Botox

About Neuromodulators Like Botox

Injectable anti-aging treatments such as BOTOX® are neuromodulators that work by blocking the nerve impulses within the facial muscles, relaxing them to create a more youthful appearance. Muscle activity around the eyes and forehead causes the development of wrinkles like crow’s feet, laugh lines and frown lines, and repeated muscle movements throughout the years etch these lines deeply beneath the skin. As the skin becomes thinner and drier with age, it’s less able to hide these expression lines and they become more noticeable with every grimace, laugh or smile.

By treating the muscles that cause expression lines and wrinkles to appear in the first place, neuromodulators create smoother, younger-looking skin after just one quick treatment. Decades of use by millions of patients around the world and proven results have made injectables like BOTOX® the top choice for wrinkle reduction, and multiple clinical trials have shown that these agents are safe and reliable for long-term use. To maintain a youthful appearance, injections can be repeated as needed and may even become more effective over time.

BOTOX® vs. Other Neuromodulators

While BOTOX® has become practically synonymous with anti-wrinkle injections, several other brands offer the same treatment benefits. Three other neuromodulator brands on the market that are available at Broward ENT & Aesthetics are Dysport®, Xeomin® and Jeuveau®.

If you are new to neuromodulators, you’re probably curious to know how BOTOX® compares to these newer options:

BOTOX® vs. Dysport®

Dysport® contains a different version of botulinum toxin called abobotulinumtoxinA. It also does not contain complexing proteins, which are added to BOTOX® to improve stability and absorption. This makes it safe to use for people with known allergies to BOTOX® and milk proteins. While only approved for the treatment of frown lines, many clients have noted faster results with Dysport®.

BOTOX® vs. Xeomin®

Xeomin® contains incobotulinumtoxinA, which is also a botulinum toxin preparation free of complexing proteins. This makes it safer to use for those with allergies. Other than that, the two products offer the same results and last equally long. However, Xeomin® has been FDA-approved only for the treatment of frown lines.

BOTOX® vs. Jeuveau®

Jeuveau®, also called Newtox, is a new version of the same botulinum toxin type A used in BOTOX®. Because it is a novel product on the market, it is currently approved only for frown lines, while BOTOX® is approved for many other wrinkles. The formulations are quite similar, but Jeuveau® comes with a lower price tag.

Knowing If BOTOX® Is Right for You

Your treatment needs to be performed with skill and artistry to create beautiful, natural-looking results that last, so a comprehensive consultation before your scheduled appointment is essential to ensure an optimal outcome. Although the differences between BOTOX® are subtle, you may find that you prefer one brand over another for achieving your desired results.

During your initial consultation, we will discuss your aesthetic goals, review your medical history and discuss the benefits and risks of your procedure to help plan the treatment that’s right for you. We will also explain the different product choices available to help you choose the best formula for your needs and examine before-and-after photos so you can make an informed decision. Your comfort, safety and satisfaction are our top priorities, so we will also answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure so that you feel confident moving forward.

The Procedure

The procedure for anti-aging injections is quick, simple, and relatively painless. Depending on your areas of concern and the number of injections you receive, treatments typically take less than 15 minutes to complete with no anesthesia or sedation. Each injection lasts just a few seconds and is strategically placed in areas around the eyes, forehead and mouth to maximize your results and limit any discomfort. You may feel a slight pinch with each injection, but the needle used is very small and most patients tolerate the treatment well, even in sensitive areas. After your treatment, you’ll be able to return home and resume all normal activities with no downtime or recovery.

By targeting expressive areas of the face, BOTOX® injections can effectively reduce the appearance of frown lines, laugh lines, and crow’s feet as well as many other cosmetic concerns. Dr. DuMornay and his expert clinicians will determine the approach that works for you best depending on your aesthetic goals.

