Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, Daxxify

Do the lines on your face bother you? Control your look with a customized treatment plan. The vertical lines between your eyebrows can make you appear to be making an unintended expression. “I look angry, when I’m not” is a common statement among patients. We will discuss all your options and devise a treatment plan that suits you. Our goal is to help you achieve natural looking results. We are not trying to make a 60-year-old look 20 again. Our goal is to make everyone beautiful at every age. No one should be able to tell you’ve had anything done. We aspire for our patients to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin with and without makeup.

Neurotoxin aka Wrinkle Relaxers

The injection of neurotoxins is the most frequently performed cosmetic procedure in the U.S. Neurotoxins are well tolerated with predictable results and result in very few side effects. Botox®, Dysport®, Daxxify®, Jeuveau®, and Xeomin® are FDA-approved injectable solutions that act to relax muscles and reduce wrinkles. Botulinum toxin formulations approved in the U.S. include Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, Daxxify®, and Jeuveau®.

How Does Botulinum Toxin Work?

Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator. Neuromodulators work by disrupting signals between nerves and muscles so that the muscles are not able to “flex” or contract. By gently and temporarily relaxing the muscles in certain areas, it can soften the appearance of wrinkles, and reduce the signs of aging. This causes less muscle movement and prevents creases and wrinkles from becoming etched into the skin. Although toxin is best for wrinkles that are formed when animating (moving) the face, it can be used to soften deeper lines that are present at rest. Multiple treatments can improve these wrinkles over time, but lines may not completely disappear.

Botox® aka Botulinum toxin is used to temporarily weaken or paralyze various muscles of the face. By relaxing the muscles that produce dynamic movement it prevents wrinkle formation due to facial expressions. Dynamic wrinkles are those wrinkles caused by the activity of the facial muscles. As we animate our faces, our muscles contract or “flex” to form forehead creases from raising our eyebrows; smile, frown/scowl, and squint lines.

Facial wrinkles occur either due to the action of facial muscles on the skin or from a combination of other factors (sun exposure, genetics, aging, smoking, etc.). With treatment, as various facial muscles are weakened or paralyzed, the overlying skin relaxes. As a result, this decreases the depth of existing wrinkles or prevents future wrinkles from forming.

What is the difference Between all the types of Neurotoxins?

Botox®, Dysport®, Daxxify®, Jeuveau ®, and Xeomin® are the only muscle relaxants approved by the FDA for cosmetic use. The mechanism of action or how they work is the same, and the effects of each last equally as long regardless of the formulation. All are well-tolerated in the office, with few to no side effects experienced by most patients. All have the same active ingredient, Botulinum Type A, but the major difference is in the level of concentration in each product.

What are the Applications of Neurotoxins?

Neurotoxins are most widely known as a treatment to reduce the signs of dynamic wrinkles and fine lines – primarily frown lines, crow’s feet and/or forehead lines. Neurotoxins can also be used to for facial contouring. This includes, but is not limited to, lifting the eyebrows, sliming a full face, lifting the corners of the mouth, lifting the tip of the nose, creating a fuller lip without using filler aka the “lip flip”, and shrinking pores. In addition, neurotoxins are also used to treat vertical lip lines, gummy smiles, horizontal neck bands, and excessive sweating.

Why Do Wrinkles Form?

Wrinkles develop as a result of repetitive muscle contractions such as frowning and squinting. These wrinkles can create the appearance of someone who is angry and tired. Prominent forehead creases, brow furrows, glabellar lines (the 11’s) and crow’s feet are all the result of repetitive and natural muscle contractions.

What is “Baby Botox”?

People are starting in their 20’s to receive neurotoxin treatments as a preventative method to block wrinkles/creases from ever getting etched in their skin. Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Jenna Queller, delivers what is called “baby botox” for those who are just starting or are seeking to “pre-juvenate”.

How Long Does it take to see results?

Botox®, Dysport®, and Jeuveau ® each contain protective proteins and take 7-10 day after injection to see effects. Xeomin® is a different formulation without these proteins and takes 5-6 days to see effects. Daxxify® uses a small peptide as a stabilizer and does not contain human or animal byproducts. Daxxify® has been formulated with a proprietary stabilizing excipient called RTP004, instead of serum albumin, this peptide binds to facial nerves more tightly and helps muscles absorb more of the active ingredient. Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Jenna Queller will decide which product is the best choice for you based on your needs and goals. The most common side effects are slight redness at the injection sites and mild bruising which is temporary and quickly resolves.

How Long Do Results Last?

All produce effects that last 2-3 months before gradually wearing off. However, effects can last as long as 4-5 months depending on the area treated, the dose and formulation. The duration of effect is also individualized based on how quickly the patient metabolizes the drug.

How Frequently Should I Get Neurotoxins?

Studies suggest that keeping up with injections before the effects wears off can reduce the dose needed to achieve the same results. Importantly, maintenance injections can train the affected muscles to contract less frequently which reduces the cumulative impact of facial expressions in causing dynamic wrinkles.

Will I lose my ability to make facial expressions?

Dr. Jenna Queller never wants you to look “unnatural.” She injects just enough to relax the targeted muscles without affecting other muscles, allowing patients to maintain their natural facial expressions.

Is it Painful?

Some patients report feeling nothing at all and others report minimal discomfort. Our goal is to maximize your comfort during treatment sessions. Because we use very fine needles, most patients experience minimal discomfort. Topical numbing cream and ice packs are available if needed. Temporary bruising and swelling are possible, but other side effects are rare. Before treatment, Dr. Queller will thoroughly discuss the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

A full list of neurotoxin applications

Neurotoxin injections can treat:

• Vertical frown lines called the 11’s between the eyebrows
• Bunny lines or wrinkles on the nose caused by squinting and smiling
• Crow’s feet (around the eyes)
• Horizontal forehead lines
• Upper lip lines
• Horizontal neck bands
• Scar management
• Chin dimpling
• Drooping eyebrows
• Lifting down-turning mouth corners
• Facial slimming with injection into the masseter muscles to reduce the appearance of a full lower face and for facial contouring.
• Lip flip for more fullness
• Nasal tip lift
• Shrinking pores

Cosmetic Dermatologist Dr. Jenna Queller is a skillful injector who can create the most aesthetically pleasing, natural looking results with the use of neurotoxins. If you are interested in learning more, contact Dr. Queller to schedule a consultation.