Refinex – Chinese Botox or another fake?

Description of the drug

Available in packs of 50 and 100 units. It is a sterile, crystallized form of botulinum toxin type A. The main active ingredient has gone through several stages of purification. In addition to the toxin, the composition contains the stabilizer protein albumin, as well as sucrose and dextran. The active elements bind to neuromuscular fibers, break the connections, which leads to blocking of fiber contractions. As the drug is removed, the connections will be restored, but due to the improved formula, the effect lasts longer compared to other drugs.

Shelf life: 36 months at temperatures from -5° to -20°. Diluted immediately before injections. Afterwards it can be stored for another 8 hours at a temperature from 0° to +5°.

Attention! The country of origin is Japan, but the certificate includes the Chinese company KC Pharmaceuticals Factory, information about which is not publicly available. There is another packaging option, which indicates the manufacturer Medical Research Institute; nothing is also known about this Japanese laboratory.

Description of the drug Refinex and basic rules for its use

Refinex (volume 100 units or 50 units in a vial) is a sterile crystallized lyophilized (pre-frozen and then dried in a vacuum) form of purified botulinum toxin type “A”, which has undergone several stages of purification, similar to other products in this series.

Each bottle of Refinex, in addition to 100 units of toxin, contains stabilizing components - 5 mg of albumin protein and 25 mg of sucrose and dextran. The shelf life is 3 years.

How to store Refinex

Storage conditions for the drug include maintaining a temperature range from -5° to -20°C. Before use, Refinex must be diluted with a sterile 0.9% sodium chloride solution, after which it can be stored without losing the properties of botulinum toxin at temperatures from 0° to +5°C for only 8 hours.

How to dilute the drug

Refinex must be diluted with an isotonic solution of sodium chloride using an insulin syringe, followed by carefully turning (to dissolve) the bottle. Do not shake it to avoid the formation of bubbles. Vials of 100 units are recommended to be diluted with a solvent in an amount of 1 ml, 2 ml, 4 ml or 8 ml, bottles of 50 units - 0.5 ml, 1 ml, 2 ml or 4 ml. Thus, the dilution of the dose of Refinex contained in bottles of 100 and 50 units is 10 units, 5 units, 2.5 units and 1.25 units, respectively.

How and how much to administer

For cosmetic purposes, Refinex injections are made into the dermis, hypodermis and muscles. The amount of solution administered per muscle should not exceed 0.1 ml. The unused solution remaining in the bottle after the procedure must be disposed of. During the procedure, it is necessary to avoid getting the needle into even small vessels. If this happens, you need to remove the needle and repeat the procedure in another place. If the effect is insufficient, it can be repeated no earlier than after 2 weeks.

The introduction of botulinum toxin into the blood is dangerous due to severe complications (severe weakness, breathing problems, etc.).

Therefore, it is necessary that the manipulation is carried out only by a cosmetologist who perfectly knows the anatomy of the face, as well as how to inject correctly and how to provide assistance in the event of unforeseen complications.

For localized hyperhidrosis, the amount of Refinex administered is calculated based on the minimum dosage of 0.5 units per 1 cm2 of skin surface area. When correcting local hyperhidrosis on a skin surface area of ​​4 cm2, about 2 - 2.5 units are administered. As a rule, an average of 100 units is sufficient for injections into two typical areas (palms, feet, armpits).

Efficiency of use

Thanks to the destruction of neuromuscular connections, the fibers relax and facial wrinkles are smoothed out. Unfortunately, botulinum toxin is ineffective for pronounced age-related changes; in this case, an integrated approach will be required.

Result of injections:

• in the forehead area it helps smooth out horizontal folds, tighten the upper part of the oval, restore the eyebrow line;
• injection into the area between the eyebrows eliminates vertical folds, tired and frowning eyes;
• injections in the eyelid area help to lift the tip of the eyebrow, smooth out crow's feet and folds of the lower eyelids, and restore an expressive, open look;
• in the mouth area it is carried out less frequently due to the risks of side effects; injections help smooth out networks of wrinkles, create a beautiful curve of the lips, and will visually look larger due to muscle relaxation.

