Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin)

woman touching her face

As we age it is inevitable for our faces to develop wrinkles. Multiple factors contribute to wrinkles including cellular changes, reduction in collagen, damage from the sun and environment. There are primarily two types of wrinkles both caused by the muscle movement beneath the skin, Dynamic wrinkles and Static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are those that occur only with facial expression and are otherwise not present. Static wrinkles on the other hand are present at rest and may worsen with different facial expressions.

Repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, or raising eyebrows causes wrinkles to progress from occurring during expression only to occurring at rest and eventually to the formation of deep grooves in the skin.

Neurotoxins work by partially paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkling of the skin. The regular use of neurotoxins can delay the formation of facial line development and slow their progression over time. Most neurotoxin effects lasts between 3 to 4 months depending on the amount injected and your bodies individual response. The most common areas treated are the forehead, glabella and crow’s feet, but multiple other areas can be treated including wrinkles on the nose, bands of the neck as well as muscles used during chewing for those patients with chronic pain.

Neurotoxins used at Carolina Surgical Arts:

  • Botox (onabotulinum toxin A)
  • Dysport (abobotulinum toxin A)
  • Xeomin (Botulinum Toxin A)

Goals:

  • Relax the muscles of facial expression contributing to wrinkles during animation
  • Provide an even effect on the muscles resulting in a smooth and relaxed surface

Recovery:

There is no downtime associated with the injection of any neurotoxin. However you may experience redness, swelling and sensitivity at the injection site temporarily. It is recommended to avoid Aspirin or other blood thinners at least 1 week before and after injection to minimize the risk of bleeding. It is also recommended to avoid exercising or other activities with excessive sweating to avoid any of the toxin being lost as you sweat.