DALLAS -- An alternative to the popular Botox wrinkle treatment promises more permanent results without utilizing injections, but has raised concern with some cosmetic doctors, NBC 5 reported.

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Video: 'No-Tox' Wrinkle Treatment Receives Criticism

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While Botox chemically shocks the nerve, glabellar furrow relaxation, or GFX, uses radio frequency waves to reduce wrinkles. Patients are sedated with an IV and in 20 minutes a probe sends radio waves to the nerve that causes the frown line and paralyzes it for 18 months or longer.

Dr. Jeffery Adelglass is the only doctor NBC 5 found in North Texas performing the new treatment, which has been nicknamed no-tox.

"It lasts a longer period of time and it tends to give one a more natural look," Adelglass said.

The procedure costs between $1,800 and $3,000 and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June of 2007.

Despite the FDA approval, dozens of North Texas doctors are speaking out against 'no tox'.

Dr Rod Rohrich, chairman of plastic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas said, "The biggest concern with 'no tox' is potential damage to nerves in the forehead causing patients to have asymmetry of their forehead smile areas."

Dr. Fiona Wright, another cosmetic physician, echoed Rohrich's concerns and advises patients to stick with a non-permanent treatment like Botox.

"You've got to deal with the fact that you have this look that you don't like and there's nothing you can do for it," Wright said.

Adelglass said he has performed no-tox on less than a dozen patients so far with no problems reported. He said whether they ever regain movement in the frown line nerves remains to be seen, but getting rid of them is the point.

"Yes, GFX is controversial, all things are controversial. Botox is controversial and so is fillers," Adelglass said. "We truly believe that this is a good procedure for selected patients."

The ideal patient for no-tox is middle-aged with deep frown lines, Adelglass said.

More information:

http://www.premierplasticsurgery.com/minimallyinvasive/gfxnotox.htm

http://www.americanhealthandbeauty.com/articles/?Article=479