The Results

BOTOX® treatments take some time to settle before taking effect, but you should notice a visible improvement not long after your procedure. Maximum results will be visible after about two weeks and last for approximately three months. After three to four months, you’ll feel a gradual return of muscle movement in treated areas, but your results can be prolonged with maintenance or follow-up treatments.

With subsequent treatments, some patients experience even longer-lasting results as the botulinum toxin works to “train” the facial muscles, causing them to relax more easily over time. Therefore, you may need fewer injections at less frequent intervals to achieve your desired results with repeat treatments.

BOTOX® is highly effective at treating dynamic, expressive lines that appear with facial movements. If you also have static wrinkles that are visible when your face is at rest, botulinum toxin injections can be performed alongside other anti-aging procedures such as dermal fillers for more dramatic rejuvenation of the face. Depending on your needs, Dr. DuMornay can recommend a comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve smoother, more youthful skin free of line and wrinkles.

The Recovery

After your BOTOX® treatment, you may experience some mild swelling and bruising at the injection sites. This is completely normal and doesn’t generally require any downtime or recovery. Depending on the areas treated, you may have to limit exercise immediately after your appointment and avoid lying down for at least four hours. It is also important not to massage or rub the treated areas to reduce the risk of infection and prevent the solution from spreading to the surrounding muscles. If that happens, you could experience temporary side effects such as droopy eyelids. Complications are rare, but if you have any questions or concerns after your treatment, don’t hesitate to contact our office right away.

BOTOX® FAQ

Does BOTOX® hurt?

Discomfort is minimal during BOTOX® injections. Despite involving needles, a BOTOX® treatment is a virtually painless experience for most patients. We usually apply a topical numbing agent before the treatment to minimize discomfort. But even without any topical numbing, all you would feel is a quick pinch rather than pain. That’s partly because the needles used for BOTOX® are the same size as those used for insulin injections, i.e. super thin.

How many BOTOX® injections will I need?

The number of injections you will need depends on several factors, including how many wrinkles you have, their severity and the type of wrinkle being treated. Forehead wrinkles and frown lines both require about 20 units of BOTOX®, while crow’s feet require about 25. Four units of botox are approximately one injection.

How long does a BOTOX® treatment take?

The actual BOTOX® treatment can take as little as 10 minutes, which is why it’s often called a lunchtime procedure. However, you might want to factor in the extra time needed for preparation and for the numbing cream to take effect.

How long will my BOTOX® results last?

Most clients enjoy their BOTOX® results for three to six months or about four months on average. With regular maintenance treatments, you can enjoy your results indefinitely. Not only that, but getting BOTOX® regularly can mean you’ll need fewer maintenance treatments yearly as your muscles adapt and naturally become more relaxed.

Does BOTOX® require downtime?

BOTOX® does not require any real downtime, but you may want to avoid certain activities. We recommend avoiding vigorous exercise, saunas, hot weather and anything that might increase blood flow to your face for the first 24 hours. This will prevent the BOTOX® from dispersing and migrating to adjacent muscles, which can affect your results.

Can I get fillers with BOTOX®?

Yes! You can safely get both filler and BOTOX® in one treatment session, with no downtime required. If you want to address multiple cosmetic concerns or want to rejuvenate the entire face, a combination of BOTOX® with filler is an ideal choice.

Are there any side effects to BOTOX®?

Side effects with BOTOX® are rare. When they do happen, they’re usually limited to the treatment site and can include mild bruising, redness and swelling. These side effects should subside within a week. Some patients develop a strong allergic reaction to ingredients in BOTOX® but this is fortunately rare.

Will my face look overdone with BOTOX®?

When performed by a skilled injector, your BOTOX® results should be noticeable yet natural. It takes deep knowledge of facial muscle anatomy and skill to know how and where to inject BOTOX® correctly to create a smoothed-out appearance but without the frozen face effect.

Is BOTOX® just for women?

BOTOX® is intended for anyone over the age of 18, be they male or female. However, since men usually have thicker muscles, they may require a higher dose of botulinum toxin to achieve their desired results.