Neuromodulators, such as Xeomin, Botox, and Dysport, use botulinum toxin type A to block nerve activity in muscles, restricting movement and lessening the visibility of face wrinkles, including frown and forehead lines. These neurotoxins prevent the release of neurotransmitters from the point where muscles and nerves converge, thus relaxing the muscles and reducing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
What are neurotoxins?
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are FDA-approved prescription medications given as intramuscular injections. They aid in lowering muscular activity, contributing to facial folds, creases, and wrinkles. Even though these lines, creases, and wrinkles on the face are common indicators of age, many people could feel self-conscious about their appearance. This popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure can smooth out facial wrinkles and other aging symptoms.
Unlike other procedures, these neurotoxins don’t call for general anesthetic or a protracted healing phase. To treat the underlying cause of wrinkles, doctors might inject these neurotoxins into particular muscles. Most patients can resume work or regular activities practically immediately because it’s a non-surgical procedure.
How long will Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin neurotoxin results take?
Dysport and Xeomin start showing results in 3 days, whereas Botox results start acting in one week. The neurotoxin results will show completely in 2 weeks after your treatment. Depending on the individual, these results usually last two to five months.
What is the difference between Dysport, Botox and Xeomin?
Dysport has a smaller molecular weight and can spread easily compared to Botox. Hence, Dysport is recommended for the forehead area, and Botox is recommended for more focused areas like prominent fine lines and wrinkles. If you are getting reduced effect by one of the neurotoxins, then you should consider switching to the other as you might be getting antibody formation for that toxin causing resistance. Dysport is usually needed in more quantities compared to Botox.
Xeomin is a closer alternative to Botox and has very similar results. Xeomin is slightly less expensive than Botox as it is comparatively new. Xeomin differs from Botox because it doesn’t have a protein covering, making it a “naked” form of botulinum toxin. The protein casing on Botox can cause immune reactions that can eventually block the toxin’s effectiveness when injected. Xeomin is believed to have an advantage over Botox because it doesn’t cause antibody formation with repeated injections, which can make it more effective.
How Long Do Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin Neurotoxin treatments last?
These neurotoxins are well-known treatments that can help minimize wrinkles, lines and folds on the face. Although the effects of neurotoxin will eventually wear off after around three to four months, most patients are pleased with the results they see for this length of time. However, a few factors can impact the longevity of neurotoxin injections, including excessive sun exposure, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Your doctor can guide you when to schedule your appointments and whether or not you require a follow-up session. If you notice that your results are fading faster or lasting longer than expected, it may be worth postponing your touch-up appointment.
What are the sites for administering and the recommended dosage for Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport?
The recommended dosage of Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) for each treatment area can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s anatomy, the severity of the wrinkles or conditions being treated, and the injector’s expertise. Dosage is typically measured in “units” of Botox. Below are approximate dosage ranges for some common treatment areas:
Common treatment areas:
Glabellar Lines (Frown Lines): These are the vertical lines that form between the eyebrows, often referred to as “11” lines.
Forehead Lines: These toxins can reduce the appearance of horizontal forehead lines. Injections are typically administered into the frontalis muscle.
Crow’s Feet (Eye Wrinkles): Fine lines radiating from the corners of the eyes are often called crow’s feet. These toxins can be injected into the orbicularis oculi muscles in this area.
Brow Lift: These toxins can be strategically injected to lift the eyebrows slightly. This is often done by targeting specific muscles that pull the brows downward.
Bunny Lines: These lines appear on the upper nose area in the middle of the eye when you scrunch it, often referred to as bunny lines. Botox can be used to reduce their appearance by injecting the nasalis muscle.
Dimpled Chin: These toxins can be administered to smooth out a dimpled or pebbled chin by relaxing the mentalis muscle.
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating): These toxins can treat excessive sweating in various body areas, such as the underarms, palms, and soles of the feet. The injections target the sweat glands in these areas.
Migraine and Chronic Headaches: These toxin injections for migraine prevention typically involve multiple sites on the head and neck, as determined by a healthcare provider.
Botox dosage:
Glabellar Dosage: The recommended dosage for glabellar lines ranges from 20 to 30 units, with most patients requiring around 25. Some patients need more due to muscle strength as it takes more Botox to relax the stronger muscles. The injection is divided among multiple sites within the glabellar complex.
