24th May 2023

Frownies Wrinkle Patches vs Botox: Which One Is For You?

In the world of anti-aging treatments, you may be considering different options to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Frownies wrinkle patches and Botox are two popular methods with their own unique advantages and drawbacks.

Frownies have been around since 1889 and are adhesive patches designed to keep facial muscles from moving and skin taut, thus reducing fine lines. After Margaret Kroesen discovered that her daughter Alice, a concert pianist, had developed unsightly wrinkles and frown lines, she felt she had to do something.

With a desire to maintain her youthful beauty and stage presence, Mrs. Kroesen created Wrinkle Eradicators (as they were first called) by employing the basic principle of fitness to the muscles of the face. What started as a mother’s invention is now a popular anti ageing solution.

As a more affordable and non-invasive alternative to Botox, Frownies offer a pain-free experience and are easy to use. On the other hand, Botox has been FDA-approved since 1989 and involves injecting a purified toxin into the muscles to paralyse them temporarily. Learn the story behind Botox in the article below.

Related: The Accidental Discovery of Botox

This option typically provides more lasting results than Frownies but comes with a higher price tag and potential side effects.

As you research and weigh the pros and cons of each treatment, it's essential to consider your personal preferences, budget, and desired results. Frownies may be ideal as a quick fix or for those not ready for the commitment of Botox injections, while Botox can offer more reliable and long-term results for those willing to invest in the procedure.

Frownie Patches vs Botox

How They Work

Frownies work by using adhesive patches to keep your facial muscles from moving. They help reduce fine lines and wrinkles by physically keeping your skin taut. This, in turn, helps to plump and tighten your facial muscles while encouraging collagen creation and repair for maximum smoothing and anti-ageing effects.

frownie patches

On the other hand, Botox is a medical treatment that involves injecting a substance into your facial muscles to temporarily paralyse them, resulting in smoother skin with fewer wrinkles. It targets specific muscles, which helps decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Effectiveness

For those who are not ready for the commitment of Botox or are scared to get injections, Frownies can be an excellent alternative. They are pain-free, non-invasive, and considerably more affordable than injectables (for £28.95, you get 144 patches). Frownies have some effect on wrinkles between the eyes and horizontal forehead wrinkles. However, keep in mind that their effects may not be as dramatic as Botox.

Botox is a proven and effective method for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It has been FDA-approved since 1989 and provides more dramatic, longer-lasting results than Frownies. However, it does require a commitment to maintain the effects, and you must be comfortable with the idea of injections.

Duration of Results

Frownies offer a temporary solution to wrinkles and fine lines, with the effects typically lasting only a few hours. For best results, you should use them overnight for an extended period, such as two weeks. This allows the muscles to become more accustomed to the restricted movement and can gradually reduce the appearance of wrinkles over that period.

In contrast, Botox provides longer-lasting results, with the effects typically lasting between three to six months. This means you'll need to schedule regular injections to maintain your desired results. However, it's important to note that Botox results may vary depending on the individual and the targeted area.

Benefits and Drawbacks

of Frownie patches

Frownies are adhesive facial patches designed to reduce wrinkles by keeping your facial muscles from moving. They are considered a natural and less invasive alternative to Botox, offering some benefits as well as drawbacks.

Benefits:

  • Affordable: With a cost of around £15 for 144 patches, Frownies are significantly cheaper than Botox.
  • Non-invasive: No injections are involved, making them a more comfortable option for those who are needle-phobic or not yet ready to commit to more permanent solutions.
  • Quick fix: Frownies can provide temporary smoothing of your wrinkles, making your skin appear tauter for a few hours.

Drawbacks:

  • Time commitment: The effectiveness of Frownies relies on consistent usage, meaning that they require more work than a single Botox treatment.
  • Short-term solution: While they may temporarily smooth out wrinkles, Frownies don't offer the same long-lasting results as Botox treatments.
  • Limited scope: Frownies mainly target wrinkles between the eyes and horizontal forehead lines, while Botox can be used more broadly.

Botox

Botox treatments involve injections of a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This protein relaxes the muscles that generate wrinkles, allowing your skin to appear smoother and more youthful.