Efficiency

Numerous positive reviews from cosmetologists and clients allow you to verify the excellent effect of the drug. "Refinex" due to the destruction of neuromuscular connections leads to the fact that the fibers relax and facial wrinkles are smoothed out. Botulinum toxins do not work with severe age-related changes; in this case, an integrated approach is needed.

The effect of the procedures is as follows:

• You can smooth out horizontal folds on the forehead, lift the upper part of the oval, and restore the eyebrow line.
• When injected into the area between the eyebrows, it will eliminate vertical folds, tired and frowning eyes.
• Injections into the eyelids lift the tip of the eyebrow, smoothes out crow's feet and folds of the lower eyelids, and restores an expressive look.
• It is performed less frequently in the mouth area due to the risk of side effects. Injections smooth out wrinkles, create a beautiful curve of the lips, and they will look better visually due to muscle relaxation.

You may be interested in: How to remove inflammation from a pimple

Read also:  What to apply to eyebrows after tattooing to avoid making mistakes

But there are also negative reviews. "Refinex" must be used according to established rules, and if they are violated, then negative consequences are likely. Therefore, it is important that the procedure is performed by a specialist.

Where and for how much can I buy

It is recommended to purchase on the official website refinex.su; you can buy by filling out the form. Cost 100 units. about 6,000–7,000 rubles, which is several times cheaper than Botox and Dysport. To guarantee quality, official representatives provide relevant certificates.

It is diluted with an isotonic solution of sodium chloride by administering it using an insulin syringe, then turning the package. The bottle should not be shaken to prevent the appearance of bubbles and foam. To obtain 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25 units, a package of 100 units is diluted with a solvent in the amount of 1, 2, 4, 8 ml, respectively. For a 50 unit bottle, to obtain the same number of units, you will need to add 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 ml of solvent. Storage before injection is carried out at a temperature of 2° to 8°.

How and how much should I enter?

Refinex is injected directly into the dermis by a doctor. In some cases, muscle injections are also permitted. The amount of active components administered per injection cannot exceed 0.1 ml. The solution remaining in the vial after use cannot be re-administered. During the procedure, it is important that the needle does not fall into capillaries or small vessels. If this happens, the needle is immediately removed and the manipulation is repeated in another area. If the effectiveness is insignificant, it is rational to repeat the procedure no earlier than after 14 days. There is also the option to consider Xeomin or Botox, which is better.

The introduction of the active substance of the drug in question into the blood is extremely dangerous due to adverse consequences and general complications (fatigue, rapid breathing, dizziness, etc.). Therefore, it is important that the manipulation is carried out by a qualified cosmetologist who knows the anatomical structure of the body and face in particular, knows how to give injections correctly and painlessly and, if necessary, will provide first aid in any unforeseen situations.

Most popular: The benefits of organic silicon for beauty and health

In case of excessive sweating, the amount of the administered drug should be calculated based on the minimum dose, which is 0.5 units per centimeter of square area. To correct a local area of ​​increased sweating on a skin area of ​​5 cm2, about 1.5 - 2 mg of the drug is administered. On average, the procedure will require 50-80 mg of the drug.

Preparing for injections

Beauty injections do not require special preparation. The recommendations are similar for all botulinum toxins. In addition to normal health and absence of diseases, it is necessary:

• within a week, stop taking antibiotics, alcohol, smoking, and drugs that affect blood clotting;
• in a couple of days it is worth reducing physical activity and sports activities;
• It is also not recommended to perform chemical peeling or thermal procedures a few days before injections.

How does the procedure work?

During the consultation, the doctor interviews the patient and determines correction tactics. It is important for the cosmetologist to find out whether there are chronic or acute diseases, when the treatment was carried out, and whether allergic reactions were previously observed.

To determine the target injection points, the patient needs to actively grimace to assess the individual characteristics of the skin structure. Afterwards, the client gives informed consent to the injections. Also, before the procedure, the patient must check the expiration dates and product certificate.

