WHY does everyone inject DYSPORT AND BOTOX, and you RELATOX?

Relatox is the first botulinum toxin drug produced in Russia.

It is produced in Ufa at the Immunopreparat enterprise, part of NPO Microgen JSC.

Ingredients: hemagglutinin complex and botulinum toxin type A, maltose, gelatin.

The drug Relatox is relatively young, but it has already proven itself in the market of injectable medicines and has received recognition from leading experts in the field of cosmetology and neurology.

High-quality raw materials and innovative technologies are used in the production of Russian botulinum toxin. The effectiveness and safety of the domestic analogue of Botox has been confirmed by numerous clinical studies.

What is Dysport?

Dysport is one of the most popular botulinum toxin preparations.
A neurotoxin that reduces muscle activity and smoothes expression lines. Dysport is used in cosmetology all over the world to stop the aging process, smooth out wrinkles, and improve the overall condition of the skin. Injections are used mainly on the face, in the chin, in the armpits to treat hyperhidrosis, and in the neck. Dysport is a drug from the French cosmetics company Beaufour Ipsen. It is made on the basis of botulinum toxin and is used in clinical medicine to treat neurological diseases, which does not prevent cosmetologists from successfully using it to restore youthful skin. The cosmetic purpose of Dysport is to smooth out wrinkles by blocking the nerve impulse to muscle fibers. Tension of muscle fibers decreases and wrinkles gradually smooth out.

Dysport includes:

• botulinum toxin (hemagglutinin type A)
• human albumin
• lactose

Indications

• facial wrinkles of the frontal part of the head
• horizontal skin folds of the neck
• chin muscle tension
• facial folds around the eyes and mouth
• sagging skin in the décolleté area
• sagging corners of the mouth
• creases between eyebrows
• treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating of the palms, feet and armpits)

pharmachologic effect

Dysport (international name Dysport) belongs to the group of peripherally acting muscle relaxants. The active substance is Clostridium botulinum toxin type A, which blocks the release of acetylcholine, which leads to the relief of muscle spasm at the injection site.

Relatox: the whole truth about “Russian Botox”

Anyone who is even slightly interested in modern aesthetic medicine knows not only about beneficial vitamins, peptides and hyaluronic acid, but also about botulinum toxin, a powerful organic poison produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Based on it, several effective muscle relaxant drugs have been created to combat facial wrinkles, hyperhidrosis and muscle spasms.

Relatox is the first Russian-made botulinum toxin , which can compete with its foreign counterparts Botox and Dysport. The new product is produced by NPO MICROGEN, one of the largest domestic pharmacological companies, closely associated with the state corporation Russian Technologies and the Ministry of Health. By 2012, the drug had passed all the necessary clinical studies, received quality certificates and registration with Roszdravnadzor, and was released onto the market at the beginning of 2014.

What is included in “Russian Botox”, how exactly does it work and can you count on a low price? What will cosmetologists who have already tried it say? Tecrussia.ru shares information and answers the main questions of patients:

↑ Composition and release form

The drug is produced in the form of a lyophilisate (powder), from which a solution for intramuscular injection is then prepared. The main active substance is botulinum toxin type A. There are two types of packaging - 50 and 100 units. For stabilization, animal gelatin is used rather than the human transport protein albumin, which makes its use somewhat riskier for allergy sufferers.

Like other botulinum toxin-based products, Relatox is not available for free sale; it cannot be bought in a regular pharmacy or ordered on the Internet (at least officially). It is distributed exclusively through specialized organizations - aesthetic clinics, hospitals, beauty salons, whose employees carry out the procedure itself.

↑ How does Relatox work?

The main aesthetic and medical indications for injections are:

• facial wrinkles in the area of ​​the eyes, bridge of the nose, forehead, mouth, and on the back of the nose;
• hyperhidrosis (increased sweating) of the armpits, skin of the palms and soles;
• persistent spasms of the muscles of the face and body of various origins.

The effect of Relatox injections into the areas of facial wrinkles begins to develop 30 minutes after the procedure and reaches a maximum after a few days. During this time, a blockade of nerve impulses is formed, which leads to relaxation of facial muscles and, as a result, smoothing of the skin adjacent to them. The duration of action of the drug is about 6-8 months, during which muscle activity is gradually restored. When injected into the areas where the sweat glands are located (armpits, palms, feet), sympathetic nerve endings are blocked, which leads to a noticeable decrease in sweating for a period of 8-9 months. According to clinical studies, with regular administration, the result of each subsequent correction is prolonged by approximately 1 month, thanks to muscle memory.

