Botulinum Toxin (Botox, Dysport, and similar agents) is a Neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium A. These Toxins are produced in injectable solutions to temporarily block nerve receptors in the muscle, preventing lines and wrinkles from forming.
The most popular esthetic treatment in the U.S is treatment with Neurotoxins. They are used in cosmetic procedures to smooth dynamic wrinkles, or those wrinkles that form as a result of facial movements like frowning, squinting, smiling, and other expressions we tend to make day after day. Areas most frequently treated are glabellar area or frown lines located between the eyes, crow's feet (lateral areas of the eyes), forehead wrinkles, radial lip lines (smoker's lines), and head and neck muscles. Neurotoxins are also FDA approved for therapeutic treatment of certain medical conditions such as stiff muscles, muscle spasms, excessive sweating, TMJ, cervical dystonia, and Migraines. The provider may also treat non-label areas depending on the suitability of the candidate and their personal esthetic or therapeutic needs. Off-label uses for Neurotoxins include: reducing a gummy smile, reshaping the nose, contouring the jaw, reducing chin dimpling, weakening platysmal bands, lifting the brow, lip flip, improving skin texture and crepey skin, active acne, and an upside-down smile.
The ideal candidate for treatment with neurotoxins are people who are physically healthy-looking to achieve a reduction in wrinkles. Neurotoxin Injections are also suitable for adults and children who are experiencing stiff, tight muscles due to a neurological condition. This may be described by a health professional as increased tone, hypertonicity, spasticity, or rigidity and is caused by a variety of neurological conditions. The best way to know if Neurotoxins are right for you is to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our providers.
Neurotoxins used for esthetic procedures are safe for most individuals. However, there are a few contraindications, and patients with the following conditions are not candidates:
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Individuals under the age of 18. The muscles are not fully developed.
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If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, in theory, there is no danger; however, it is better to be safe than sorry.
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If you are allergic to eggs or human albumin. The same protein that is found in eggs also occurs in botox.
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If you have any neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, lambert-eaton syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson's.
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If you are taking certain medications, notably antibiotics that are aminoglycosides which can interfere with the neurotoxins.
Common side effects of treatment with Neurotoxins include discomfort at the injection site, mild swelling, redness, and bruising.
Neurotoxins are produced by different manufacturers. We offer Botox, which is manufactured by Allergan, and Dysport, which is manufactured by Galderma. Dysport is primarily used for correcting glabellar lines, the frown lines between your eyebrows. Dysport is a great option for those who have moderate to severe frown lines. Botox, on the other hand, can be used to treat many different types of wrinkles, including crow's feet, forehead wrinkles, and laugh lines.
Individuals should review medical, surgical, medication, and allergy history with a provider prior to treatment. Prepare for your treatment by reading about neurotoxins, schedule your treatment 2 weeks before any special events, wash your skin and remove any makeup, excess oil, and lotions, and relax. Read the pre and post treatment instructions to prepare yourself.
Your provider will first mark the targeted areas on the face or other discussed areas and apply a mild cleansing agent to disinfect the skin. Local anesthesia is not required, but the provider may apply a topical numbing cream for comfort. Neurotoxins are diluted to a very controlled solution and then injected into the muscles or treatment areas with a very thin needle. The injections are almost painless. Patients may feel a slight burning sensation while the solution is being injected but nothing unbearable.
The entire process usually takes just 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
Because small amounts of liquid are injected, you may notice some bruising or swelling, which goes away in 24 hours. Otherwise, there is no downtime, and you may return to normal activity after treatment.
There is minimal pain and a mild burning sensation at the injection site; no anesthesia is required.
Most will observe smoothening of the treated skin by the 3rd day after the injection. The maximal effects will appear around the 2nd week.
The results may last up to 3 months or longer depending on the individual and degree of wrinkles. With repeated treatments, the results may tend to last longer.
The "effect" lasts from 3 to 5 months and maybe longer in some people. To maintain the effects, the injections must be repeated.
Patients often combine Neurotoxins with Dermal Fillers, Chemical Peels, and other cosmetic services. Talk to your provider about your esthetic goals to set realistic expectations and design a complete treatment plan that may include more than one type of treatment, as well as recommendations on the timing and scheduling of various treatments.
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