Benefits:

  • Long-lasting results: Botox treatments can last for several months, providing consistent anti-aging effects.
  • Versatile: Botox can be used to address a wider variety of wrinkles and fine lines than Frownies, offering more comprehensive coverage.
  • Effective: Botox has a proven, reliable mechanism of action to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Drawbacks:

  • Invasive: Unlike Frownies, Botox requires injections, which can be an issue for those with needle phobias or concerns about the intervention.
  • Cost: The average price of a Botox treatment is around £350 per session, making it a more expensive option compared to Frownies.
    Our Price List For Anti-Ageing Injectables
  • Maintenance: Although Botox offers longer-lasting results than Frownies, you'll still need to schedule regular treatments every few months to maintain your desired appearance.

Application and Procedures

Frownies Facial Patches

Frownies are adhesive facial patches designed to reduce fine lines by physically keeping your skin taut and facial muscles from moving. To use them, simply follow these steps:

  1. Cleanse your face and thoroughly dry the area where you plan to apply the patches.
  2. Peel the backing off the patches and position them on your forehead or other wrinkle-prone areas.
  3. Press the patches firmly onto your skin, ensuring they adhere properly.
  4. Leave the patches in place overnight or for a minimum of three hours.

It's a non-invasive method that many people find appealing, especially as an alternative to Botox injections. Frownies can be a solution for individuals who are apprehensive about injections or are seeking a more affordable option. For £30, you get 144 patches, making them a cost-effective and pain-free choice.

Botox Injections

Botox injections are a popular cosmetic procedure and well-established in their efficacy in reducing wrinkles. To undergo Botox treatment, consider the following steps:

  1. Consult with a qualified dermatologist or medical professional experienced in administering Botox injections.
  2. Discuss your expectations, concerns, and any potential side effects during the consultation.
  3. Schedule an appointment for your Botox treatment.

In a recent Instagram post, we talked about how consultations for anti-ageing treatments are becoming a lost art.

During the procedure, the medical professional will inject a small amount of botulinum toxin into specific muscles on your forehead or other target areas. This will temporarily relax the facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Botox in a syringe

Book Your Botox With Dr Aesthetica for Natural Looking Results

Keep in mind that Botox injections require periodic maintenance, as their effects typically wear off after three to six months. This means you'll need to revisit your provider for regular appointments.

Both Frownies facial patches and Botox injections have their merits. However, remember that Frownies provide temporary results lasting a few hours, while Botox offers more lasting effects for several months. Consider your preferences and goals when choosing between these methods.

Alternatives to Botox and frownie patches

While Botox and Frownies patches offer effective solutions for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, you may be interested in exploring some additional alternatives to these treatments.

Retinol

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a popular ingredient in many anti-ageing products. It works by promoting cell turnover, stimulating collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. To incorporate retinol into your skincare routine, you can opt for over-the-counter serums or creams containing this powerful ingredient.

Our No.1 Recommended Skincare Brand is AlumierMD.

Beauty Sleep

You've probably heard of the term "beauty sleep" and, indeed, there is some truth to it. During sleep, your body naturally repairs and rejuvenates itself. Prioritising a good night's sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can have a significant impact on your skin's health and appearance.

Other Anti-Ageing Products

There is a myriad of other anti-ageing products on the market that claim to offer similar benefits to Botox and Frownies. Some key ingredients to look out for in these products include:

  • Hyaluronic acid: A natural substance that keeps skin hydrated and plump.
  • Peptides: Small chains of amino acids that stimulate collagen production.
  • Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that helps even out skin tone and protects against free-radical damage.

RF Skin Tightening

Non-surgical facelift treatments offer an alternative approach to achieving a more youthful appearance without the use of injections. Radiofrequency in particular is a great option to consider. This procedure work by stimulating collagen production, leading to tighter and smoother skin.

Face Tape

Face tape is another innovative solution designed to give the appearance of an instant facelift. The adhesive strips can be strategically placed on the face to create subtle tension, smoothing out wrinkles and lifting sagging skin. Face tape can be a useful temporary measure for a special occasion, but it's not a long-term solution like Botox or Frownies.