Procedure steps:

1. The surface of the face and neck is thoroughly cleaned of makeup and impurities. The doctor uses a special marker to mark the injection points.
2. The skin is treated with a local anesthetic ointment. The analgesic effect occurs within 20 minutes.
3. During this time, the doctor prepares the solution. Dilution is carried out in the presence of the patient; the cosmetologist opens the package and prepares injections for the required number of units.
4. Next, injections are performed according to classical schemes with ultra-thin needles and an insulin syringe. The unit of Reifanax is identical to Botox, so the dosage is the same as other botulinum toxins except Dysport. The volume of solution injected into each muscle should not exceed 0.1 ml. The dose for injection into each muscle is less than 5 units. For cosmetic purposes it is also injected into the dermis and hypodermis.
5. To get rid of wrinkles on the forehead you will need from 10 to 25 units. For the eyebrow area - from 10 to 30 units, for correction of the eye area, including raising the corner of the eyebrow and smoothing out crow's feet - from 5 to 20 units. for each eye.
6. Lifting the corners of the lips, smoothing out the mesh around the mouth, creating a beautiful line can be achieved by injecting 4 to 6 units. To give relief to jaw lines - from 40 to 60 units, to smooth out wrinkles in the chin area - from 4 to 6 units. Remove the rings of Venus on the neck - from 25 to 50 units.
7. After the injections, the skin is treated with a soothing gel and antiseptic. To prevent swelling, you can use a cold compress. Then the patient must actively grimace to evenly distribute the substance in the tissues.
8. For about another half hour, the client is under the supervision of a cosmetologist, during which time the doctor monitors the condition and gives recommendations for further care. The entire procedure takes 15 to 45 minutes.

To administer injections, secondary medical education is not enough; only a doctor has the right to administer the drug. During the procedure, it is necessary to avoid getting into small vessels.

Important! The penetration of the toxin into the blood is dangerous due to unforeseen consequences - breathing problems, weakness. If side effects occur, only a doctor can provide qualified assistance.

How is the procedure performed?

You need to read more than just reviews. Botox "Refinex" is performed after an interview with a doctor and determination of correction tactics. The cosmetologist needs to determine whether there are chronic or acute ailments, when treatment was carried out, or whether there were allergies.

To determine the injection points, active grimaces are required. This allows you to evaluate the structural features of the skin. The client then provides informed consent for the injections. Before execution, it is necessary to check expiration dates and product certificates.

The procedure is carried out according to the following instructions:

You may be interested in: How to slow down skin aging

According to reviews, Refinex should only be used by a specialist. It must be a doctor. Moreover, even secondary medical education is not enough. During the procedure, avoid contact with small vessels.

The entry of the toxin into the blood is considered dangerous - breathing is impaired and weakness appears. If side effects occur, only a doctor can help.

Rehabilitation period

Immediately after the injections, redness of the face, swelling, and pain at the sites of injection of the toxin may occur. Recovery is fairly quick and the first results can be assessed within a few hours.

The final effect is observed after a week, and after 2 weeks it is possible to carry out additional correction. The result lasts for about 6–8 months, after which the procedure can be repeated.

Post-procedure care:

• the first day you cannot touch your face, wash your face, or apply decorative and caring cosmetics;
• for 5–7 hours you cannot bend over and perform related activities - washing the floor, vacuuming, ironing;
• use a high pillow to sleep, choose a position on your back;
• Warming masks should not be used for a month; lymphatic drainage procedures should be limited for the duration of the drug’s effect.

Cost of injections in Moscow clinics

The average price of a Refinex unit in the capital's salons is approximately 200 rubles. It is worth remembering to carefully check certificates. You should also inquire about the clinic’s reputation, work and customer reviews. Not every doctor is ready to work with Refinex, since it is impossible to track the country and company of the manufacturer.

In Russia it is difficult to find seminars teaching how to work with this drug. Only a cosmetologist can calculate the final cost of the procedure; each client requires a different number of units to correct a particular area. A doctor’s consultation is paid separately, starting from 1000 rubles. up to 2000 rub. In Moscow, in some clinics this service is included in the cost of injections and is provided free of charge.

Restrictions after the procedure

Basic prohibitions apply to the first 2 weeks after the procedure. But many cosmetologists advise following the recommendations for as long as possible in order to prolong the effect of the toxin.

What not to do after injections:

• for the first 5–7 hours you cannot take a horizontal position;
• During the day, it is not recommended to bend over, touch your face with your hands, or use decorative care cosmetics;
• a week after the injections you cannot travel by air;
• Alcohol, smoking, and sports are prohibited for 2 weeks;
• Also, you should not visit solariums, baths, saunas, dry your hair with a hairdryer, or apply warming compounds;
• deep peeling, lymphatic drainage massage and microcurrent procedures cannot be performed;
• It’s better to sleep on a high pillow on your back, otherwise facial asymmetry is possible;
• exclude hot, spicy dishes, strong tea, coffee from the menu.

