Japanese cosmetology novelty - Refinex. Pros and cons, difference from Botox

What it is?

Refinex (100 IU or 50 IU vial) is a sterile, crystallized, lyophilized (vacuum-dried) form of filtered botulinum toxin type “A” that has undergone a couple of purification steps, similar to other drugs in this class.
Each bottle, in addition to 100 units of the toxic agent, contains stabilizers - 5 mg of albumin protein and 25 mg of sucrose and dextran - a fully functional hemodynamic agent. The drug can be stored for two years.

Operating principle

What is this drug used for? The drug is used to eliminate wrinkles and fill cracks and unevenness in the skin. The principle of operation can be divided into two stages:

1. Filling cracks with the solution itself, injected under the skin. The substance lasts about 2-3 weeks. During this time, it is absorbed into the epithelial layer of the skin.
2. Absorption of protein and sucrose by tissues. These substances normalize metabolic processes in the skin and stimulate accelerated tissue renewal.

Manufacturer country

The drug was invented in Japan , but the franchise has now been acquired by the USA and Canada.

Description of the drug and aspects of its use Refinex

The world of modern cosmetology is developing every year and delights women with its new products. Among the diverse range of drugs based on botulinum toxin, a unique product with the patented “Refinex” cleansing system stands out on the market. Its active substances directly bind to muscle fiber receptors, resulting in a temporary blocking of muscle contractions. Due to the improved formula, the effectiveness of the product lasts much longer compared to other analogues.

Through numerous tests and studies, it was found that the spread of the Refinex drug in the injection area is minimized, thereby preventing such adverse consequences as temporary muscle sagging. The active substances of the drug have a positive effect even on the most delicate areas.

Each bottle, in addition to one hundred milligrams of the substance, contains additional components - 5 milligrams of albus protein, 25 milligrams of glucose and Dextranum. The shelf life is 36 months.

For maximum effectiveness of the drug Refinex, you must adhere to its storage conditions. Temperatures should be between -4 and -19C. Immediately before use, the drug is diluted with a 9 percent sodium chloride solution. The diluted injection is stored at a temperature of zero to five degrees. After this, it must be administered within seven hours.

Comparison with Botox

Which is better: Botox or Refinex? The table can help you make your choice.

You can find a comparison of Botox, Dysport and Xeomin in a separate material.

Conclusion

Refinex is a fairly effective drug for combating facial wrinkles based on botulinum neurotoxin. Despite the large number of advantages, the product is not as widely used in cosmetology practice as other Botox analogues, as it has a significant drawback: the drug is produced only in Japan and is not sold in Russia due to the lack of registration in the Roszdravnadzor register. This leads to massive counterfeits of Refinex and, as a result, the appearance of a large number of negative reviews from dissatisfied patients. To avoid becoming a victim of deception, before administering the drug, you should ask the specialist for the number and series of the drug and be sure to check the entry in the clinic’s registration journal.

Indications and contraindications

The drug is used to solve the following problems:

• skin tightening;
• visual rejuvenation of the body;
• restoration of the skin and adjacent tissues.

Contraindications:

• fluid retention or swelling at the injection site;
• diseases of the central nervous system;
• disruption of the lymphatic system;
• individual intolerance to the drug;
• allergic reactions to excipients.

Contraindications for use

• Age up to 12 years.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding period.
• Inflammatory processes or skin damage at the sites of intended injections.
• Blood diseases and bleeding disorders.
• Taking medications that reduce blood clotting and antiplatelet agents.
• Tendency to allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
• Acute infectious diseases.
• Disorders associated with neuromuscular transmission (myasthenia gravis and myasthenic syndrome).
• High myopia.
• Autoimmune connective tissue diseases (dermatomyositis, scleroderma, rheumatism, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.).
• Diabetes.
• Increased body temperature.
• Taking antibiotics that potentiate the relaxing effect of the drug. This effect is especially characteristic of antibiotics of the aminoglycoside group (Gentamicin, Sizomycin, Kanamycin, Neomycin, Amikacin, Izepamycin, etc.).

