Neurotoxins: Botox, Dysport

Wrinkle treatment with neurotoxins is one of the most popular anti-aging cosmetic treatments for reducing and eliminating expression facial lines. Botox is the catchall name people tend to use for botulinum toxin type A injectables that are made from a toxin that comes from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria.  While Botox is the most recognized, there are others: Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau.

How they work: 

Botox and other botulinum toxins block signals from the nerve to the targeted muscle, which prevents the muscle from contracting and wrinkling the skin, essentially paralyzing the muscle. The result is increased pliability and elastic recoil, which are the biomechanical changes that mimic those of smooth, youthful skin. 

Indications for neurotoxins:

• Forehead lines
• Lines between eye brows
• Crows Feet (Lines around eyes)
• Bunny lines (wrinkles on your nose)
• Fine lip lines
• Brow Lift
• Facial Slimming
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome
• Chin dimpling
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  ​Botox - OnabotulinumtoxinA​. This is FDA-approved to temporarily treat moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s-feet, and forehead lines. Any line or wrinkle formed by repetitive facial motions that is targeted will be smoothed out. Results may appear in 24 to 48 hours, however you can expect the full effect to occur in up to 14 days. 
  
  Dysport - AbobotulinumtoxinA. This is an injectable to smooth the frown lines between the eyebrows. Dysport may also travel through tissues at a slightly greater radius which can be an advantage in an area such as crow's-feet where the treatment area is broader. Results can be seen within two to three days but can similarly take up to two weeks. Dysport lasts four months, allowing patients to visit the office three times per year.
  
  The active agent for all four is identical, yet they each contain unique carrier proteins that diffuse through the tissue slightly differently. The treatments are fast and easy, and take only minutes to perform. To maintain results, it is necessary to return for regular treatments, typically about every 3 months.
  
  When you should start thinking about it: 
  
  Each person's face ages differently and develops fine lines at different times depending on a number of factors including genetics, sun exposure, gender, skin color, weight changes, stress, and lifestyle. If you see that a crease from a facial expression doesn’t go away when your face is at rest, you’re at a point where wrinkles have formed. It is at this point you may consider a neurotoxin. Some may see the wrinkle signals in their 20s and some may see them in their 30s depending on their skin. As soon as you notice the faintest lines while your face is at rest, you should consider treatment. 
  
  What to expect:
  
  Treatment
  Injections only take minutes to apply and does not require anesthesia. The procedure is done by injecting a fine needle into specific muscles, with only minor discomfort. It generally takes two to fourteen days to take full effect. ​
  
  Results
  The effects of Botox/Dysport last between 3-6 months depending on the area. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and need to be treated again. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.
  
  Downtime 
  ​​None. People can return to their usual activities after the procedure. 
  
  Side Effects 
  Temporary bruising is the most common side effect of the treatment. Other possible, but less common side effects include headaches, pain, burning or itching and swelling in the localized area, which usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours. 
  
  Contraindications 
  People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease such as Myasthenia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) should not be injected.