The thought of coming face to face with a needle in order to smooth out lines and wrinkles can still make many patients queasy. And for those not up to the challenge, there may be a new anti-aging savior coming via topical Botox that makes it easier to get the non-surgical treatment sans the pain.

Revance Therapeutics is currently testing its topical Botox gel (known now as RT001) which is slated should work almost as good as that of a traditional Botox injection. This new development spells good news for patients that have yet to take the plunge into the world of injectibles but are still looking for a surgery-free way to keep the signs of aging at bay.

Dr. Stevens answers your questions about this new product below:

How does it work?

Topical Botox (botulinum toxin), like the injectable form, relaxes the muscles by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. The Botox gel is applied by doctors directly on to the skin to soften crow’s feet around the eyes and other fine lines and wrinkles for 30 minutes and then wiped off.

Will it be just as effective as a traditional Botox injection?

Patients mustn’t be too quick to jump on the band wagon of this pain-free solution. While the results have been proven to be good, Dr. Stevens adds that the results won’t be as dramatic as having an actual injection procedure that targets specific areas with precision.

When will it become available?

Still in the testing phase, the Botox gel will have to also go under scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration for final approval before being released to the public. It may be a while before both doctors and patients are able to get their hands on the newly developed gel.

What other non-surgical procedures are available?

For additional non-surgical options for reversing the signs of aging discover the benefits of other injectibles and procedures; Sculptra, Juvederm, Dysport, Laser Resurfacing.

Contact Dr. Stevens for a consultation and learn more about your non-surgical cosmetic procedure options.

Dr. Leslie H. Stevens is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and co-director of the renowned Lasky Clinic, known for its extensive celebrity clientele. Dr. Stevens specializes in facelifts, eye lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, liposuction and body contouring.  His practice is located in the Los Angeles area at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills.

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Lines, wrinkles, sagging and pre-mature aging aren’t only the concerns of mature women looking to turn back the hands of time. Women in their 20’s are starting to pay attention to how they can fight against early signs of aging and they’re not finding it in the latest anti-aging cream. They’re turning to Botox and thermage treatments to stop wrinkles in their tracks.

Treating wrinkles and bothersome lines is a completely different concept than actually preventing wrinkles. Botox treatments may be a necessity for young women who are concerned about fine lines that are already appearing but this is not to be abused.

Doctors argue whether early treatments are necessary or if our youth-obsessed culture is pressuring young women to stay young by starting the round of injections early.

Dr. Stevens recommends avoiding invasive procedures at too young an age.  Rejuvenating procedures should be used judiciously as needed for the best results. He sees another trend emerging with the advance of Botox.  “We can literally prevent wrinkles from occurring for many years.” For women in their 20’s looking to keep the age demon from showing its face too soon, here are a few anti-aging habits that don’t involve injections or expensive treatments:

• Wear sunscreen to prevent sun damage and pre-mature aging
• Avoid tanning beds
• Avoid smoking and excessive drinking
• Speak with a qualified surgeon about preventative treatments that fit your current needs and concerns

Schedule a one on one consultation with Dr. Stevens to speak further about anti-aging treatments and options.

Dr. Leslie H. Stevens is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and co-director of the renowned Lasky Clinic, known for its extensive celebrity clientele.  Dr. Stevens specializes in facelifts, eye lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, liposuction and body contouring.  His practice is located in the Los Angeles area at the Lasky Clinic in Beverly Hills.

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This new spin on a traditional procedure requires injecting Botox into the pectoralis minor chest muscle.  Since Botox blocks nerve impulses to the injected muscles, the rhomboid muscles of the back compensate by pulling the shoulders back, which raises the breasts.  In effect, the technique helps to improves posture.  While a traditional breast lift entails removing excess skin and reshaping the breasts, the Botox breast lift leaves no visible scars or incisions.  Still, the lack of an invasive technique does not necessarily mean it is more effective.  In fact, some argue, it is difficult to isolate the pectoralis minor chest muscle for injection since it is covered by the pectoralis major chest muscle, making it hard to achieve the desired outcomes.  Moreover, all of the muscles of the chest and back are integral to the lift of the bust line, so injecting only the pectoralis minor may have minimal impact.

In addition, a Botox breast lift requires injecting through a good amount of fatty tissue to reach a muscle, which is inherently more difficult than injecting the thin tissue around the eyes to minimize lines.  For this reason, many plastic surgeons argue the results are not only short-lived but unimpressive.  They recommend individuals seeking an easy lift either exercise or simply follow what mothers have been saying for years: stand up straight.

Those we recognize as having had “work” will most likely be those who attract attention for the not-so-right reasons. I tell my patients at the Beverly Hills’ Lasky Clinic, “You only notice bad surgery.”

Ask anyone and the answer will be the same: the plastic surgery procedures that are most obvious are those that appear unnatural.  For example, Botox, when overdone, can produce unattractive outcomes.  The prescription medicine, which is injected into muscles to block nerve impulses and thereby inhibit wrinkling, can last up to four months and should not be injected more often than necessary.  Like the title of the 1979 Donna Summer-Barbara Streisand duet, enough is enough!  Unfortunately, this is an important lesson that some of the rich and famous who frequently grace the red carpet must still learn.

Actress Nicole Kidman, for instance, has been criticized for her overuse of Botox, but now says she “didn’t like it” and no longer uses it.  Reality star Kim Kardashian received Botox injections in 2010, but swore off future injections for at least 10 years after she suffered temporary bruising.  While these and other stars might stand out because of the undeniable alterations to their appearance, I believe this aesthetic should not be the norm.  If an aesthetic approach can be summed up in one word it should be “natural.” I truly believe that good plastic surgery should go unnoticed; not too pulled, not too filled, not too augmented.  You should just look good.

But what do you think, readers? Do you believe plastic surgery should look natural? You may tweet me your replies @DrLeslieStevens or on Facebook.

Image via Glenn Francis