By exploring these alternatives, you can create a comprehensive and customised anti-ageing strategy that best suits your unique needs and preferences.

Popular Areas for Treatment

When considering Frownies wrinkle patches and Botox, it's important to understand the popular areas for treatment. Both methods can be effective in addressing various signs of ageing, and in this section, we'll discuss how you can use them to target the common concerns: smile lines, crow's feet, and expression lines.

Smile Lines

Smile lines, also called nasolabial folds, are the lines that run from the corners of your nose down to the corners of your mouth.

Crow's Feet

Crow's feet are the fine lines that appear around the outer corners of your eyes, often becoming more noticeable with age. Frownies patches can also be used to address these wrinkles by applying them around the eye area. Make sure to wear them for the recommended three hours a day or overnight to achieve optimal results.

In the case of Botox, a professional will inject it into the targeted area to temporarily relax the underlying muscles responsible for crow's feet, which smoothens the appearance of these wrinkles.

Expression Lines

Expression lines can appear on various parts of the face, often due to repetitive muscle movements from smiling, frowning, or squinting. Examples include forehead lines and frown lines between the eyebrows. Frownies patches can be used on these areas as well, helping to relax the facial muscles and create a smoother appearance.

Botox is also an effective treatment for expression lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows. By targeting the specific muscles involved in creating these lines, Botox injections result in a temporarily smoother and more youthful appearance.

Keep in mind that individual experiences may vary, and it's essential to consider your preferences and expectations when choosing a wrinkle-fighting method.

Wondering which anti ageing treatment is ideal for you? Talk To Birmingham's leading Aesthetic Doctor Today

Real Experiences

You might be interested in knowing how Frownies wrinkle patches compare to Botox from real-life experiences. To give you a better understanding, here are a few examples of people who have tried both methods to tackle their wrinkles.

  • Insider reporters Rachel and Julia tried Frownies as a Botox alternative by wearing them overnight for two weeks. They experienced impressive results, with their wrinkles appearing smoother within a few hours. However, the effects were temporary, lasting for only a short period after removing the patches1. So while Frownies can provide a quick solution for special occasions, you may need to use this wrinkle therapy regularly to maintain the smoothing effect.
  • If you're curious about the effort required to use Frownies, consider that they involve multiple steps like dampening the patches, holding the skin taut, and placing them in the appropriate areas2. It may take some practice to perfect the application, but these adhesive facial patches are a non-invasive alternative to Botox that don't involve needles or appointments with medical professionals.
  • When comparing Frownies and Botox from a style perspective, Frownies are designed to be worn overnight or at home, making them a more discreet option than Botox injections that can sometimes result in bruising or swelling. With Frownies, you can treat your wrinkles in the privacy of your home without anyone knowing about your wrinkle-fighting secret. Just don't expect any dramatic results.

Botox Treatments in Birmingham

Whether you’re looking to reduce wrinkles, improve facial symmetry, treat excessive sweating, or alleviate teeth grinding, Dr. Aesthetica in Birmingham has you covered.

Botox is a versatile and popular treatment that offers numerous benefits:

  • Smooths out wrinkles and fine lines for a more youthful and refreshed appearance
  • Improves facial symmetry by precisely targeting and relaxing specific muscles
  • Reduces excessive sweating in areas like the underarms, offering relief from hyperhidrosis
  • Alleviates pain and tension caused by teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and migraines
  • Achieves natural-looking results with custom dosing tailored to your unique facial features

At Dr. Aesthetica, we ensure that Botox is injected in just the right places to achieve the desired outcome, whether you’re looking to soften frown lines, diminish crow’s feet, or slim your jawline.

Contact Dr. Aesthetica today to learn more or schedule your Botox consultation in Birmingham!

Footnotes

  1. Frownies Review: We Tried Face Taping to Reduce Wrinkles - Insider
  2. My Experience With Frownies The Old-School Beauty Facial Patches
Post Reviewed by: Dr Baldeep Farmah
Medically Reviewed on: 24th May 2023
Dr Baldeep Farmah is the Medical Director and lead Doctor of Dr Aesthetica, a Medical Aesthetic Clinic.

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