Purtox is an up-and-coming facial tightening injection aimed to be a direct competitor with its famous predecessor, Botox. Purtox is touted as being a more pure form of botulinum toxin. When injected into the face, this toxin acts to paralyze the nerves and muscles around the mouth and cheeks, so frowning and other wrinkle-causing movements are limited. This causes the fading of frown lines and fine lines around the face. These results are temporary, so follow-up injections are needed to prevent skin from re-wrinkling.
Safety Notes and Concerns for Pregnant Women
In 2007 and 2008, Mentor Inc. of California began conducting the necessary medical trials in order for Purtox to apply for FDA approval. As of February 2010, Purtox has yet to be approved for cosmetic use.
It is important to note that the clinical trials did not include any pregnant women. Should Purtox be approved by the FDA, remember that its safety for pregnant women has not been established. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, you should discuss the advisability of using Purtox with your dermatologist and your obstetrician. They may be able to name some alternatives that have already proved safe for pregnant women.
Using Purtox before pregnancy is unlikely to have any effect on the fetus, but if you suspect you might become pregnant within the coming months, it may be best to opt for a treatment that has been studied more extensively. After pregnancy, you should not undergo a treatment until you are no longer breastfeeding, as breastfeeding women were also excluded as candidates from Mentor's study. The potential effect on the fetus and the newborn infant is unknown, and further study is needed before Purtox can be recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