↑ How injections are carried out

Only a specialist who has been trained and received personal permission from NPO Microgen can work with the drug! Before starting the procedure, the cosmetologist determines:

• correction zones - for this, the patient actively uses facial expressions - frowns, winces, smiles, etc.
• dosage, which is selected individually, depending on the patient’s gender, weight, severity of wrinkles (areas of increased sweating during the treatment of hyperhidrosis), the period after previous botulinum toxin injections and other significant factors.

The calculation of the dosage in units and the administration schedule completely coincide with the parameters of Botox: this is a conscious idea of ​​the manufacturer of the domestic muscle relaxant, thanks to which it will be much easier for cosmetologists to switch to Relatox (see also “How many units of Botox are needed”).

Then disinfection, anesthesia and the actual injections are carried out. After the procedure, it is recommended not to take a lying position for 3-4 hours, and throughout the day it will be necessary to actively use facial expressions for 3-4 minutes every 2-3 hours so that the drug spreads faster through the muscle fibers. Visits to the bathhouse, sauna, gym, physiotherapy and facial massage are prohibited for 2 weeks.

If the result is obviously insufficient, additional correction is allowed, but, in order to avoid the development of antibodies to botulinum toxin, this can only be done in the first 14 days after the procedure or 3 months after it.

↑ Contraindications, possible complications and side effects

As with Botox, Relatox injections should not be performed if the following factors are present:

• individual intolerance to the components of the drug;
• myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disease that manifests itself as weakness and fatigue of striated muscles) and similar syndromes;
• hemophilia (blood clotting disorder);
• pregnancy and lactation;
• inflammatory processes on the skin in the injection area;
• exacerbation of chronic or the presence of acute forms of any disease;
• current use of anticoagulants, peripheral muscle relaxants, antibiotics (tetracyclines, polymyxins, aminoglycosides, lincomycin);
• if less than 3 months have passed since surgery on the face (for correction of facial wrinkles);
• age up to 18 years.

As for the “side effects,” injections of botulinum toxin type A can, firstly, lead to redness of the skin and the formation of microhematomas (which is typical for any injection techniques), and secondly, cause a number of specific problems, such as:

• headache;
• ptosis of the upper eyelid, general swelling of the eyelids;
• tearing eyes;
• immobilization of nearby muscles, the correction of which was not planned, that is, facial asymmetry and impaired articulation are possible;
• general weakness in the body for a period of up to 7 days with a single administration of an increased dose of the drug.

These troubles may be associated with incorrect selection of the dosage and rate of administration of the drug, incorrect choice of injection points and incorrect behavior of the patient in the post-procedure period (for more details, see the article “Side effects of Botox: possible complications and consequences”).

↑ How much does Relatox cost? Current prices

Costs for “beauty injections” include the purchase of the drug and payment for the work of a cosmetologist. In different cases, markups are possible for the “status” of a doctor or clinic, as well as discounts for volume or as part of ongoing promotions. All other things being equal, thanks to its Russian origin, prices for Relatox are noticeably more affordable than for its foreign analogues, which ultimately beneficially reduces the overall cost of the procedure:

↑ Reviews of cosmetologists

What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?

Today, there are many drugs based on botulinum toxin, produced by different countries and manufacturers. The first and most popular of all is Botox. It also contains botulinum toxin type A, and the mechanism of action of these drugs is similar. But there is still a difference between Botox and Dysport.

The country of origin of Botox is the USA. It was created more than 20 years ago. Dysport, a French drug developed and patented quite recently, is one of the modern drugs for skin rejuvenation.

Diffusion of botulinum toxin is the ability of the drug to penetrate structures located nearby. It is very important to take this feature into account when selecting a drug. Dysport's diffusion rate is 29%, while Botox's is only 19%. Dysport, at a lower concentration, penetrates and distributes better into skin cells than Botox. And it begins to act 2-3 days after the procedure.

One unit of Botox is equal to 2-2.5 units of Dysport. Botox is a stronger drug, but the advantage of Dysport is that with a lower concentration it is easier to select its dosage. This reduces the likelihood of side effects and makes it easier to adjust the dosage for very minor problems. Therefore, many cosmetologists prefer Dysport.

Prices for drugs also differ. One unit of the active ingredient Dysport costs less than the same amount of Botox. But a specialist cosmetologist will tell you that to obtain a solution with the required concentration of Dysport, you need 3 times more than Botox. When calculating the full course, the cost of the drugs is practically the same.

