Neurotoxins

Not really. While there is a brief pinch at the injection site, this discomfort fades quickly. However, pain is subjective. Some patients are simply more sensitive than others. This is why I offer my patients multiple options when it comes to numbing the treatment area. These include a topical numbing cream, a numbing injection, ice rollers or Nitronox which is the laughing gas that you often get at the dentist’s office. If you are super sensitive or anxious, just let me know during your consultation and we will discuss the best option for you.

No. As with many non-surgical modalities, the results are not permanent. How long you maintain your improvement will really depend on the treatment area, and how much product was used. For example, high movement areas such as the crow’s feet will dissipate faster than the forehead. In general, however, your neurotoxin results should last about 3 months. I have found that some patients get a longer lasting result when they schedule regular appointments.

It depends. I started using Dysport in my late 20’s as a way to prevent wrinkles from forming. This is the age at which the collagen and elastin in the skin begin to diminish and I wanted to do everything possible to keep my skin smooth. In general, I tell patients that the right age to start is whenever they’re bothered by their fine lines and wrinkles. It is honestly different for everyone.

The best way to guarantee a natural looking result is to see a trained injector with a lot of experience who looks natural themselves. This is a procedure where skill really makes a difference. Placing Botox, Dysport of Xeomin properly is truly an art form. While you don’t necessarily need to see a plastic surgeon (my other injectors are excellent), I do know and understand anatomy from the inside out. This is why I spend a lot of time with my nurses and physician assistant injectors going over anatomy. We also all go to training workshops to stay abreast of the latest and greatest.

I’m confused. No. They do totally different things. A neurotoxin works by relaxing the underlying muscles so it can only make you look as good as you do when your face is not moving. It cannot fill in a deeply etched line. In short, Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are wrinkle relaxers not wrinkle erasers. Over time however, with injections 3-4 times a year, I’ve found that wrinkles do relax and fade if they are not too deeply etched.

No. Unlike any of the hyaluronic acid or HA fillers which can be reversed, neurotoxin injections are not reversible… You simply have to wait for the effects to wear off with time. This is another reason why it is so important to see a highly skilled injector. Many doctors, nurses and PAs with no aesthetic training are offering injections. I don’t think it is smart to see just anyone for your Botox, Dysport or Xeomin injections. Do your homework!

I like some movement. It’s natural looking. We use particular types of neurotoxin at lower dosages to still maintain some movement. Just know that less neurotoxin means that your results may last less than 3 months. If you are ok with that, then so are we!

While they both work in the same way, Xeomin is different from Botox in that it only contains botulinum toxin A. There are no other additives. This makes Xeomin what’s called a “pure form” injectable. Patients are therefore less likely to develop antibodies to Xeomin like some do with Botox.

It may take up to two weeks before you see your final results after your Dysport injection so be patient. But I promise that they are worth the wait!