Needle-Free Alternative To Botox

(WUSA)-- Botox is the most commonly used cosmetic procedure in the U.S. But those with an aversion to needles are sometimes wary of it. A Manhattan spa is now offering what is touted as a "Botox facial." No needles- just smoother skin.

"I am scared to death of needles. The thought of being injected over and over again in my face just scares me," says actress Carol Granger. But she still wanted to soften some of her wrinkles. So she was ready to try this new facial.

Botox is an extremely diluted form of botulinum toxin, which blocks nerve endings that contract muscles and cause expression lines on the face. Paralyze those muscles, and the skin over them looks smoother.

According to licensed aesthetician Mica Hughes, this new skin treatment doesn't contain Botox, but works in a similar way.

"It's a combination of peptides that block the nerve signals that control muscle facial contraction, the same as what Botox does," she says.

The facial begins with a light peel before the peptides and other active ingredients are applied to the skin. Electrical currents are then used to enhance the product's penetration.

Hughes says, "There's no paralysis at all. It just merely relaxes the muscles in the face, so over time, it reduces the lines and wrinkles."

9NEWS NOW asked DC-area plastic surgeon and Renu Med Spa founder Dr. Philip Schoenfeld to watch video of the "Botox facial." He says the electrical currents used by the aesthetician aren't sending the peptides deep enough to relax wrinkles.

Dr. Schoenfeld says, "These don't even reach the muscle. If they even reach below the epidermis to the dermis layer of the skin, I'd be surprised."

Dr. Schoenfeld also reviewed 'before' and 'after' pictures of recipients of the facial.

He says, "Those pictures, I think, are pretty accurate for a good facial. You should come out with a glow."

Dr. Schoenfeld adds, "It is a lot of smoke and mirrors from where I am looking at it. It's a nice facial, I'll tell you that. Looks comfortable and soothing."

And, he says, a facial is good for the skin. Aestheticians say the results are more subtle than with Botox, but clients like Carol Granger say they can tell a difference, especially after several treatments.

Granger says, "You walk out dewy and glowy (after the facial). You look a few years younger, I'd like to think."

Anyone who undergoes this type of deep, exfoliating facial or gets a skin peel also needs to use extra sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun's U-V rays.

The cost of the "Botox" facial is about $150 per one-hour session.