Release form

The drug is a lyophilisate, that is, a powder placed in a bottle in a dosage of 50 or 100 units. Each bottle is packaged in an individual polymer container. The drug is sterile and non-toxic when used as directed.

By diluting the lyophilisate, a solution is obtained for intramuscular administration, but if necessary, it can also be injected subcutaneously into the superficial muscle layer. The powder contains animal gelatin and maltose to stabilize it. The lyophilisate is stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2 to 8°C. Shelf life – 2 years.

It is impossible to purchase Relatox in a regular pharmacy. It is sold only to medical (cosmetology) institutions that have the appropriate license.

Which is better - Xeomin, Relatox or Dysport?

Xeomin is a botulinum toxin drug produced in Germany. Unlike analogues, Xeomin is a purified neurotoxin without complexing proteins. Dysport contains lactose, which may cause a reaction in patients with milk protein allergies. But the drug Xeomin contains sucrose, which must be taken into account by patients with diabetes. The albumin contained in the composition slightly prolongs the cosmetic effect - up to 3-4 months.

There is also a drug called Relatox, developed by the Russian company NPO Microgen. It was patented in 2014 and since then has been successfully used along with its foreign analogues.

However, despite the large number of drugs based on the same active ingredient, due to their differences, each of them is used in a specific area. The cosmetologist selects the drug and dosage for each patient individually, focusing on the request, medical history and anatomical features of the patient.

Relatox: differences from analogues

“Russian Botox” is how this drug is often called. Meanwhile, Relatox and Botox have fundamental differences.

The main difference between Relatox and Botox is the excipients included in the composition in addition to botulinum neuroprotein.

The American analogue contains human plasma albumin and sodium chloride, while the Russian analogue contains maltose and gelatin. The absence of albumin in the domestic preparation allows us to count on the absence of allergic reactions, often caused by this protein.

In addition, the results of procedures with Relatox are longer lasting. The difference in price is also important.

Thanks to these factors, Relatox, according to reviews from cosmetologists and patients, is quite capable of replacing imported analogues and making injection rejuvenation procedures more accessible.

Price of the procedure

The cost of one injection of Dysport is from 100 to 150 rubles per unit (U), depending on the number of units. The number of injections is calculated by the specialist individually, based on the patient’s skin condition. Average dosages recommended by cosmetologists:

• forehead - from 40 to 100 units
• facial folds around the eyes -20-40 units
• treatment of armpit hyperhidrosis - from 200 units
• treatment of hyperhidrosis of the palms—from 200 units
• sagging corners of the mouth - 4-16 units
• creases between the eyebrows - 30-60 units

Important! The total dose for a single injection into the area between the eyebrows, forehead, crow's feet and dorsum of the nose should not exceed 200 IU.

Contraindications

Before the procedure, it is necessary to consult with a specialist to ensure that there are no possible contraindications. These include:

• age up to 18 years
• pregnancy and lactation
• oncology
• diabetes
• epilepsy
• lung diseases
• infectious diseases in the acute period
• inflammatory processes in the intended injection sites (acne, boils, pimples)
• eye pathologies (glaucoma and cataracts)
• dysfunction of swallowing and breathing (consultation with a neurologist is required)
• allergy to the components of the drug

Interaction with other drugs and overdose

It should be taken into account that the likelihood of side effects increases when Relatox is administered while taking antibiotics (Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Gentamicin, Polymyxin B and M). A break of at least 2 weeks is advisable between using these products.

This remedy should not be used if surgery under general endotracheal anesthesia is planned in the near future.

In case of overdose, the following symptoms occur:

• muscle weakness;
• drooping of one or both eyelids;
• double vision;
• speech disorder;
• difficulty swallowing;
• damage to the respiratory muscles.

These signs require urgent hospitalization. If the respiratory muscles are weak, artificial ventilation is performed.

What should you not do after injections?

Before the procedure, the cosmetologist is obliged to instruct the patient about the recovery period, the rules of which must be followed:

• It is strictly forbidden to touch the skin with anything after the injection.
• Do not palpate, massage or knead the skin near the injection site.
• It is necessary to refrain from physical activity for at least several hours, and ideally for a day.
• It is not advisable to lie down after the procedure. This may interfere with the distribution of the drug. The best option would be a light walk or sitting in a chair.
• Saunas and steam baths are also contraindicated. High temperatures expand the capillaries and the penetration zone of the drug can greatly increase, capturing unplanned areas. For the same reason, it is necessary to avoid solariums for at least two weeks.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and tetracycline antibiotics for two weeks.

