4 Botox Alternatives if You Don’t Do Needles

Posted on December 5, 2024 | by
Young woman touching face and smiling at the camera

Botox injections are the gold standard for smoothing expression-based wrinkles. Our expert providers inject the neurotoxin into specific areas to reduce the muscle contractions that cause wrinkles. But Botox-type injectables aren’t the only treatments we use at Boston Plastic Surgery and our Skin Wellness Center to soften lines and creases in your skin. If the thought of needles makes you hesitant or you’re simply looking for a different approach, we have several anti-wrinkle treatments at our Boston med spa to consider. Here are four top alternatives to Botox that can help you achieve similar results without injections.

Anti-aging chemical peels 

Chemical peels are a fantastic alternative to Botox if you want to smooth lines and wrinkles and rejuvenate the surface of your skin. A chemical peel deeply exfoliates the top layers of skin to reveal smoother skin texture and tone. This process stimulates collagen production to help volumize the skin, significantly improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles. 

A medical-grade chemical peel also corrects other signs of aging that Botox® or Dysport® injections cannot address including sun damage, age spots, rough skin texture, and hyperpigmentation. A few of our favorite peels are:

  • ZO 3-Step Peel
  • VI Peel
  • Glycolic Peel
  • Lactic Acid Peel

Wondering which peel is right for you? Our skincare specialists would be happy to explain all of your options to help you choose the best chemical peel for you!

VI Peel Before and After 02
Before & after VI Peel. Photos courtesy VI Aesthetics.*

RF microneedling 

RF microneedling combines the collagen-boosting benefits of traditional microneedling with the skin-tightening effects of radiofrequency (RF) energy. And while there are needles involved, they do not penetrate the skin as deeply as Botox injections do. The tiny, hair-like needles are gently stamped into the skin (we apply a topical numbing cream beforehand so it’s painless!) to prompt the body’s natural healing response and form new collagen and elastin layers beneath the skin. Because RF microneedling improves skin structure and elasticity from within, it has similar wrinkle-reducing effects to Botox. 

RF microneedling softens both expression-based and static wrinkles (the creases you see when your face is at rest). You’ll also see noticeable improvement in a variety of skin concerns including acne scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture. Radiofrequency also enhances the tightening effect for firmer and healthier skin overall. 

Woman getting a radiofrequency microneedling treatment at a med spa

Collagen gives the skin structure and resilience, and elastin keeps the skin flexible and allows it to return to its original shape.

Sofwave skin tightening

Sofwave lifts and firms the skin for comparable anti-aging benefits to Botox. This non-invasive skin-tightening treatment delivers ultrasound energy to the deeper layers of the skin to boost collagen and elastin growth. This results in a natural lifting effect that enhances the skin’s elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Sofwave is an ideal treatment to mimic the effects of a Botox brow lift, plus you can extend the non-surgical lifting effects to other areas like the jawline and neck for more comprehensive rejuvenation. The ultrasound waves visibly tighten sagging skin for significantly fewer lines and wrinkles for a smoother complexion.

Patient before and after CoolPeel and Sofwave
Patient shown before and after CoolPeel and Sofwave

Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a powerful anti-aging treatment that targets both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. Controlled laser energy removes damaged skin layers and promotes new skin growth. This boost in cell regeneration naturally diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and also improves skin tone, texture, and overall clarity. 

A tailored laser treatment addresses multiple signs of aging beyond what Botox can target, such as age spots, sun damage, and uneven skin tone and texture, all in one go. Laser skin resurfacing is a top treatment to improve visible signs of aging and skin health.

Woman getting a laser skin treatment at the Skin Wellness Center at Boston Plastic Surgery

At our Skin Wellness Center, our trained laser technicians specialize in several advanced laser systems including:

just wanted to express my deep gratitude for the incredible experience I had with Boston Plastic Surgery. Dr. Samaha and the whole team made me feel so comfortable and well-cared for throughout the entire process. Alicia’s expertise and compassion during my Dysport injections and microneedling have truly been life-changing. I cannot recommend Boston Plastic Surgery highly enough!

Let us help you choose the right treatment for you

Botox, and each of the treatments mentioned here, are safe and deliver impressive wrinkle-reducing results. If injections are a no-go for you, our skincare specialists, who are overseen by board-certified Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Fouad Samaha, would be happy to discuss which injection-free treatment is best for your skin type and aesthetic goals. Please call our Boston plastic surgery center at 617-786-7600 to schedule a consultation with our experienced team of aesthetic professionals today. 

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