Forehead Dosage: Forehead lines may require approximately 20 units, with the specific dosage depending on the extent and depth of the lines. The injection sites are usually evenly distributed across the forehead. Again, the dosage might vary from patient to patient as some patients might have stronger forehead muscles, requiring more Botox to relax them.
Crow’s Feet Dosage: For treating crow’s feet around both eyes, the recommended dosage typically ranges from 5 to 15 units per side, with most patients requiring around 7-10 units per side. Hence it will need 10 – 30 units of Botox for both sides. The variation is because of the muscle strength of Crow’s feet, which might vary from patient to patient.
Brow lift dosage: A brow lift using this toxin usually requires approximately 2 to 5 units per side to relax the muscles that pull the eyebrows downward. Hence, 4 – 10 units of Botox might be used for both brows. The dosage can vary depending on the desired lift and muscle strength, varying from patient to patient.
Bunny lines dosage: For bunny lines, injections of approximately 2 to 5 units may be administered on each side of the nose, targeting the nasalis muscle. Hence, bunny lines might take 4-10 units of Botox.
Dimpled chin dosage: Dimpled chin treatment usually involves 2 to 6 units of Botox, with the dosage tailored to the individual’s needs and the extent of dimpling.
Neck Bands: Botox can also treat the vertical bands or cords that sometimes appear on the neck. Injections are made into the platysma muscles.
Neck Band dosage: Treating neck bands typically involves injecting 20 to 50 units of Botox over multiple points, depending on the severity and number of bands.
Dosage for hyperhidrosis: The dosage varies depending on the treated area (e.g., underarms, palms, soles). For underarms, it can range from 50 to 100 units per underarm, while palm and sole treatments may require higher doses.
Botox Dosage for Migraine and Chronic Headaches: Treatment for migraine prevention typically involves injecting 155 to 195 units of Botox into multiple sites across the head and neck. A healthcare provider determines the specific dosing pattern.
Muscle Spasms: For medical conditions like cervical dystonia or blepharospasm, these toxins are injected into specific muscles, causing spasms or contractions.
Dosage for muscle spasms: The dosage for spasms, such as cervical dystonia or blepharospasm, depends on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. It can range from several units to higher doses. It’s crucial to note that these are approximate dosage ranges, and a qualified healthcare provider should determine the specific dosage for an individual during a consultation.
Dysport dosage:
Glabellar dosage: Typically, the recommended dosage for glabellar lines ranges from 50 to 60 units of Dysport, with most patients requiring around 50 units. The injection is divided among multiple sites within the glabellar complex.
Forehead dosage: Forehead lines may require approximately 30 to 50 units of Dysport, with the specific dosage depending on the extent and depth of the lines. The injection sites are usually evenly distributed across the forehead.
Crow’s feet dosage: For treating crow’s feet around both eyes, the recommended dosage typically ranges from 30 to 40 units of Dysport per side, with most patients requiring around 30 units per side.
Brow lift dosage: A brow lift using Dysport usually requires approximately 10 to 20 units per side to relax the muscles that pull the eyebrows downward. The dosage can vary depending on the desired lift.
Bunny lines dosage: For bunny lines, injections of approximately 10 to 15 units of Dysport may be administered on each side of the nose, targeting the nasalis muscle.
Dimpled chin dosage: Dimpled chin treatment typically involves 10 to 15 units of Dysport, with the dosage tailored to the individual’s needs and the extent of dimpling.
Neck Band dosage: Treating neck bands usually involves 60 to 100 units of Dysport, depending on the severity and number of bands. Multiple injection points along the bands may be used.
dosage for hyperhidrosis: Dosage for hyperhidrosis with Dysport varies depending on the treated area (e.g., underarms, palms, soles). For underarms, it can range from 100 to 200 units per underarm, while palm and sole treatments may require higher doses.
dosage for Migraine and Chronic Headaches: Dysport is also used for migraine prevention and typically involves injecting 155 to 195 units into multiple sites across the head and neck. A healthcare provider determines the specific dosing pattern.
Dosage for muscle spasms: Determining the dosage for spasms, such as cervical dystonia or blepharospasm, depends on the individual’s condition and how they respond to treatment. The dosage can vary from several units to higher doses. It’s important to note that these are only approximate dosage ranges, and a qualified healthcare provider should be consulted to determine the specific dosage for an individual during a consultation.
