Topical Botox Shown to Reduce Crow’s Feet in Trials
Early trials found that a topical Botox – no needles necessary – appears to be effective at smoothing crow’s feet, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The gel contains botulinum toxin, which is Botox‘s active ingredient, and results last about four months – similar to the results from Botox injections.
The study said that the gel “noticeably softened crow’s feet,” but there are still many unknowns about the new drug, including how much it would cost, when it might be available and how well it will work compared to injected Botox. More studies are needed before possible FDA approval.
If a Botox gel does prove to be safe and effective, it would likely be embraced by consumers. Botulinum toxins, such as Botox and Dysport, are the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the country, and the gel could offer a pain-free alternative to the injectables. The gel is applied to the wrinkled area around the eyes; after a half an hour it is then wiped off, according to study researchers.
In one study, close to 90 percent of patients who got the botulinum toxin gel showed a “clinically meaningful” reduction in wrinkles, compared to 28 percent of those who got a placebo gel. In another study with 180 patients who had crow’s feet, about 40 percent responded favorably, the researchers reported.
Topical Botox Would Require Your Cosmetic Surgeon
The botulinum toxin gel is a drug, not a skin cream. That means that if it were eventually to receive FDA approval, patients could only undergo the procedure at their physician’s office.
The researchers did point out that it may be difficult for a gel to get the level of precision that injections provide; however, the gel’s advantage is that patients can avoid the needle.
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