Neurotoxins

Neurotoxins, also referred to as neuromodulators or wrinkle relaxers, are designed for dynamic wrinkles–the types that form due to facial movements such as frowning, squinting, smiling, and other facial expressions we make everyday. These injectables all work the same way.
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They are injected into the tensed facial muscles underlying the affected areas so the skin on top becomes smoother. By blocking nerve impulses, these wrinkle smoothing botulinum toxin type A injections relax certain muscles, soften your expressions, and minimize dynamic wrinkles. When there is a lack of muscle contraction, wrinkles can’t form. Neurotoxins can improve your appearance and provide a younger-looking, revitalized appearance. They target specific muscle movements. Patients can expect smoother looking skin until the effect eventually wears off.

There are several types of neurotoxins, including Botox^® and Dysport^®, that each help to improve the appearance of unwanted wrinkles on the face and forehead. They contain the same active ingredient (botulinum toxin type A – a purified substance derived from bacteria) and are approved to treat the same types of aesthetic concerns. They last for a similar amount of time, the procedure is similar for each of them, and they provide similar results but there are some minor differences between them. They have different formulations and potencies. The results from each of these neurotoxins provide are also subtly different. One might be a better fit for some people than the other.

Botox® is the original neuromodulator and has an extensive track record. It has been approved to treat all three of the major treatment areas-frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. This neurotoxin has an onset of three to five days on average. It is a more potent injectable that can treat specific areas more accurately than Dysport^®.

Unlike Botox^®, Dysport^® is only approved for moderate to severe vertical glabellar lines on the area between the eyebrows on the forehead. Due to its molecular weight, this neurotoxin is slightly less potent than Botox®. It has a higher rate of diffusion so it spreads more easily than other neuromodulators and works better for treating larger surface areas such as foreheads, although a larger amount of the product may be needed to achieve optimal results.
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The effects of Dysport^® also show up sooner, appearing within twenty- four hours on average. Its faster onset means it is ideal for last-minute treatments. This injectable is not suitable for patients with an allergy to lactose or cow’s milk protein.
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For either of these neurotoxins, touch-ups are recommended every three to four months to preserve the best results.

Neurotoxins are just one among many types of treatment options to rejuvenate your appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm^® and Restylane^® can add fullness or volume to targeted areas to reduce wrinkles or improve the definition of facial contours. Skin rejuvenation procedures are another option for enhancing the appearance of your skin. Chemical peels, RF microneedling, and microdermabrasion not only improve wrinkles but also address other common skin conditions such as uneven skin tone, uneven skin texture, dryness, and dull or blotchy skin.