Frequent Questions About Anti-Aging Services

A neuromodulator (or neurotoxin) is a tiny protein that blocks communication between nerve and muscle cell. As a result, the muscle cannot move. The contraction of the muscles of facial expression cause most of the wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. By reducing the movement of these muscles, you can remove the signs of wrinkles and aging. Botox^®, Dysport^®, Xeomin^®, and Jeuveau^® each contain a neuromodulator called Botulinum toxin type A.

Results generally last 3-4 months.

A typical treatment takes less than 30 minutes.

Most patients prefer to have follow up treatments every 3-4 months to maintain their results.

You will see a reduction in the appearance of lines or wrinkles in the area treated. You will see your results gradually over 3-7 days following injection with full results in 14 days.

The disadvantage of neurotoxin injections is the short duration of action relative to other cosmetic procedures, although effects may be cumulative over time with recurring treatments.

Wrinkle relaxer formulas are based on a safe, purified protein called botulinum toxin type A that has been used in the medical and aesthetic field for many years.

There are 4 neurotoxins: Dysport, Xeomin, Botox, and Jeuveau.  All 4 contain the same active ingredient botulinum toxin A and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

• Xeomin is considered the naked neurotoxin. It contains only the botulinum molecule. The purity of the Xeomin molecule means there is a lower chance that you will develop a resistance to its effects.
• Dysport has the fastest onset and typically starts working 1-3 days post injection. It is composed of a smaller molecule than Botox and Xeomin, giving it a larger area of spread once it’s injected and oftentimes a bit of a “softer, more natural” look. Dysport comes in a different dilution than Botox and Xeomin, with an almost 3-to-1 split. Based on the location of the injectable you may need more product in the area. If you’re worried that Dysport will cost more – don’t be! The pricing takes this difference into consideration, so the bottom line is the same.

The effects of Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport can last anywhere from 2-6 months, depending on the area treated and how much is required to relax the muscle. After about a year of treatments, you can often go longer between treatments because it takes less effort for those muscles to relax.

We will start with a consultation to discuss your cosmetic goals, examine your skin, and determine which wrinkle relaxer will best suit your needs. After your consultation, your skin will be cleansed and prepared for injections. The treatment is short, simple, and relatively painless. Your injector will precisely target just the muscles that are needed to relax the wrinkles, leaving you a free range of motion so that you can naturally express yourself. Once the injections are complete you can get back to your usual activities and daily routine with just a few limitations. There is no downtime. You may have some redness and slight swelling at the injection sites, but this will fade within a few hours or a day.

Neurotoxins are FDA approved for moderate to severe dynamic lines in ages 18-65. Patients with dynamic wrinkles with no static component demonstrate the most dramatic improvements.

Those who are pregnant or nursing, have an infection at the injection site, are under 18, or have a neuromuscular disorder.

Bruising, headache, droopy eyelid, droopy eyebrow, incomplete eyelid closure, worsening of eye bags, worsening wrinkles in areas adjacent to the treatment are, and facial asymmetry. Some complications can be improved with botulinum toxin treatment of muscles that antagonize the affected muscles. However, for some complications there are no corrective treatments, and they spontaneously resolve as botulinum toxin effects diminish.

Many patients may wonder if they are “too young” or “too old” to try Neuromodulators. There is no right or wrong age to start using neuromodulators. Patients should be evaluated and receive a consult prior to treatment. Many millennials are starting to use neuromodulators in their twenties when they first start to notice lines and wrinkles or as a preventative measure.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort.

Neurotoxin effects are only temporary, and the small doses injected into the facial wrinkles are very safe

Neurotoxins are usually charged per unit, and price varies by location and neurotoxin used. We currently charge $10 a unit for Xeomin and $4 a unit for Dysport.

Patients should avoid lying down for 4 hours after the treatment. Do not massage, scrub, or rub the treated area, no facials or massage. No strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day. No pressure on the area for the rest of the day, hats, sunglasses.

There may be redness and slight swelling at the injection site immediately after the procedure. You can see results within 24-48 hours, but it may take as long as 14 days to relax moderate to severe frown lines. You can continue with light activities after your treatment and resume your normal activities and exercise the next day.

A common question I receive is how many neurotoxin units a patient may need in order to get the desired treatment results. Unfortunately, there is not a universal answer to this question. The amount of product needed varies greatly from one person to another, depending on many factors. Variables include:

• How large the muscle in question is
• How strong the muscle is
• The placement or position of the muscle
• Which part of the face is getting treatment
• Whether you are a man or woman since the muscles present differently
• What your Botox goals are

On average

Glabella region: The glabella region is the area between your eyebrows, which commonly causes the vertical lines that resemble the number 11. This usually takes 20 to 30 units to successfully treat.

Frontalis muscle: The frontalis muscle affects the horizontal lines on your forehead. This area can take anywhere from 10-30 units.

Crow’s feet: Your crow’s feet are the small lines that appear in the corners of your eyes. This area can take from 6 to 15 units per side.

Yes! Message/call me to book your party. It can be at your location or my office. Free tox for the host with 5 or more guests.