Patient reviews

Selection of the drug and dosage is a strictly individual process. The long-lasting effect depends on this.

I tried both Botox and Dysport injections. I didn't like Botox. Although the wrinkles disappeared, the sensation was very strange. Then the cosmetologist recommended the drug Dysport. For the full complex on my face it cost me about 14 thousand rubles. The effect is different. On the 4th day the effect appeared and there was no feeling of a rubber mask. The face is smooth, but the emotions are visible. I am grateful to the doctor for this recommendation and from now on I will only do it. Oksana, 35 years old

Deep wrinkles appeared on my forehead a long time ago. But previously such injections were not very popular. And before I just covered them with bangs. And now I regularly take Dysport injections. I see the effect. Immediately after the procedure, the forehead becomes smooth. But probably due to the fact that the wrinkles are old and very deep, they do not completely disappear. I can recommend Dysport to everyone and urge you to start taking care of your appearance as early as possible. When the skin is in disrepair, it is very difficult to regain youth. Irina, 42 years old

I was always happy with my appearance and age-related changes appeared very late. But I know Dysport well, I inject it into the armpits. I have excessive sweating, nothing helps. No modern drugs. The cosmetologist at the salon recommended injections. She told me about Dysport, that it is suitable for treating sweating. One procedure costs 20 thousand rubles. and it lasts me for a year. For a whole year I completely forget about my sweaty armpits. Elvira, 54 years old

Description of botulinum toxin Botox

Botox is botulinum toxin A. Additionally it contains sodium chloride and albumin. Refers to peripheral muscle relaxants. The drug is produced in the USA, which has representative offices in more than 100 countries around the world.

The cost of a bottle for 100 units is about 12,000 rubles.

Research and effectiveness

Botulinum toxin is a toxic substance that is used in cosmetology and medicine in small doses. Botox is the most popular representative of botulinum toxin drugs. A substance that was discovered several centuries ago is now widely used to smooth out wrinkles and eliminate the consequences of serious diseases.

Complications from Botox injections are extremely rare and are usually associated with physician errors during the procedure. However, the safety of botulinum toxin has recently been called into question, with claims that the toxin introduced into the body spreads and can cause severe damage to internal organs.

Experiments in mice show that Botox actually spreads between neurons. When some of the substance acts locally, others travel to different tissues of the body, increasing the risk of paralysis.

Sources:

1. "Interneuronal Transfer and Distal Action of Tetanus Toxin and Botulinum Neurotoxins A and D in Central Neurons" P1974-1987, 16, 2016.
2. Daily Mail "Paralyzing toxins in Botox 'DO spread to other parts of your body': Landmark study revealing alarming dangers of anti-ageing jabs" 8, 2016.

Contraindications

Botox cannot be used for the same factors and conditions as Relatox.

Side effects

The most common complications of Botox injections are local reactions that are related directly to the injection and not to the drug. Redness, swelling, and cyanosis may occur. If a doctor makes a mistake, there is a risk of facial asymmetry. You will be able to get rid of this problem in 5-6 months, when most of the funds will be withdrawn.

There are also those adverse reactions that are associated with the very fact of Botox entering the body:

1. double vision;
2. violation of the movement of facial muscles;
3. headache;
4. over- or under-correction;
5. the appearance of compactions;
6. ptosis.

Bruising, swelling, and redness are a normal reaction to tissue injury. They are temporary and subside within a week. If more serious side effects occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

An overdose is considered a particularly unpleasant consequence. Sometimes the doctor first administers a smaller amount of the drug for prevention, and after a few weeks gives injections again, if necessary. It is impossible to say in advance how the body will react to botulinum toxins, so the reaction can be unpredictable - either an overdose or an insufficient correction.

Relatively safe side effects include nausea, increased body temperature and dry eyes. They appear after the procedure and go away on their own.

There may be other unpleasant consequences of cosmetic botulinum toxin injections:

1. asymmetry - the face is not initially symmetrical and for the correct effect on one side you need to introduce a smaller amount of the product; if this is ignored, the proportions are more disturbed, which already becomes noticeable;
2. complete or partial ptosis - drooping of the eyelid occurs when the drug enters certain functional muscles, which can be caused by the use of an increased dosage of the drug;
3. swelling under the eyes - can be quite pronounced, does not occur immediately, but approximately 7-10 days after injections, which can be caused by alcohol consumption or systemic diseases;
4. double vision - the toxin can penetrate the lateral rectus muscle, which abducts the eyeball, its paralysis causes strabismus, which leads to double vision;
5. acne on the forehead - a complication noted by many patients, and it is associated with reduced exfoliation of the dermis and impaired sebum production, this is also associated with hormonal disorders and endocrine diseases.

