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Many factors contribute to facial lines and wrinkles such as aging, bone loss, sun exposure, smoking and even years of muscle movement. The good news is those lines caused by muscle movement can be improved with neurotoxins such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin. These products relax the muscles that lead to lines and wrinkles. Over time, if not corrected, scars will form, therefore, it is beneficial to start using neurotoxins before wrinkles become permanent at rest. Some clients are afraid of using a product that has toxin in its name. This is a common comment. Neurotoxins do not contain the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that causes botulism. Neurotoxins are injected very superficially into the skin, therefore, do not penetrate the bloodstream sufficiently to cause the symptoms associated with botulism. The amount required to cause symptoms of botulism exceeds approximately 100 times the amount injected into the skin during cosmetic treatments. There are many reasons why people should not be afraid of this wonderful low risk treatment.
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are administered through tiny injections targeting specific muscle areas of the face to minimize the muscle contraction causing lines and wrinkles resulting in a younger more vibrant appearance. Neurotoxins are most commonly used to treat frown lines between the eyes, crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, lip lines, gummy smile, bunny lines, under eye lines, enhance lips and marionette lines. There is little to no downtime and no to mild discomfort. Most common skin reactions are mild redness at the injection site for less than an hour and possible bruising, which is uncommon. With a variety of neurotoxins available, one may wonder how to determine which to use. Choosing a qualified provider is important to help you decide which neurotoxin to choose. The first step is to consult with an experienced provider who can work with you to determine the best choice for you.
Botox Cosmetic ®
Botox was the first neurotoxin to be used in cosmetics. Botox is well-known to reduce lines and wrinkles in the face by blocking muscle movement. Derived from the Botulinum toxin type A, Botox is commonly used to smooth and prevent fine lines and wrinkles with results lasting three to six months. Clients will start to notice effects in 24 to 72 hours and full results in two weeks.
Dysport®
Dysport is a Botulinum toxin Type A that is similar to Botox. Dysport differs from Botox in that it is reported to work quicker and provide longer-lasting results. Dysport usually starts to work in 24 to 48 hours and full effects at one to two weeks usually lasting four to six months.
Xeomin®
Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) is an additive free type of botulinum toxin type A. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Xeomin in July 2011 for cosmetics. Xeomin starts to work in 24 to 72 hours with full effects at 2 weeks usually lasting three to four months.
In addition to cosmetic neurotoxins, our practice also uses neurotoxins to treat severe sweating, teeth grinding/clenching and TMJ. Call our office to book an appointment with one of our highly trained and experienced injectors for treatment or consult in Tampa (813) 902-9559 or St. Petersburg (727) 278-3992.