Restrictions

Prohibitions apply for two weeks after the procedure. But some cosmetologists recommend following the recommendations longer. After injections it is prohibited:

How to remove the drug

The toxin is eliminated on its own after 6–8 months, but if necessary, the following methods can be used to speed up the process:

• active sports;
• manual, hardware lymphatic drainage massage;
• physiotherapy using microcurrents;
• drug therapy.

Note! Only a doctor can prescribe pharmaceuticals. In addition to prescribing the dosage and regimen, the doctor monitors the result.

Comparison with other botulinum toxins

The main difference between Refinex is the lack of reliable information about the manufacturer and certification in Russia. It is also difficult to learn work techniques. It is difficult to find seminars on dosage and administration regimens, despite the fact that the instructions indicate the use is identical to Botox. The only captivating thing is the cost of Japanese botulinum toxin, which is several times less than similar products.

Botox. Produced by an American company, it has proven itself to be a safe product. A short recovery period, a painless procedure, and the absence of diffusion in non-target areas are the main advantages of the drug. It is distinguished by its high cost and short validity period - up to 4 months. Changes can be assessed 2 weeks after injections. Addiction and lack of results with repeated injections are also noted.

Dysport. Manufactured in France, it differs from other botulinum toxins in its dosage features. The cost is identical to Botox as more units will be needed to get results. Due to its low molecular weight, injections are carried out in the lower part of the face, but the toxin can migrate to neighboring areas. The result is noticeable within a few days, lasts up to 6 months, and there is no addictive effect.

Xeomin. Produced in Germany, botulinum toxin has undergone several stages of purification, which minimizes the occurrence of allergic reactions. The drug is not prone to migration and is effective for correcting the lower part of the face. The result lasts for 4 months, repeated administration is not addictive.

Results and undesirable consequences

Refinex is credited with a cumulative effect, and the first changes can be noticed on the second or third day after visiting a cosmetologist. If the wrinkles are not smoothed out enough. Then the correction can be done in 2 weeks.

The effect should last for a long time - from six months to 8-9 months, and with slow decomposition - almost a year.

The most common side effect is bruising, which goes away after a few days.

However, the effect of the drug can cause severe headaches, temporary indigestion, and local or general muscle weakness.

When Refinex is injected into the area between the eyebrows or to eliminate wrinkles around the eyes, excessive swelling of the tissues is possible, then the eyebrows may drop (raise) significantly, the eyelids will not be able to close completely, etc. This defect also corrects itself after some time.

If the cosmetologist acts incorrectly, you can get

• infection, spread of infection across the face (if you had a severe abscess or herpes ulcer at the time of the procedure),
• facial asymmetry,
• mask effect,
• violation of facial proportions.

What procedures can be combined with?

Botulinum toxin can be used to smooth out expression lines for men and women. It is most effective from 30 to 45 years, but to smooth out deep wrinkles a complex of procedures will be required. Botulinum therapy also does not cope with traces of acne, scars, and pigmentation.

Refinex with other aesthetic procedures:

• in combination with mesotherapy, it improves the color and structure of the skin, and rejuvenation processes are launched;
• chemical and hardware peeling ensures an even complexion and smooth structure, the toxin fixes the result;
• To relieve puffiness and achieve clear oval lines, various lymphatic drainage techniques are used; the cosmetologist prescribes the technique and injections individually, depending on the condition of the skin.

Advantages and disadvantages

Refinex injections correspond to the schedules and dosages of Botox. But the lack of reliable information about the manufacturer does not make the drug popular among cosmetologists and patients. It is important to know all the pros and cons in order to make the final choice.

Advantages:

• affordable price;
• the effect can be assessed within a day;
• the result lasts from 6 to 8 months;
• lack of diffusion of the drug into neighboring areas.

Flaws:

• there is no information about the manufacturer, there are 2 completely different drugs on the market;
• there are not enough observations about the results of the implementation;
• there is no reliable data on the safety of the drug.

