Neurotoxins might be scary as it sounds, but it is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved aesthetic treatment. This technique-sensitive treatment is derived from clostridium botulinum, which relaxes the muscles and treats moderate to severe frown lines. The injections used in neurotoxins are controlled doses of botulinum toxin type A, preventing muscle movements that wrinkle the skin over time.
That said, the neurotoxin injections help address wrinkles that develop due to repeated facial movements (sometimes called dynamic wrinkles). It also addresses the wrinkle-causing muscles, like smiling, frowning, squinting, or making other faces. With the help of these injectables, the movements will become limited to reduce the development and appearance of dynamic wrinkles and fine lines.
What Are Examples Of Neurotoxins?
Below are the examples of neurotoxin treatments:
Botox
This is the most popular neurotoxin globally, and it has become a staple in many cosmetic treatments. It is safe and has become the most effective neuromodulator in the market that thousands of people have used for over fifteen years with its long-standing reputation. It can be used in most areas of the face since Botox is incredibly versatile.
Xeomin
While Botox and Xeomin injectables use the same base neurotoxins, Xeomin is newer. Due to its “naked” form of the toxin, it is said to be a better match for those with moderate signs of aging. Aside from Xeomin matching Botox unit for unit, it is sometimes used as an alternate treatment to avoid tolerance build-up instead of the other injectable.
Dysport
This is a neurotoxin injectable designed to have a thinner formula, making it an ideal match for those with mild signs of aging. It is more dynamic than other neuromodulators and produces more quickly due to its thinner formulation.
Jeauveau
Jeauveau is a botulinum toxin type A injection used to treat wrinkles. This injection is sometimes called the new Botox or “Newtox” for short since it’s a new version of the same active ingredient used in original Botox cosmetic injections.
How Do Neurotoxin Injections Work?
Neurotoxin injections prevent the appearance of dynamic wrinkles by stopping the motion that causes them, such as smiling, frowning, squinting, or making other faces. The injected substance will interfere with the nerve, and the muscle will signal to reduce muscle motion. However, higher doses of these neurotoxins could be hazardous.
On the other hand, neurotoxin injections are safe and beneficial in reducing specific muscle movements when harnessed for therapeutic or cosmetic procedures. A small amount of neurotoxin is injected directly into the targeted muscle groups to stop these movements during a cosmetic treatment. The relaxed muscles make skin look smoother and more youthful for about three to four months until the effect is lost.
What Will I Experience When Receiving Neurotoxin?
The procedure is not entirely pain-free since a fine-gauge needle injects neurotoxins directly into targeted muscle areas. It gives a sensation similar to facial waxing. Small dots of blood are also visible at the entry sites but usually diminishes within a few hours after the injection.
In addition, it is common to experience some bruising, redness, or swelling at the injection sites as well. At least four hours or longer post-procedure, the treated area must not be manipulated in any way as it may transfer the effect to an area it is not wanted. Freezing of the muscle will begin depending on the formulation, the amount injected, and how quickly the toxin spreads in a particular patient. At the same time, results are generally seen within seven days.
What Areas Can Neurotoxin Injections Treat?
The best areas to treat using neurotoxins are directly linked to the movement of facial muscles. Below are the common areas for neurotoxin treatment:
- Crow’s feet
- Bunny lines
- Glabellar lines
- Forehead creases
- Bunny lines
- Lip lines
- Uneven smile
- Saggy skin
- Volume Loss
What Other Conditions Can Neurotoxins Treat?
Aside from cosmetic uses, below are the other applications for neurotoxin injections:
- Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating
- Migraines
- Muscle spasms
- Incontinence or bladder control issues
What to Expect During The Neurotoxins Treatment?
The injection of the neurotoxin is just quick and comfortable. The dermatologist will use an extremely fine-gauge needle to ensure minimal discomfort while administering it. To determine the injection site, dermatologists pinpoint specific muscle groups and quickly inject the neurotoxin once the target area is predetermined. As with many injectables, neurotoxic effects are very mild but expect redness and minor inflammation, which will eventually clear up after a few hours in most people.
When it comes to results, it will vary by type used, ranging from a few days to a week. However, the maximal effect is typically seen two weeks after treatment. Most dermatologists will discuss how often the retreatment is to maintain the long-term results during a consultation. That means having maintenance treatments three or four times each year for most people.
Who Are Good Candidate For Neurotoxins?
Traditionally, neurotoxins have been used as an anti-aging procedure. People with age mid-to–late 40s popularly used this treatment. However, it is now a popular addition to the skincare regimens of patients in their 20s. Of course, the treatment should be administered with a licensed medical aesthetician to ensure safety.
Neurotoxins are manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities and have strict quality and safety standards. Everyone can receive neurotoxin treatments. However, those who should not receive this treatment include:
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Those who have a neurological disease.
- Individuals who have an allergy to albumin.
- Individuals who have infections, skin conditions, or weakness in the area are being treated.
Final Thoughts
Today, neurotoxins have become the popular injectable aesthetic treatment that temporarily freezes wrinkle-causing muscles. Belle Visage offers neurotoxins, Botox, and Xeomin, which are FDA-approved to inject into the face using a very tiny needle in a quick (less than 15 minutes) procedure, with no anesthesia required, and most clients feel minimal discomfort.
Results of neurotoxin injections can last several months and are noticeable after 48-72 hours, which stabilize around 14 days post-treatment. Ultimately, scheduling these neurotoxin treatments at least a month before your big event is suggested and ideal.