Injectable neuromodulators (neurotoxins) are used to soften fine lines and wrinkles formed from the movement of muscles in the face and neck areas. With age, facial actions, such as frowning, squinting, smiling, and raising the eyebrows, can all result in dynamic wrinkles forming.
Neuromodulators are purified proteins produced from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. When injected into the face, it relaxes the muscles that produce dynamic wrinkles.Â
Facial muscles are in constant motion throughout your life. Over time, skin loses its elasticity. This constant movement results in lines and wrinkles forming over the dynamic facial muscles.Â
Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Daxxify® are all FDA-approved products used in the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. They all have the same active ingredient called botulinum toxin type A.Â
However, each product has minor differences in its
When the product is injected, it weakens the pull of the affected muscles on the skin. Once the muscle is relaxed, it gradually smooths out the appearance of the overlying skin. This process decreases the depth of existing wrinkles and can prevent future wrinkles from forming.
Neuromodulators can help:
Check our tips for pre and post-injection care here.
Originally only known for its medical applications for muscle spasms, Botox® is a product developed by the company Allergan Aesthetics (AbbVie). Today, it is the world’s most recognized wrinkle-reducing injectable.
Botox® works well for frown lines, lip lines, crow’s feet, and other fine wrinkles. Botox® injections for forehead lines are among the most commonly requested treatments. However, Botox® also has uses beyond its anti-aging benefits. It is a unique injectable that can also treat certain medical conditions.
Although each patient is different, Botox® treatments tend to be very effective. For patients who want to look younger without committing to surgery, Botox® is a quick, simple, and relatively painless way to rewind the clock, allowing you to present a fresh face to the world.
Botox® is approved to minimize the effects of aging in men and women ages 18 years and older. There are very few restrictions regarding Botox® treatments. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain neurological diseases should not be treated with Botox®.
Additionally, patients who are allergic to the ingredients in Botox® or have a skin infection at the injection site should avoid the procedure.
It takes approximately 3 to 7 days for the effects of Botox® to start becoming apparent, with the full effects visible after two weeks. At this time, a follow-up evaluation will be scheduled and additional units of Botox® may be injected to enhance the effect.
Patients can expect their Botox® treatment to last about 3- 4 months. However, some patients who regularly receive the treatment require fewer Botox® units during subsequent visits, and others enjoy longer intervals between sessions. For anyone seeking longer-lasting results, Daxxify® is a great alternative.
In 2004, Botox® was approved by the FDA to treat severe underarm sweating in adults. According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, Botox® treatments result in an 85% reduction in sweating. Patients may start to notice results in 2 to 4 days, with full results in about 2 weeks.
Botox® treatments for hyperhidrosis are typically effective for 4 to 12 months, although some treatments last as long as 14 months. Botox® hyperhidrosis treatments can be repeated as soon as the effects begin to wear off.
Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription medication injected into muscles and used to temporarily reduce the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults.Â
The active ingredient in Xeomin® acts on nerve endings in your muscles to prevent muscle fibers from contracting and reducing the lines between your eyebrows.
Xeomin® is different on a molecular level from Botox® and Dysport®. Even though the active agent for all of them is identical, they all contain unique carrier proteins that diffuse through the tissue differently.Â
In fact, Xeomin® is unique because it does not contain any protein additives when packaged. This gives Xeomin® the advantage of being a viable alternative for people who may have stopped responding to Botox® treatments.
After Xeomin® treatment, you can expect results within 3 to 4 days. It can take up to 2 weeks or more to see the final results of the treatment.Â
If you have an upcoming event and are looking for quicker results, it is best to talk to our experts to find out if Xeomin® is suitable for you.
The effect of Xeomin® treatment can last anywhere from 3 to 4 months.
DAXXIFY® is an FDA-approved injectable medication prescribed to help smooth moderate to severe lines between the brows. It is a long-lasting treatment that uses peptide bonds to work on frown line treatment. Results can last an average of 6 months and up to 9 months for some.
The active ingredient in DAXXIFY® is the purified botulinum toxin type A protein.
All injectable modulators use a special ingredient to stabilize the botulinum toxin A protein. This can include stabilizers such as human serum albumin (HSA) and cow’s milk protein.
DAXXIFY® is unique because it uses a stabilizer that does not contain human or animal byproducts. Instead, the DAXXIFY® formulation uses a novel peptide as a stabilizer.
Results are quick with DAXXIFY®. You may see results the day after treatment, and typically within two days.
DAXXIFY® is usually injected into the forehead and around the eyes to treat deep frown lines. Additionally, DAXXIFY® may be injected in the face and neck areas, just as BOTOX®.
The most striking difference between DAXXIFY® and other neuromodulators like BOTOX® is that DAXXIFY® provides longer-lasting results that can be seen up to 6 months after treatment.
During your consultation, you will be asked about:
Please let the doctor know if you are currently pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You should also let your clinician know if you have had any other botulinum toxin treatments in the last 4 months.
After a thorough review of your medical history, the doctor will determine which type of injectable neuromodulator is right for you and discuss your treatment goals.
Dr. Timothy Greco is Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon, skilled at all types of facial treatments and procedures that help counter the effects of aging and reduce facial scarring. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (ABOto).Â
Dr. Greco focuses solely on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck at his in-office, state-certified aesthetic surgical center. If you're looking for a younger, fresher appearance customized to treat your concerns, Dr. Greco can help!
Get in touch today to schedule a consultation with Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon. For appointments, call (610) 664-8830 or check the doctor’s schedule online.Â
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