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

Contraindications

Despite the fact that botuloxin is used not only in cosmetology, but also in medicine, there are factors under which the drug cannot be administered.

Contraindications:

• age under 18 years;
• all trimesters of pregnancy, as well as a 3-month period of preparation before conception;
• menstruation;
• breast-feeding;
• inflammation, damage to the integrity of the skin on the face;
• pathologies of the cardiovascular system, blood clotting disorders;
• individual intolerance;
• acute and chronic diseases;
• elevated temperature, fever;
• diabetes;
• diseases of the endocrine and nervous systems;
• active form of tuberculosis;
• taking antibiotics, hormonal drugs.

How to use Refinex

Japanese Botox is used to solve various problems:

• Facial rejuvenation, wrinkle elimination.
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
• Strabismus (squint).
• Correction of facial asymmetry.
• Treatment of tics (involuntary muscle contractions).

Drugs of this type help not only restore youth, but also restore self-confidence by eliminating specific deficiencies.

Doctors limit use in the following cases:

• Age less than 12 years.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Bleeding disorders, taking blood thinning medications.
• Autoimmune diseases.
• High myopia.
• Deviations of neuromuscular interaction.
• Inflammatory processes, acute infectious diseases, fever.
• Skin damage, wounds and ulcers in the injection area.
• Allergy to the components of the drug.
• Use of aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin, neomycin, etc.).

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.

Contraindications and side effects

Before administering the drug Refinex, it is recommended to consult with a cosmetologist who is observing the problem. The doctor will help identify contraindications and warn against the possibility of side effects. The following situations are identified in which the drug should not be used:

1. The period of bearing a child;
2. Time of breastfeeding a newborn;
3. If hypersensitivity to the components of the drug or its main ingredient is detected;
4. If the patient has Lambert-Eaton syndrome;
5. With reduced lymph coagulability;
6. Children's age - up to 13 years;
7. With the development of acute infectious diseases;
8. If an inflammatory effect or other irritation of the area where the active substance is administered is detected.

It is prohibited to use the product during a period when the patient is taking hormonal pharmacological drugs. Also, you should not carry out the procedure while treating with antibacterial medications. They negatively affect Refinex, reducing its effect.

In some cases, after the administration of the active substance, negative consequences are observed. If the following side effects are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor for advice:

1. Colic of the gastrointestinal type, renal;
2. Diarrhea;
3. Burning sensation in the organs of vision, heaviness when lifting the eyelids;
4. Frequent urge to vomit;
5. Increased headaches;
6. Symptoms vaguely reminiscent of the inflammatory process of a cold;
7. Changes in the motor function of facial nerves;
8. Feelings of severe depression and fatigue;
9. Unpleasant feeling while blinking.

Usually the negative effects disappear after a short period of time. If all side effects do not go away after 3-4 days, it is recommended to consult a doctor for help.

Opinion of cosmetologists

On forums, cosmetologists discuss the specifics of working with Refinex.

The user describes how to distinguish the original from the fake, how to dilute the drug, and the dosage for each zone.

The participant writes about a similar and even greater effect in comparison with Botulax and about the peculiarities of diluting the drug.

The review indicates a positive experience with Refinex administration and long-lasting results. Another participant asked about the supplier of the drug because the injections did not work.

The user writes about diluting and using the drug in a similar way to Botox.

Patient reviews

You can find different opinions on the forums, mostly positive reviews about Refinex injections.

The user writes about a good result after the procedure.

The user describes side effects after injections.

A participant speaks out about the quality of the product due to the dubious website of the manufacturer.

The review describes the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead after the release of the toxin.

Features of the drug

The main component of Refeinex is butolotoxin A-hemagglutin, which is stabilized by albumin protein. The action of the main component is smoothed out by sucrose and dextran, which prevent the occurrence of side effects after using this product.

Refinex brand Botox is available in powder form. Its manufacturer is the Japanese company Medical Research Institute, a research institute with more than 35 years of experience in the development of medical and cosmetic products.

This tool appeared quite a long time ago. During this time, it was tested many times in laboratories and released for sale. Thousands of people have already experienced its effective action.

This product is approved by the international community. The high quality of the drug and its safety for health are confirmed by licenses and certificates that reflect compliance with all GMP criteria.