Neurotoxins, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Kybella®, have transformed the facial rejuvenation market. Our board-certified plastic surgeons use these products to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. Once injected, the medication causes the underlying muscles to relax, which creates a smooth surface. While each brand does the same thing and produces similar results, they work differently for everyone. During the consultation, we will discuss each product so that the right one is chosen to meet your aesthetic goals.
What They Treat
- Forehead lines and wrinkles
- Vertical frown lines between the brows (glabella)
- Crow’s feet
- Medical issues such as excessive sweating (known as hypodryphosis)
Product Facts
BOTOX® Cosmetic
- FDA approved in 2002
- Medication: Onobotulinum toxin A
- Expected results: On average, within 5-7 days
Dysport®
- FDA approved in 2009
- Medication: Abobotulinum toxin A
- Expected results: Results with this relaxer usually show the soonest, within 2-3 days
Kybella®
- FDA approved in 2015
- Medication: Deoxycholic acid
- Expected results: Typically noticeable within a few weeks to a month after treatment
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BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic is an injection that temporarily relaxes the muscles under the skin. This decreases wrinkles and lines, giving the skin a smooth appearance.
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Dysport®
Dysport® is an injectable form of Abobotulinum toxin, a neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes targeted facial muscles. Abobotulinum toxin works by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions. When injected into specific facial muscles, Dysport® helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles by temporarily preventing muscle contractions. Results with this relaxer usually show the soonest, within 2-3 days, and the effects typically last for a few months, necessitating repeat treatments for sustained benefits.
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Kybella®
KYBELLA® is a synthetic deoxycholic acid which is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, KYBELLA® destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin. KYBELLA® is a series of treatments, but once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat so no further treatment is required.
Administering Neurotoxins
Neurotoxins are medical-grade toxins derived through an FDA-approved and safe process that is administered through a syringe during an in-office appointment. During the appointment, which takes place in-office, typically within 30 minutes, the practitioner will mark the areas where the drug will be injected. The depth, length, quantity and location of wrinkles vary for each patient. Therefore, the injection treatment, including the dosage and injection location, is tailored during the procedure. The result is a localized reduction of the muscle activity in the injected area.
What To Expect
During this procedure, patients generally do not feel anything other than a small prick. Any discomfort is controlled with a cold compress. Immediately following a series of injections, there will be some mild swelling and redness at the injection sites. This will subside a few hours after the procedure. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately, but exercise should be avoided for a few hours. It is also recommended that patients keep their heads elevated for the first 8-10 hours. Results following a neurotoxin treatment will not be immediate. Depending on the product used, the results will show themselves over the course of 2-10 days days and can last up to 3-4 months. The result is skin that appears smooth with a significant decrease in wrinkles and lines.
Neurotoxin FAQs
Is BOTOX® Cosmetic The Best?
All of the neurotoxin treatments on the market today serve a specific purpose, and each do it well depending on the patient and their precise needs. With that said, BOTOX® Cosmetic continues to be the gold standard neurotoxin treatment and leads the market with more than 6.1 million BOTOX® Cosmetic injections given in 2012. It’s common for practitioners to use more than one product in a session. For example, some patients react better to BOTOX® Cosmetic to treat forehead lines, Dysport to treat Crow’s feet, and Kybella® for targeted fat reduction under the chin.
Is It Safe?
Each neurotoxin treatment on the market today, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and Kybella®, are all FDA approved and have a record of safety and effectiveness. Individuals will react slightly different to each drug and an experienced injector professional will understand which one to recommended and why. Individuals who receive injections by someone inexperienced run the added risk of bruising, over medicating and ultimately, obtaining an undesirable result.
Relaxer Or Filler?
Injectable fillers such as Perlane, Restylane and Juvederm help decrease wrinkles by adding volume under the skin. This helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles on the surface, as well as add a plumper effect to hollow areas. A skilled practitioner will be able to determine if a filler material or a product like BOTOX® Cosmetic would garner the best results. However, the latest rage today is the “liquid facelift”, which combines a blend of a filler and a relaxer, with other skin rejuvenation procedures, such as a chemical peel, to obtain beautiful results without having to undergo surgery.
Best Age?
Individuals who wish to soften and decrease facial lines and wrinkles may be candidates for a neurotoxin treatment. The most common age to receive these types of injections is between 30-55 (and older). Some young adults, as early as in their late 20’s, will choose to receive treatment as a preventative measure versus a rejuvenation effort.
Long Lasting?
Neurotoxins are not a permanent fix. Results will last between 3-4 months. It is very common for patients to return for their treatments every year, on schedule (with great excitement), so that they can continue to maintain their gorgeous
