Neurotoxins
Aging isn’t something we should fear or even try to avoid. With neurotoxin treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and DAXXIFY®, the aesthetic concerns that arise over time can be well-managed. We are proud to provide our patients with this proven non-surgical treatment.
What Are Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins like BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY are FDA-approved injectable drugs developed for facial rejuvenation. They are derived from naturally-occurring, highly-purified protein from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. By administering neurotoxin injections, the appearance of facial wrinkles and lines can be reduced, providing a smoother and more youthful appearance. They work by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, helping to soften existing wrinkles and even prevent the formation of new ones.
How Do Neurotoxins Compare to Injectable Fillers?
BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY are what we call neuromodulators, or neurotoxins. They reduce wrinkles by limiting the contraction of the muscles that cause them. For example, they eliminate frown lines by softening the muscle movement at the inner brow area. Injectable fillers work by adding volume to the subcutaneous tissue just beneath the skin. There is no comparison between the two because they work so differently. What dermal fillers do, BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY cannot. What BOTOX and DAXXIFY injections can do, dermal fillers cannot.
What Areas Can Neurotoxins Treat?
BOTOX Cosmetic
BOTOX injections are commonly used to correct signs of aging including: frown lines, crow’s feet, drooping eyebrows, platysmal brands, and horizontal lines on the neck. In addition, the injectable can be used to treat migraine headaches.
DAXXIFY
DAXXIFY is FDA-approved to treat frown lines between the eyebrows. It is the only peptide-powered treatment for this trouble area.
Am I a Candidate for Neurotoxins?
Adults who are in good general health may achieve optimal results using neurotoxins to correct mild to moderate signs of aging. People with a history of neuromuscular disorders or a skin condition near the injection site should discuss their situation with their provider before deciding on their ideal treatment. Neurotoxins are not approved for women who are pregnant or nursing.
How Are Neurotoxins Administered?
Neurotoxins are administered through a series of injections across a treatment area, such as the forehead. In most cases, only a few injections are needed to achieve excellent results.
How Long Do Neurotoxins Take?
One of the significant advantages of neurotoxins like BOTOX Cosmetic and DAXXIFY is that treatment is convenient. Before administering injections, a brief consultation is conducted to review the expected outcome and discuss questions or concerns. The injectable aspect of treatment lasts less than 10 minutes in most cases.
How Long Do the Results of Neurotoxins Last?
Neurotoxins bind to nerve receptors to decrease muscle contractions. The full effect of BOTOX Cosmetic occurs over 5 to 7 days after treatment, and with DAXXIFY patients can begin to see their results within 1 to 2 days. The muscle relaxation that is achieved can last from 3 to 6 months, with many patients seeing their effects begin to fade somewhere around 4 months. Studies suggest that, as neurotoxins are repeated over time, extended results are more likely.
How Often Do I Need Neurotoxin Injections?
On average, patients may need to repeat neurotoxin injections every 3 to 6 months. It is important to remember that every person is unique and will respond differently to injectable treatments.
Can Neurotoxins Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Neurotoxin can safely be combined with both surgical and non-surgical procedures. When used as a complement to surgery, injections may be scheduled after the operative area has completely healed. Neurotoxins and other injectables, such as dermal fillers, can be administered in the same office visit.
Are Neurotoxin Injections Painful?
Neurotoxins are administered through a tiny needle. Patients can expect to feel a slight pinching sensation, if anything, as the treatment is provided. This lasts only a moment. If you are concerned about discomfort from injectable treatment, let us know. We are happy to suggest pain-reducing strategies such as ice. A topical anesthetic may also be used before treatment, although most patients find that this is unnecessary.
What Are the Side Effects of Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxin injections are a minimally-invasive treatment that has been used throughout the world for several years. One of the very first injectable cosmetics to be developed, BOTOX injections are approved in more than 75 countries. The treatment has been extensively studied and proven to achieve good results with minimal risks. Over 400 peer-reviewed articles reporting the safety and efficacy of BOTOX injections have appeared in medical and scientific journals.
The most common side effects of BOTOX injections and DAXXIFY include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Muscle weakness near the injection site
- Headache and flu-like symptoms
Side effects from neurotoxins can last from a few minutes to several hours. None should inhibit normal activities.
Schedule a Neurotoxin Consultation
If you are interested in neurotoxins and want to learn more, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Our practice serves Fall River, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas.
