NEUROTOXINS

Where Does Neurotoxin Come From?

Neurotoxins are produced by various plant and bacterial sources. In the case of botulinum toxin, e.g. Botox, it is derived from a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum.

What Does a Neurotoxin Do?

Neurotoxins in San Luis Obispo County are injected into desired areas to provide various effects. Some are injected directly into the muscle, which then acts on neuromuscular junctions to paralyze or weaken that area. In non-cosmetic medical contexts, this can include neurotoxin injection into muscles of the neck for relaxation of dystonia (excessive muscle contraction), or muscles around the lower head to relax the muscles that cause migraines. Other uses include small doses in the armpit for the treatment of hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Cosmetically, botulinum toxin is mostly used to weaken or paralyze the muscles of the face that cause static wrinkles.

What Are the Current Brands of NT?

OnabotulinumtoxinA was the first type of botulinum toxin to be released for therapeutic use in 1989. It was later rebranded to Botox Cosmetic and was FDA-approved for the treatment of facial wrinkles in 2002. Botox was the first brand of neurotoxin to be released and remains the most well-known. However, there have been several others that have entered the cosmetic arena and are slowly gaining favor.

  • Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) was first approved in 2010
  • Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) was approved in 2015
  • Jeuveau (prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs) was approved in 2019
  • Daxxify (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) was just approved in 2022

To learn which type of neurotoxin might be best for you, schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon and aesthetic specialists.

How Do Each of the NT Brands Differ?

All of the available neurotoxins on the market are different formulations and derivatives of botulinum toxin. While they have different chemical structures, they are all functionally very similar. Botox, Jeuveau, Xeomin, and Dysport all last 3-4 months. Daxxify is the newest NT on the market and is said to have effects lasting 6 months.

How Can NT Make Me Look Younger or Better?

There are two different types of wrinkles on the face: dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles are the lines on the face that can be seen with normal expression. Over time, normal movement and facial expressions will lead to static wrinkles, which are visible even when the face is at rest.

Neurotoxin in San Luis Obispo County is best used prior to developing static wrinkles, as it is easier to prevent them than it is to treat them. However, NT relaxes the muscles around the wrinkles, giving your skin a much-needed break from repetitive muscle activity, and can allow your skin care products to do their jobs more effectively. Skincare alone has a difficult task if not used in combination with neurotoxins.

What Areas Can Be Treated with NT?

The most common areas for cosmetic neurotoxins are:

  • Forehead to treat horizontal lines
  • Glabella (brow) to treat frown lines, or “11’s”
  • Lateral eye/orbicularis oculi to treat crow’s feet
  • Upper lip to perform a “lip flip” and give the illusion of a fuller top lip
  • Chin (mentalis) for treatment of chin irregularities
  • DAO muscles to improve the positioning of the corners of the mouth
  • Platysmal bands to treat vertical neck lines

Each treatment and procedure offered in our office is completely customized to the individual. Let our team develop a treatment plan that helps you meet your aesthetic goals.

How Much NT is Typically Used in an Area?

You can expect 15-30 units on average in each area. Some areas, like the top lip and chin, require much less. Other areas require more, especially if they already have deep static wrinkles.

What is Involved in Receiving a Treatment or Injection?

During your San Luis Obispo neurotoxin appointment, you can expect between 3-5 injections per area, but we use cold devices and incredibly small needles to help minimize discomfort. You may notice fluid wheels underneath the skin that take about 30 minutes to dissipate after injection.

We do have a few precautions to keep in mind for the day of your treatment:

  • No strenuous exercise after injection
  • Do not rub the treatment areas
  • Do not wear any tight hats or headbands
  • Do not lay down for about 4afterwarderwards
  • Do not apply any additional makeup after injection

Ideally, you would come to your appointment with a clean, makeup-free face. If that does not work for you, do not worry. We will remove the makeup in the injection area with a small alcohol wipe prior to treatment.

How Long Does It Take to See the NT Work?

Typically, you will start to notice mild effects 3-5 days after your injection, but it takes 2 weeks to see your final results. It is possible to have slight asymmetry as your neurotoxin kicks in. Do not panic! This usually goes away once you see the full effects at 2 weeks. If there are asymmetries after 2 weeks, go ahead and call your injector to get their opinion.

How Long Does NT Last?

Botox, Jeuveau, Dysport, and Xeomin all last about 3 months. The newest NT on the market, Daxxify, reports effects lasting 6 months. Daxxify is not yet widely available.

Are There Any Side Effects of NT?

Neurotoxins in San Luis Obispo County are generally well tolerated without significant reports of allergy or side effects.

Are There Any Risks of NT?

The primary risk when treated with NT is that the product shifts or moves to an undesired area. For example, when treating the brows, there is a small chance that the product could move and cause paralysis of the muscles of the eyelid, giving the patient a droopy lid until the product wears off (about 3 months). This is exceedingly rare, especially with proper injection technique and when the patient adheres to the provided precautions on the day of injection.

PLEASE TELL YOUR INJECTOR IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR NURSING. This is a contraindication to neurotoxin treatment.

Reach Out to Our Office for Neurotoxin Injections in San Luis Obispo County

If you are considering neurotoxin treatment in San Luis Obispo County, reach out to our team today. At Charles Chalekson, MD Inc., we welcome patients from across the country and throughout California, including Paso Robles & Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Santa Barbara, Templeton, and Santa Maria.

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