Injectable Artistry
Neurotoxins

For muscles to contract and expand, the muscle depends on signals from connecting nerves. 

A neuromodulator is a tiny protein that blocks communication between nerve and muscle cells. As a result, the muscle cannot move. The contraction of the muscles of facial expression causes most wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. These muscles are used for both smiling and frowning. By reducing the movement of these muscles, you can remove the signs of wrinkles and aging.

Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin each contain a neuromodulator called Botulinum toxin type A. Yes, this is the same protein that causes the condition botulism with types A and B especially dangerous to humans. However, the active ingredient is purified from the source. Therefore, these injectables are a safe, easy way to reverse the hand of time. It works by relaxing muscles through a mild weakening effect. Of course, each brand will claim they are the most effective in reducing wrinkles. Here’s what you need to know about each one. 

For muscles to contract and expand, the muscle depends on signals from connecting nerves. 

A neuromodulator is a tiny protein that blocks communication between nerve and muscle cells. 

Botox-type injectables can help an adult patient of any age improve his or her appearance, not only imparting a more youthful look, but also alleviating an overly concerned look, helping you look better refreshed or even more pleasant. 

Botulinum toxin injections are non-surgical and typically completed during an office visit. Your initial treatment will begin with a consultation, during which you will meet with your cosmetic injector to discuss your concerns and goals.

This varies with the filler. Most fillers do not cause downtime. Be sure to ask your injector whether you will have downtime. Some bruising, redness, and swelling is to be expected but can be lessened by taking arnica and eating fresh pineapple. Prior to having injectables it is advised to avoid using vitamin E and Ibuprofen as they cause thinning of the blood and create more bruising.

Just before the actual treatment, you may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area prior to injection, though many patients find this unnecessary, as the needles used to inject botulinum toxins are very thin and the injections are not very deep. Your provider will reconstitute the botulinum toxin into a solution, and inject this solution into the muscle at strategic points. Most patients describe a pinching feeling during the injection, though not much pain.

You will be able to go back to your normal activities right after treatment, but your cosmetic surgeon may ask you to take the day off from exercise or other strenuous activity, and to keep your head upright for the rest of the day. Mild redness, swelling at the injection site, and bruising are the most common side effects.

Following treatment, you will not see results immediately. This is expected, so do not worry that treatment hasn’t worked. Depending on the patient, product used, and area treated, results are typically reached 3 to 7 days after initial treatments.

The wrinkle-reducing effects from botulinum treatments will vary depending on the patient, the area treated, and the product used, but results will typically last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. To maintain your results, your cosmetic surgeon will simply repeat treatment, adjusting dosage and techniques as necessary to ensure optimal results.

For most people, these injections help wrinkles go away. But for some people, wrinkles may look just the same. It is important only use experienced and reputable providers.  The product used as well as the way they are reconstituted make a difference.  With an experienced, qualified provider, neurotoxin injectables provide natural-looking rejuvenation with a safe, convenient procedure with virtually no downtime. 

You will find that having neuromodulator injections has many benefits to keeping you looking younger. We composed this information sheet to help you with your adjustment to the effects of Botox, Dysport and Xeomin.   It is important to always let us know if you have any questions regarding your treatment. We want you to report any adverse effects that you weren’t expecting including persistent redness, swelling, movement disorders that were not expected, and excessive pain.  Again, 1-2 weeks before and after your treatment you should not take any high dose Vitamin E, aspirin, herbal medications, supplements (like fish oil, omega 3’s, Chinese herbs, etc.) and anti-inflammatory (like Naproxen, Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Excedrin, Indocin, Piroxicam, etc.). Immediately after Botox, Dysport or Xeomin,  you should have minimal swelling, and this will continue to subside so that in a couple of hours there should be no signs of injection. We suggest icing your areas of injection but strictly avoid massaging the area which can disperse the BOTOX | DYSPORT to other areas that are unwanted. Cosmetics may be used immediately after injections. 

Strenuous activity should be avoided until the next day. 

4 Days after Injecting Botox, Dysport or Xeomin: You will begin to see the effects.  Within about 1-2 weeks the maximum effects should be realized. This is typically the time period when you should come back to us with any issues from the injection. At this time, we can inject more if needed or assess any issues that may have developed. 3-6 Months after Injecting Botox, Dysport or Xeomin, the effects are nearing their completion, and this is the point where you may consider re-injecting. You can find more information about the specific risks and benefits of each product on the manufacturer’s websites.