In addition, caution should be exercised in patients with heart disease, lung disease, liver disease (liver failure), as well as active tuberculosis.

Where and for how much can I buy it?

It is not recommended to purchase medications online yourself. They belong to the class of medications, and such substances are provided only to licensed clinics and medical centers.

Attention : retail offers, dealers, promotions and discounts, exclusive offers are most likely an attempt at fraud.

If you still decide, to purchase you need to fill out a form on the official website https://refinex.su/. A specialist will contact you to clarify details and announce the current price. As of March 2021, the price for 100 ml is in the region of 12-14 thousand rubles. It can also be purchased at some large pharmacies, but the price tag there will be slightly higher.

Opinions of doctors and cosmetologists

Reviews from cosmetologists about Refinexer are different. Many doctors are skeptical about the drug. Distrust is associated with a lack of information about the manufacturer. Even if the data is presented, access to it is closed. Experts complain about fakes, which are common.

Experienced cosmetologist, Svetlana Sinitsyna, notes that the substance is of high quality. It is highly effective in combating signs of aging. The action is similar to Botox, because the composition includes the same component - botulinum toxin purified in stages.

The use of the substance rarely leads to allergies. In order not to lead to complications after the session, it is important to clearly calculate the dosage and perform the injection correctly.

The doctor is confused that the information provided about the manufacturer cannot be verified. No information could be found about the company mentioned. To protect yourself from counterfeit substances, your doctor recommends purchasing the drug from a trusted supplier.

Instructions: how to dilute Refinex (50, 100 units)

Refinex should be diluted with an isotonic solution of sodium chloride using an insulin syringe. Do not shake the bottle, otherwise bubbles will form in it. You need to rotate the bottle around its axis to evenly dissolve the substance. The proportions and ratio of the components should be determined by the doctor .

As a rule, the breeding instructions are as follows:

Side effects

Uncomfortable symptoms usually occur within the first 48 hours and resolve on their own. But if they become stronger, you should consult a doctor. Patients often complain about the lack of results.

This may occur due to individual characteristics, or violation of the stages of preparation and care during the recovery period. Also, the drug may not work if the doctor incorrectly determined the injection points or calculated the dosage inaccurately.

Side effects:

• dizziness, headache;
• symptoms identical to respiratory infections;
• dry eyes, increased tearing;
• ptosis, incomplete closure of the eyelids;
• violation of facial symmetry;
• muscle weakness;
• swelling, bruising, hematomas.

Features of the procedure

There is no special preparation procedure for botulinum therapy with Refinex .
But the instructions for use say that seven days before the injection you should not use antibiotics and hormonal drugs, stop smoking and drinking alcohol. It is also advisable, if possible, to discontinue or limit the intake of blood thinning medications.

Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin is very painful, so immediately before the injection, a cream is applied to the skin, which has an analgesic effect.

The botulinum therapy process consists of the following stages::

1. choice of injection site;
2. dissolving the drug in water for injection;
3. administration of the solution (it must be administered as slowly as possible);
4. massaging the injection site to ensure best absorption.

For cosmetic purposes, Refinex injections are carried out into the dermis, hypodermis and muscle tissue. The volume of solution per muscle group should not be more than 0.1 ml.

Important! The remainder of the solution in the bottle cannot be used after opening; it must be disposed of.

If you feel pain during the procedure, namely during insertion, it means the needle is passing close to the nerve or has pierced a vessel. To check, you need to do the following - after inserting the needle, pull the piston back a short distance.

If blood gets into the syringe, then you need to change the injection site, because an injection into a vessel can cause fatty or ordinary thromboembolism (blockage of blood vessels with an oil or aqueous solution). If the effect is weak, the procedure can be repeated no earlier than after 14 days .

The introduction of botulinum toxin into the blood is dangerous due to serious complications (palpable weakness, breathing problems, etc.). Therefore, it is necessary that the operation be performed only by a cosmetologist who has perfect knowledge of the anatomical features of the face, as well as the peculiarities of injections.

