thing to remember

A certified aesthetic doctor with years of experience should only administer these treatments. Be sure to look for someone who prefers a natural look and is conservative in providing Botox and other injectables.

Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, the Medical and Scientific Director of Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, has over 20 years’​ experience in aesthetic medicine and is a skilled and trained injector of fillers and Botox in Singapore.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore and schedule a consultation with our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, to find out if you’re a good candidate for any of these injectable treatments.