BENEFITS OF NEUROTOXIN

Why do wrinkles form?

The aging process (collagen breakdown, hormonal losses, cellular changes, etc), sun damage, smoking and repetitive muscle movements are factors that contribute to the development of wrinkles and facial lines.

When we use our facial muscles, the overlying skin creases over time as we age. Our skin’s ability to protect itself from damage is reduced and these lines become more pronounced causing wrinkles.

What is Botox®?

BOTOX® is the brand name of a drug that contains amounts of a highly purified botulinum toxin protein produced by the bacterium, “clostridium botulinum”. BOTOX® is used cosmetically to remove wrinkles and facial creases. BOTOX® is also medically used to treat certain muscular conditions by temporarily blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles.

What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine and one of the most extensively studied medical aesthetic treatments to temporarily improve the appearance of:

How does BOTOX® work?

The effect of BOTOX® treatment results in a reduction in abnormal muscle contraction allowing the muscles to become less stiff. As a result, when BOTOX® is injected into a specific muscle, wrinkles associated with it are removed by temporarily paralyzing the muscle, reducing its activity and relaxing the facial muscle. However BOTOX® Cosmetic is a technique-sensitive treatment. When you are treated by someone who is licensed and trained, you should retain the ability to show expression after treatment.

Note: Individual results may vary.

How is the BOTOX® procedure performed?

A small, thin needle is used to inject BOTOX® directly into neuromuscular tissue. The procedure causes only minor, temporary discomfort. It takes up to 72 hours to take effect and make a noticeable difference. It may take as long as five days to a week for full results to appear.

What are common side effects of BOTOX® treatment?

The most common unwanted effects are swelling, bruising and local edema at the injection site, which will usually resolve within 48 hours.

Other side effects can include:

• Discomfort and mild pain at the injection site
• Headache
• Eye problems: sensitive vision or blurred vision
• Influenza-like symptoms

Note: These are not all the possible serious side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic.

How long does a BOTOX® injection last?

The effects from BOTOX® will last three to four months on average and wears off slowly. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and dynamic wrinkles began to be visible again. Keeping up with injections on a regular basis, before facial lines and wrinkles reappear will make the results last longer and train the treated muscles to contract less often.

Types of Neurotoxin

Botox, Jeuveau, Xeomin and Dysport

JEUVEAU

Jeuveau® is a Neurotoxin that is injected into muscles and used in adults for a short period of time (temporary) to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) and other areas like forehead and crow’s feet.

XEOMIN

Xeomin was FDA-approved in 2010 to not only treat glabellar lines, or fine lines, but also a number of other conditions. As a cosmetic treatment, Xeomin can help temporarily get rid of frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet around the eyes.

DYSPORT

Dysport treats moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows by reducing specific muscle activity. Dysport is more diluted than Botox, which means you’ll receive more dosage units if you use Dysport. Dysport also reacts differently once injected, spreading to a wider area, while Botox stays near its injection area. You can see the result of Dysport faster than Botox, almost in one week.

Post-Care Instructions

Visible bumps may be seen at the injection sites. These are normal and may last up to a few hours.

BOTOX® will start to work in 2-7 days and peak in about 2 weeks. Please note, if additional product is needed, it will not be injected until 14 days after your initial injection.

• Do not lie down for 4 hours post injection.
• Do not massage the treatment area.
• Do not do strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours following your injection.
• Do not get a massage, microdermabrasion or any other activities that may elevate your core body temperature.
• If forehead was treated, do not wear hat or headband for 48 hours.
• You may cleanse your face normally that evening but please do not massage the injected area. If you routinely use a Clarisonic brush, do not use tonight. Also, do not use any abrasive exfoliants or scrubs.
• Bruising may be seen. This happens in a small percentage of treatments but will not affect your treatment results. There also may be some discomfort associated with it. Bruising should resolve within one week. The use of Arnica Montana (available at health food stores) may help with bruising, It is available both topically (as a gel) or orally.
• Cosmetics, moisturizers, lotions may be used the next day, but do not apply extreme pressure or do anything that may cause discomfort.
• Exercising the muscles in the treated area may help the product get into the muscle faster, but has no effect on the overall efficacy of the treatment. (You can “make faces” up to 10 times per hour for the first few hours after treatment).
• Headaches may be a possible side effect. Ibuprofen (Advil, Mortin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used as needed.
• Sensitive or blurry vision is possible for 2-3 days post-treatment. Wear sunglasses and moisturize eyes with moisturizing eye drops.
• Flu-like symptoms are rare, but may last 2-3 days. Fluids, rest and Tylenol/Motrin may be used.

Courtesy of the National Laser Institute

What is the price of Neurotoxin Cosmetic services?

The price is determined by the number of units that each client needs. As every patient requires a different number of units based on the strength of the muscle and his/her age, the price will vary.

Shahnaz offers a complimentary consultation to new patients where their cosmetic needs can be evaluated.