For hyperhidrosis of limited localization, the volume of refinex administered is calculated based on the minimum dosage, which is 0.5 units per 1 cm2. area of ​​skin tissue.

The main rules of the recovery period

Although it is generally accepted that such procedures do not require a recovery period and rehabilitation, following the rules will avoid unpleasant consequences.

Regular care of the treatment area and strict adherence to medical recommendations will make the recovery period after the procedure painless and short-lived. The possibility of side effects and complications will also be minimized.

Following the rules will prevent possible problems from arising.

10 golden rules

1. You should not leave the clinic immediately after the procedure. It is better to spend a couple of hours in a medical facility under the supervision of specialists.
2. It is not recommended to lie down or bend over for several hours after the procedure.
3. If irritation occurs at the injection sites, applying a cold compress can relieve it.
4. You should not take any medications during this period, as the body can produce any reaction.
5. You need to get used to the fact that the facial muscles will be in a “stupor” and not try to use them.
6. If the injection sites itch or hurt, it is strictly forbidden to touch them, much less scratch them.
7. For a week after the session, it is forbidden to massage the skin of the face, tan or swim.
8. Under no circumstances should you use cosmetics with abrasive particles in the first weeks after the session.
9. You shouldn’t get carried away with physical activity – it’s better to abstain from it for a while. Sweat released during sports gets into the punctures and causes irritation; in this case, infections cannot be ruled out.
10. For two weeks after the session you must refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking.

It is important to adhere to certain rules during the recovery period

Rehabilitation process after use

For the first time after surgery, you should avoid physical activity, do not visit the sauna, bathhouse, or solarium. Also exclude any type of activity or procedure that increases blood pressure. You will have to wait a bit with makeup and piercings, because any injuries can cause complications.

It is recommended to follow a diet with a sufficient amount of carbohydrates (vegetables, cereals, fruits), limit the consumption of sugar and salt (but not completely eliminate them), as they will cause swelling. Do not take too hot a shower; if possible, simply wipe your face with a damp cloth.

Help : Refinex will be a foreign substance for the body and, under the slightest conditions, will be eliminated by the immune system, and then the effect will disappear.

Benefits of using the product

There are several drugs that have similar properties. In this regard, the question naturally arises, which is better.

There is no consensus yet on this matter. The difficulty here lies in the fact that each of the drugs: be it Botox, Neuronox or Refinex, has butolin toxin A as the main component in its composition. Therefore, the principle of the effect on the body of all drugs is almost identical. The differences, by and large, consist only in additional components that smooth out and/or increase the effect.

However, some cosmetologists and medical specialists, based on experience, give preference to one product or another. Thus, Refinex supporters cite the following as the advantages of this product:

• very low likelihood of side effects after a procedure performed using this product;
• relatively low price;
• convenient, economical packaging.

As for the first point, opponents of the drug question it. They explain this by the fact that the likelihood of developing side effects, as well as the speed of recovery of motor muscle activity, largely depend on the individual characteristics of the body. At the same time, there are still no responsibly conducted studies that would reliably reflect the number of negative factors that arise, taking into account the individual characteristics of patients.

Result

The rate of absorption and uniformity depends on the number of injections and the volume of subcutaneous fat. As a rule, with correct administration, after 2-3 days the swelling decreases, the skin becomes smooth, discomfort and the sensation of a foreign body at the injection site disappear.

How long does it last?

The average duration is 10 months , but if safety rules and doctor’s recommendations are not followed, weight gain or loss, injuries and other factors described above, the result may completely disappear for several months.

Is correction required?

If the operation was successful and no rejection occurred, then correction will not be required.
It is usually carried out to eliminate irregularities or smooth out uneven insertion. Correction is applied when the injected substance is completely absorbed and does not cause discomfort. Several injections are performed in small dosages. After correction, the effect occurs in a matter of days.

