Some say, “if you don’t have wrinkles, you haven’t laughed enough.” What do you think? We think you can cultivate many laughs while having a wrinkle-free appearance — with Neurotoxins like Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Newtox, etc, the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment received each year.
There are many benefits to receiving a neurotoxin treatment. While there are no severe side effects when using the dermatologist prescribed dose, a patient could still experience mild symptoms.
Continue reading to discover more about neurotoxins and other cosmetic procedures we offer at The Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC.
NEUROTOXINS – WHAT ARE THEY?
Neurotoxins are FDA-approved treatments to make moderate to severe frown lines temporarily look better in adults. Some examples of neurotoxin products are:
- Botox
- Dysport
- Xeomin
- Jeauveau
The treatment is a short 10-minutes. Results can be recognizable within two weeks. These results can last up to four months for moderate to severe frown lines.
There are published studies on some neurotoxins that go back 16 years years demonstrating a safe manufacturing process. Its potency is measured in units.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A variety of factors can cause facial lines from cellular changes, collagen reduction, to damage caused by free radicals from the environment.
This procedure targets the repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, smiling and raising eyebrows. Your dermatologist will inject your muscles with a neurotoxin to temporarily reduce muscle activity. You will begin to notice a smoothing of the frown lines between your brows, your crow’s feet lines and your forehead lines.
EFFECTS OF NEUROTOXINS
A small percentage of patients experience side effects when receiving a neurotoxin.
Possible side effects depend on the injection site and may include, but aren’t limited to:
- Bruising at the injection site
- Facial asymmetry
- Generalized weakness
- Drooping of the eyelid
- Double vision
- Flu like symptoms or respiratory infection
- Nausea or headache
- Permanent loss of muscle tone with repeated injections
- Paralysis of nearby muscle leading to droopy eye, double vision, inability to close eye, difficulty drinking from a straw or whistling
- Under-correction or overcorrection
- Development of antibodies to Botulinum toxin
- Botulinum toxin contains human derived albumin and carries a theoretic risk of virus transmission through Botulinum toxin
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR NEUROTOXINS?
Both men and women can participate in neurotoxin treatments.
Age has no limits. It’s not your age that determines when a neurotoxin is right for you, it’s the severity of your lines. There are reports of a significant rise in the use of neurotoxins. A dermatologist will discuss with you the options for your specific situation.
Patients who should not use neurotoxins include:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Managing a neurological disease
- Allergic to albumin or a part of the preservative
- Infections, skin conditions or weakness in the area being treated
Neurotoxins do not work for all wrinkles; we recommend a consultation with your dermatologist to help determine what your options are.
The truth is, everyone’s lines form differently. Whenever your lines start to bother you, speak with your dermatologist. They can help determine what treatment is right for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER TREATMENT
Neurotoxins, used by a dermatologist, are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility under the strictest quality and safety standards. Every vial is filled and sealed in a completely sterile environment where the air is filtered and refreshed. Find out more about the process below:
Before Treatment
Neurotoxins is a technique-sensitive treatment. This procedure delivers subtle results when you receive treatment from a licensed, trained and a medical expert in facial anatomy.
Treatment with neurotoxins is customized to meet your goals and needs. When you meet with your dermatologist, they will determine the appropriate treatment for any areas you wish to address.
Also, please keep in mind that using a neurotoxin is not a permanent treatment. If you discontinue treatment, the frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines will gradually reappear.
During Treatment
The injection process is 10-minutes in length. You will have the chance to discuss your treatment goals with your dermatologist. A facial analysis will be performed to determine the appropriate treatment areas specific to you.
Patients receiving a neurotoxin treatment have previously reported the injections feel like a pinch. Your dermatologist may use ice to numb the treatment area. If you have concerns about any discomfort, your dermatologist may apply a topical numbing cream before administering your treatment.
For the following areas:
- Crow’s feet — Your dermatologist will inject areas of the muscle that frames the side of the eye.
- Frown lines — Your dermatologist will administer injections into the muscles between your brows and on your forehead.
- Forehead lines — Your dermatologist will administer injections into a muscle in your forehead.
After Treatment
The treatment provides patients with minimal downtime, so you can return to your daily routine immediately after you leave the dermatologists’ office.
Results can be noticeable within two weeks, with lasting effects up to four months. Results vary from patient to patient, so your dermatologist will plan your next appointment based on results and aesthetic goals.
Ask to see the label from your dermatologist, if you have additional questions.
- Ask to see the vial of the neurotoxin that the specialist will use during your treatment.
- Have treatment performed by a reputable medical provider who purchases neurotoxin directly from an authorized distributor.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEUROTOXINS AND DERMAL FILLERS?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that doctors inject beneath the skin to increase facial volume, smooth lines and creases, or enhance facial contours.
There are four different types of dermal fillers:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
- Poly-L-lactic Acid
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
Dermal fillers can plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases and wrinkles, improve the appearance of recessed scars and decrease the shadow of lower lids.
Facial lines begin to appear as we age due to our faces naturally losing subcutaneous fat. This causes facial muscles to work closer to the skin surface. Besides aging, additional factors that affect your facial skin include sun exposure, heredity and personal lifestyle.
Risks and side effects vary depending on the specific type of filler used for treatment. Some side effects include:
- An over-filled appearance to treated areas
- Swelling or bruising
- Temporary redness or numbness
- Lumps or hard regions of the injection sites
- Hypersensitivity
Depending on the product and the areas treated, you should be able to notice results immediately after receiving filler injections.
WHAT TREATMENT IS BEST FOR ME?
Consult with your dermatologist for any questions, comments, or concerns you may have in regards to one of our many cosmetic procedures we offer at The Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC.
At our office, Drs. Maouad and Gharib both have extensive experience with a variety of neurotoxins and fillers. With our team’s skills, the risk of side effects is reduced and patient satisfaction increases with proper product recommendations and placement.
Additionally, it solely depends on your aesthetic goals. Our team of experts will be here to help you figure out what treatment is best suited for you every step of the way.
NEUROTOXINS AND DERMAL FILLERS | THE DERMATOLOGY CENTER FOR SKIN HEALTH, PLLC
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it works non-stop to take care of you. The skin protects other organs, regulates body temperature and reflects your overall health. Your skin deserves the expert care of a medical specialist. The Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, offers a full array of dermatological services to help you maintain healthy skin.
Cosmetic procedures we offer:
