Neurotoxins

One of the primary functions of the face is to share our emotional expression with those around us. As the skin ages and loses elasticity, the repeated muscle contractions responsible for facial expressions can have an impact on the skin.

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Laughing, smiling, squinting, concentrating, and worrying can all leave behind persistent wrinkles and folds. A neurotoxin is an FDA-approved medical treatment that uses a compound made with botulinum toxin to temporarily soften moderate to severe lines in order to restore the face to its smooth, youthful radiance. There are four main brands of neuromodulators available on the market: Dysport, BOTOX, Xeomin, and Jeuveau. With over five million procedures performed every year, neurotoxin injections happen to be among the most highly sought-after cosmetic treatments in the United States.

How Do Neurotoxins Work?

Neurotoxins prevent muscle fibers from contracting by temporarily inhibiting the nerve cells from signaling the attached muscle to move. When injected in appropriate amounts by an experienced professional, the muscle will appear relaxed rather than frozen, and the lines and folds will disappear without compromising the surrounding areas.

Dr. Cox will talk to you about your aesthetic goals during your consultation and assess the areas of the face that you wish to treat. There usually is no need for local anesthetic, but for those concerned with discomfort during the procedure, Dr. Cox can numb the area prior to injecting. Using tiny, localized injections directly in the muscles connected to the wrinkled skin, the botulinum toxin weakens the muscles in such a way that smooths the wrinkles and fine lines while still allowing you to make spontaneous facial expressions.

The neurotoxin begins blocking the connection within one minute, and the effects become visible within 7-14 days.

Because the body metabolizes the product over time and starts to rebuild the connections between the muscle and the nerves, you will need to repeat the treatment every 3-6 months for continually smooth, wrinkle-free skin.

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What Are the Benefits?

Neurotoxins can decrease lines, wrinkles, and folds that deepen as a result of the aging process, revealing a youthful appearance that also has the power to increase self-confidence. Neurotoxin injections are best used to treat the following areas:

Forehead wrinkles
Frown lines between the eyebrow
Fine lines near the corner of the eyes (“crow’s feet”)
Protruding neck bands

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Are Neurotoxin Injections for Me?

This FDA-approved treatment is widely received by adults ranging from age 20 until well into their late 70s. The earlier treatment begins, the easier it will be to minimize the wear that generates long-term etching of fine lines and wrinkles into the face. For this reason, adults are recommended to start treatment as soon as possible to prevent lines in the face from increasing in prominence.

If you are looking for a quick, painless, and effective solution to restore your skin to its youthful radiance, contact Dr. Cox today to schedule your consultation. She will assess your face and medical history for candidacy and develop a treatment plan that will ensure beautiful, lasting results.

What Is the Recovery Process?

Neurotoxin injections require no downtime or recovery. Because the treatment is quick, painless, and noninvasive, you will be able to immediately resume your normal daily activities. Some precautions to consider that will ensure a flawless outcome are:

Do not rub the area for at least four hours to prevent migration of the product to other parts of the face.
Refrain from lying down for the first three hours.
Avoid going in hot tubs, saunas, or tanning beds for the first four hours.
No heavy exercising for 24 hours, including running, cross-training, inverting, or lifting weights.
Do not use tight-fitting headwear near the treatment areas.
Limit alcohol consumption within 24 hours before and after treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.

Are There Any Potential Side Effects of Treatment?

Most patients undergoing neurotoxin injections experience no side effects, and allergies to the treatment are very rare. However, because each person has a unique physiology, the following are some potential side effects:

Bruising
Headache
Small, raised bumps on the skin

For those who experience these rare side effects, bruising and bumps will disappear quickly, and headaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication.

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