When to expect an effect

The result becomes visible within 2-3 hours after the session. It will intensify over the course of several days. After a week, the resulting effect is assessed. If necessary, we can repeat the procedure. The effect lasts from 6 to 8 months.

There have been cases where patients did not notice any changes after the procedure. Experts explain that the lack of effect is due to the body’s protective reaction to the active component. Active production of antibodies to botulinum toxin occurs in only 4% of people.

Refinex is a new generation drug in cosmetology, popular among modern women who care about beauty and health.

According to reviews, its use gives high results in the fight against signs of aging. The effect is pronounced and lasts for a long time. The use of the product has a number of indications and serious side effects. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor before the procedure. Injections should only be performed by a highly qualified cosmetologist.

Author of the article: Pronina Marina

Article design: Svetlana Ovsyanikova

How to store?

In a dark place inaccessible to children. Temperature range from -5 to -20 degrees Celsius. After opening the bottle, the entire volume of the substance must be used or disposed of.

We told you all the details about such drugs as Xeomin, Lantox, Botox Allergan, Neuronox, Dysport, Relatox, as well as Korean-made botulinum toxins in other articles. And once again we would like to remind you that in order for you to get the maximum effect from the procedure, you must approach this matter very responsibly and be sure to conduct the session only in a specialized clinic with a good and trusted specialist.

Which remedy is best?

There is simply no clear answer here. During the first procedure, the patient usually relies on the doctor to select the drug. He works with a brand that is familiar to him and personally tested. By the way, the best method of advertising injections is to train the maximum number of doctors to work with this particular drug: they will then definitely sell such a medicine to the patient, who is both the consumer and the final buyer.

Worth thinking before you buy

All this is the norm, and satisfaction with the result is a reason to continue. Changing something is useful when you get used to it or if the remedy suddenly turns out to be unsuitable.

The difference between Dysport and Botox

So what is the difference between these means and is there any? Both drugs have proven themselves to be highly effective cosmetics that undergo clinical testing in a timely manner. There are not many differences between them, but they still exist.

The greatest effect from the use of Dysport and Botox can be noted after two weeks, but the result obtained from the use of Dysport is more noticeable. According to cosmetologists, it works better than Botox when there is a need for quick correction of wrinkles.

It is noted that the effect of Dysport is more noticeable

If a non-professional or inexperienced specialist works with Dysport, the patient may suffer complications in the form of asymmetry of the eyebrows or face, as well as ptosis of the upper eyelid. In this case, in order to avoid such complications, it is better to use Dysport to correct dynamic wrinkles in the area of ​​the forehead and bridge of the nose, and use Botox for the eye area.

It is important to contact only professionals

The price of drugs also varies. One unit of the active ingredient Botox costs significantly more than the same amount of Dysport. Many may conclude that it is more profitable to purchase Dysport, but a specialist in the procedure will warn that to obtain a solution with the required concentration of Dysport, 3 times more is consumed than Botox. After calculations, we can conclude that the cost of both drugs is practically no different.

Botox is more expensive than Dysport, but more of the latter is needed for the procedure

There are some differences between the drugs regarding their activity and composition. One Botox ampoule contains 5 units. botulinum toxin - this is equivalent to 100 units. activity. The contents of an ampoule with Dysport are 12.5 units. botulinum toxin, which equates to 500 units. activity.

There is a difference in the composition of the drug

Without understanding it, we can conclude that Dysport is much more economical and profitable than its competitor. However, ordinary people are not pharmacists or doctors and cannot know that the active units of both drugs are not equal. Three units of activity of Dysport correspond to one unit of Botox.

Botox has been tested by time and various organizations, but Dysport has not been tested so thoroughly

At first glance, it may seem that Botox is a higher quality drug, since it is produced in the USA and has been on the cosmetic market for 10 years longer than its arch-competitor. Of course, the results and mechanisms of Botox have been better studied than those of its French counterpart. However, this does not mean that Dysport is less popular or that only a limited number of people use it; on the contrary, it is very actively used by specialists.

Dysport, despite some factors, is as popular as Botox