Xeomin dosage:
Glabellar dosage: Typically, the recommended dosage for glabellar lines ranges from 20 to 30 units of Xeomin, with most patients requiring around 20-25 units. The injection is divided among multiple sites within the glabellar complex.
Forehead dosage: Forehead lines may require approximately 10 to 20 units of Xeomin, with the specific dosage depending on the extent and depth of the lines. The injection sites are usually evenly distributed across the forehead.
The Crow’s feet dosage is not recommended to inject Xeomin around the eye area as it may cause adverse effects such as blurry vision or droopy eyelids.
Brow lift dosage: It is not recommended to use Xeomin near the eye as it can spread to the eye, causing adverse effects like blurry vision or droopy eyelids.
Bunny lines dosage: Using Xeomin near the eye is not recommended as it may spread to the eye and cause adverse effects such as blurry vision or droopy eyelids.
Dimpled chin dosage: Dimpled chin treatment typically involves 2 to 6 units of Xeomin, with the dosage tailored to the individual’s needs and the extent of dimpling.
Neck Band dosage: Treating neck bands typically requires 20-50 units of Xeomin, administered at multiple injection points depending on the severity and number of bands.
Dosage for hyperhidrosis: Dosage for hyperhidrosis with Xeomin varies depending on the treated area. The dosage for underarms ranges from 50 to 100 units per underarm, while palm and sole treatments may require higher doses.
Dosage for Migraine and Chronic Headaches: Xeomin is also used for migraine prevention and typically involves injecting 155 to 195 units into multiple sites across the head and neck. A healthcare provider determines the specific dosing pattern.
Dosage for muscle spasms: The medication required to treat spasms like cervical dystonia or blepharospasm varies depending on the person’s condition and how they respond to treatment. The dosage can range from a few units to high doses. It’s important to note that these are approximate dosage ranges, and only a qualified healthcare provider can determine the exact dosage for an individual during a consultation.
Before and after photos of Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport
Glabella neurotoxin treatment: This is a common procedure where neurotoxins are injected between the eyebrows to reduce the appearance of frown lines, also known as the “11” lines. These lines can be visible when we scowl or show irritation. It’s a popular option for those seeking a more youthful and refreshed appearance in photographs.
Crow’s feet and smile wrinkles: Neurotoxins treatment reduces crow’s feet and smiles wrinkles. These fan-like lines are commonly known as “crow’s feet” lines because they spread out from the corner of the eye, resembling a bird’s toes, when we smile for photographs.
Forehead: Injecting neurotoxins into the forehead is a common procedure for reducing wrinkle lines that run horizontally across the forehead, above the brows. These lines are most noticeable when patients appear surprised.
Masseter reduction: Reducing the size of the masseter muscles through neurotoxin injections to the jawline can create a slimmer appearance for the face. This treatment is particularly useful for those who grind their teeth at night. The effects are noticeable after three weeks and last for six months. With multiple sessions, the results can be semi-permanent, with longer-lasting effects.
Dimpling and wrinkling in your chin: As you age, you may notice dimpling and wrinkling. Though this is a natural process, it can make you feel self-conscious and appear older than you really are. Fortunately, neurotoxin can help. By limiting muscle action under the skin, neurotoxins can smooth out the appearance of dimples and wrinkles on your chin.
Gummy smiles: It is possible to inject a neurotoxin into the muscles around the smile to help reduce the visibility of excess gum lines. This can result in less gum exposure while maintaining a natural and beautiful appearance for the patient.
Bruxism, TMJ dysfunction, hypertrichosis, migraine headaches, and nasal tip lift: In addition to their cosmetic uses, Neurotoxins have other medical applications. It can effectively treat bruxism, TMJ dysfunction, hypertrichosis, migraine headaches, and nasal tip lift.
What are the potential side effects of neurotoxins?
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin neurotoxin are considered safe and low-risk procedures for most individuals. However, some common side effects may occur in the days following injections, such as bruising, swelling, or pain at the injection site, headaches, nausea, muscle twitching, and a crooked smile.
You can encounter severe side effects. If you encounter any of the subsequent negative reactions, please get in touch with your physician immediately and seek immediate medical assistance:
- Double or blurred vision
- Muscle weakness or painful spasms
- Difficulty in speaking
- Loss of bladder control.
