Neurotoxins
As you age and your skin loses its elasticity, you’ll inevitably notice fine lines and wrinkles appear on your forehead and near your mouth and eyes—and not just when you frown or furrow your eyebrows. They linger long after, and soon become a constant sight in the mirror.
If lines and wrinkles are a frustration for you, neurotoxin injections are by far the most common and popular remedy!
Neurotoxins are soluble muscle relaxants derived from botulinum toxin (type A), which has been used for decades to smooth lines and wrinkles and create a more refreshed appearance.
Two options we offer are Botox® and Xeomin®:
BOTOX® (Allergan)
Botox is the original and best-selling injectable wrinkle-reducer in the United States. Approved for use by the FDA, Botox has hundreds of studies supporting its safety and efficacy.
XEOMIN® (Merz Pharma)
Xeomin is a uniquely purified neurotoxin FDA approved to treat dynamic facial wrinkles. Like Botox® it is used to treat forehead lines, fine lines around the eyes, and the furrows between the eyebrows.
How do Botox and Xeomin differ?
Xeomin and Botox both contain botulinum toxin type A, but there is a minor distinction between their formulations.
In scientific terms, Xeomin contains a “naked” form of the toxin. On a molecular level, Xeomin is different from Botox in that it does not contain any accessory protein additives. You can’t develop a resistance to it. The potential benefit of this is mainly for the rare patient who stopped responding to Botox treatments because of the development of antibodies to the proteins.
How do these shots work?
Botulinum toxin (Type A) blocks the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. This effect relaxes and smooths the look of lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive movements on the face – most commonly, between the brows, crows-feet around the eyes, and horizontal forehead creases.
How do I know which option is best for me?
During your consultation, Dr. Morgan will discuss the best option based on your medical and cosmetic histories and your beauty goals.
Who preforms the injection?
All injectable cosmetic treatments are performed personally by Dr. Morgan.
What areas/concerns do you treat?
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Worry lines between the eyebrows
- Horizontal lines on the forehead
- Smoker’s lines around the mouth
- Facial Asymmetry
How long do the results last?
Results can vary depending how your body metabolizes the neurotoxin. On average, you should notice the first signs of wrinkle reduction within 48 hours, with optimal results showing up in about seven to 14 days.
The average patient enjoys results for 2 – 4 months. Younger patients or those undergoing preventative treatments have been known to experience prolonged results.
Advice for best results and recovery?
Side effects are minimal and shouldn’t cause any major disruptions to your routine. Dr. Morgan will happily review a care plan specific to your needs.
- After your treatment, expect a little bit of swelling and slight redness at the injection sites. Any discomfort should go away in a few hours. Ice packs will be provided.
- If the area to be injected is particularly sensitive, bruising may occur, but will recede with time.
- Avoiding heavy exercise, salty foods, alcohol, and sleeping face down will help reduce the chance of excessive swelling.
- Avoid massaging or touching the injected area afterwards; this may inadvertently cause the botulinum toxin to spread to an unintended area.
Do injections hurt?
The injections are done with a fine needle and are relatively painless. You feel a brief and slight pinch, but most people tolerate the treatment quite well. A topical numbing cream is an option, but most clients do just fine without it.