Not all complications are due to physician error. After the procedure, recommendations are given, non-compliance with which can lead to frequent complications.

An overdose of the substance can lead to temporary immobilization of facial muscles. As a result of this phenomenon, the face becomes like a wax mask. This effect does not threaten health, but is damaging from an aesthetic point of view.

Who is it suitable for?

Botox has the same indications as Relatox. Additionally, one can distinguish a condition such as hyperhidrosis, increased sweating of the feet, armpits, and palms.

Which drug is better

Relatox is already widely used in cosmetology along with Botox. Studies have confirmed its similar effect and safety in cosmetology and neurology.

The choice of drug may be determined by cost. You should also take into account that Relatox is considered a safer product, since it contains less bacterial proteins. This means that the risk of an allergic reaction is significantly reduced.

Reviews from cosmetologists

Today, more and more often, specialists prescribe injections to preserve the youthfulness of their patients’ skin. Research and technology allow you to be informed and confirm the safety of this procedure.

Review by doctor Maria Moiseeva about the drug Dysport Regarding botulinum toxins, I do not have a favorite drug. I work only with registered drugs. I can say the following about Dysport. I have been working with this drug for a long time. It is predictable. My clients manage to achieve the predicted result. Patients often come to us for botulinum therapy. The drug Dysport allows, taking into account the anatomical features, to work with muscles as if they were levers. We relax some muscles, other muscles take compensation and the result is an amazing effect. And in this regard, Dysport is very loyal and predictable. Plus, this drug has a large evidence base that ensures safety for the patient. There are different protocols for working with this drug, allowing us to surprise patients with the effects they are looking for.

Review by doctor Alina Nidens about the drug Dysport In modern cosmetology, everything remains unchanged and the niche of botulinum therapy, as before, rests on three pillars - Dysport, Botox and Xeomin. These are the drugs that our patients have long loved. And these are the drugs of choice for cosmetologists. We trust them, we get excellent results from them. My favorite procedure for which Dysport is my favorite is, of course, the correction of hyperhidrosis in men and women. The effect lasts from 6 to 8 months and all our patients are happy. And when our patient is happy, we are happy too!

Olga, cosmetologist, 7 years of experience The skin on the human body is invariably exposed to age and requires regular care. This is especially noticeable on the face and neck of women in middle age. Ideally, cosmetic procedures should begin after the age of 25. If we talk about botulinum toxin injections, then I prefer Dysport. It is stronger than Xeomin and can smooth out deeper wrinkles. And due to the lower concentration than Botox, you can choose the dosage much more accurately. I want to tell all the girls who want to maintain youthful and smooth skin - do not be afraid of botulinum toxin injections. It does not cause addiction or sagging skin. Dysport and its analogues are drugs that relax muscles. They do not affect the skin, but only relieve muscle tension.

Inna, cosmetologist with an international certificate from the MNS school, 15 years of experience. It is a big misconception to compare Botox and Dysport. Yes, they have the same active ingredient, but they are different drugs in action. Botox acts precisely at the injection site without spreading. Dysport has much greater diffusion. This makes it possible to use one or another drug depending on the specific task. For the treatment of hyperhidrosis, I only recommend Dysport.

Elena, cosmetologist, 5 years of experience Many of my patients are afraid of “beauty injections” only because of the pain. They probably think that now I will take out a huge syringe and start piercing the skin with it. But for such injections, short thin needles with a diameter of 0.3 mm are used. And a special gel with Lidocaine is applied to the puncture site. This procedure is completely painless and leaves no traces.

Features of drug distribution in the body

Botulinum toxin injections act only at the site of their administration, without having a noticeable systemic effect. The capture and transmission of the active substance along the nerve processes to the spinal cord and brain is practically absent. When using normal doses of the drug, it does not penetrate through the walls of blood vessels into the brain cells. It is excreted by the kidneys in the form of non-toxic metabolic products. These features explain that after the injection you can take medications or other substances that affect the nervous system. For example, alcohol can be taken in small quantities after administering Relatox, but not earlier than a week after the procedure.

When using the drug too often, some patients note that the effect lasts less and less. This may be due to the formation of antibodies to botulinum toxin. They form in 1-5 out of 100 people after a repeat procedure, especially if large doses of medication are administered. Therefore, administration of the drug is recommended only when the effect of the previous injection has completely disappeared.

Video about Relatox