Pre-treatment instructions for treatment:
1. Do Your Research
2. Book a Consultation
3. Avoid Blood Thinners
4. Clean Your Face
5. Consider Icing the Area
It may be beneficial to ice the treatment area beforehand to lessen the occurrence and severity of bruising after your appointment. Simply wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the treatment area for a minimum of 20 minutes before your appointment.
6. Try to Relax
You might feel a bit nervous if it is your first appointment, so relax. This is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that causes minimal discomfort.
7. Have Reasonable Expectations
It’s important to understand that although neurotoxin is a commonly used treatment for wrinkles, the results may vary from person to person. Neurotoxins can help minimize wrinkles and signs of aging, but it doesn’t guarantee their complete elimination. The benefits of neurotoxin are temporary and require additional follow-up treatments to maintain them. It’s common to experience discomfort or redness at the injection site and throughout the treated area after receiving neurotoxin injections.
Post-procedure care instructions
1. Don’t touch the injection site frequently by hands
After receiving a neurotoxin treatment, avoiding touching the treated area and injection sites is important. Touching or rubbing your face can cause the neurotoxin to move to other parts of your face, leading to issues such as droopy eyes or swelling. It’s recommended to refrain from touching your face for at least 6 hours following your appointment, as most injectors advise.
2. Squatting or Lying Down
To ensure the best results from your neurotoxin treatment, avoiding leaning, bending over, or lying down for several hours after the procedure is important. Remaining upright for at least four hours following the treatment can help prevent the neurotoxin from migrating to other areas of your face. You should stay in a straight, upright position for four hours after the treatment to achieve optimal results.
3. Exercising
It is recommended to wait for a minimum of four hours after exposure to neurotoxin before engaging in any physical activity. However, waiting for 24 hours before participating in intense exercise or a workout is usually advisable.
4. Blood Thinners
It is important to refrain from taking blood thinners after receiving neurotoxin treatment. These medications, including aspirin, can increase the likelihood of bruising and excessive bleeding. Avoiding these drugs to ensure a safe and effective recovery from neurotoxin treatment is crucial.
5. Smoking
If you smoke after getting neurotoxin treatment, it can reduce the time your results last. For treating perioral wrinkles, someone who doesn’t smoke may experience longer-lasting outcomes than someone who does. Not smoking increases your chances of achieving better and more durable anti-aging effects. Continuing to smoke after getting neurotoxin treatment can cause your results to fade away faster, and smoking can even counteract the benefits of the treatment. Many patients quit smoking after neurotoxin treatment because cigarette smoke contains chemicals that can speed up skin aging and cause other health issues.
6. Drinking
It is best to avoid drinking alcohol before or after a neurotoxin treatment as it thins the blood and may lead to complications. This is similar to the effects of blood-thinning medication. Consuming alcohol after the treatment may also increase the risk of bruising, while drinking before or after the injections may make patients more prone to severe bleeding at the injection site.
7. Treatments for the Face
After receiving neurotoxin injections, avoiding facial treatments and massages is important. This is because facial massages can disrupt the neurotoxin deposited on your face and cause it to migrate to different parts of the face. You should avoid applying any pressure to your face or getting any facial massage for at least four hours after the treatment.
Additionally, many face treatments contain harsh chemicals that can interfere with the neurotoxin injections, so it is advised that you avoid facials, masks, and chemical peels for at least one week after the procedure. If you are considering a facial treatment, ask how long you should wait after your neurotoxin appointment. This will help reduce your risk of any complications.
When to get Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin neurotoxin?
Determining the ideal time for neurotoxin administration is subjective and varies from person to person. Often, medical practitioners recommend it once you begin to feel self-conscious about the emergence of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of facial aging. These signs generally become more pronounced in your thirties, making it an opportune time to consider neurotoxin treatments.
What other Aesthetic services do you offer?
We offer a variety of Aesthetic services, including laser skin resurfacing, laser hair removal, Radiofrequency microneedling, Hydrodermabrasion facial, and Hair restoration using Microneedling PRP. You can see the complete list on this page.
Where can I find the cost of neurotoxin treatment and other treatments you offer at your Medical Spa?
You can check the cost and book online on this page.
Why should I consider doing Botox at your clinic?
We provide the best Botox treatment at reasonable prices. The doctor administers the neurotoxin, and our staff follows up with you for your treatment to ensure everything goes well. We are highly rated for our services by Yelp and Google.
