Neurotoxins (Botox & Xeomin)

There’s nothing that injectable neurotoxins can’t do. From smoothing out the look of fine lines and wrinkles to lifting the eyebrows and even limiting sweating, the options for using neurotoxins like Botox and Xeomin are endless.

When injecting neurotoxins into specific parts of the face, these miracle workers relax active facial muscles to prevent the muscles from contracting to help keep the skin’s surface smooth and line free.

Botox is the most recognizable and widely used of all neurotoxins. However, other types of FDA-approved neurotoxins, such as Xeomin, are available, offer similar effects, and work using similar mechanisms of action.

Regardless, neurotoxins are the go-to treatment for reducing wrinkles and achieving smoother, firmer skin and other aesthetic purposes. In addition, neurotoxins are a popular, easy, and affordable way to correct and diminish some common signs of aging, including a saggy browline. And thanks to the accessibility and affordability of neurotoxins, these wrinkle-smoothing and line-erasing treatments are now commonly used by women and men of all ages, races, and socioeconomic classes.

Botox and Xeomin are popular choices for those who wish to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. These treatments can also aid in preventative and rejuvenation techniques, changing how both men and women age.

Why Wrinkles Form

Wrinkles are an unfortunate part of aging. While some people don’t mind their wrinkles and feel like they’ve been ‘earned,’ others prefer to be wrinkle-free.

Even if you’re starting to see the first signs of fine lines and wrinkles appearing, several highly effective treatments are available to temporarily ‘erase’ them from the skin’s surface so that it is smoother and more youthful. Neurotoxins, like Botox and Xeomin, have long been the go-to for minimizing wrinkles and lines quickly (the results take a few days to surface). And in addition to smoothing the skin and lessening the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, there are plenty of other benefits that neurotoxins offer.

Not all wrinkles are the same. Some are present at rest (meaning they are always there), while others are only visible when making facial expressions such as laughing or smiling. The main reason for wrinkle formation is repetitive muscle movements—squinting, frowning, laughing, and smiling—which cause dynamic wrinkles to become etched into the skin. The more expressive you are, the more likely this type of wrinkle will form. Beyond just repeated movements, motions, and expressions, wrinkles can also result from collagen and elastin loss, thin skin, or a loss of hydration.

Hands down, Botox is the most popular cosmetic treatment. It is FDA-approved to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and is the most effective treatment for smoothing the skin. Here’s everything to know about the skin-smoothing and wrinkle-reducing injectable. Some people choose routine Botox or Xeomin injections to get ahead of wrinkles and stop them dead in their tracks. Limiting the movement of specific muscles softens lines and wrinkles preemptively, known as pre-juvenation. Nearly every skin type, tone, and age can benefit from a wrinkle-reducing treatment such as neurotoxins.

What are Neurotoxin Injections?

Popular neurotoxin injections include Botox, Xeomin (it is considered the ‘cleanest’ neurotoxin because it contains fewer proteins than others), Dysport, Jueveau, and the recently FDA-approved Daxiffy.

The family of neurotoxins all have an active ingredient derived from botulinum toxin type A from an anaerobic bacterium known as clostridium botulinum, which works to temporarily block nerve receptors on the muscle leading to a more limited range of facial movement. When these muscles cannot contract fully, the skin appears smoother, and lines and wrinkles disappear.

Botox, an FDA-approved injectable treatment that temporarily improves the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, belongs to a class of injectables known as neurotoxins or neuromodulators. Xeomin also falls under this category. No matter the brand name, all neurotoxins limit muscle contractions to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

Although injectors and patients have been using Botox and other neurotoxins for years, it wasn’t until 2002 that Botox received its first FDA approval for cosmetic use. Then, other neurotoxins followed suit. Still, neurotoxins remain one of the most incredible and widely used advancements in medical aesthetics, specifically for wrinkle reduction. The treatment helps reverse the common signs of aging, like wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, eyebrows, forehead, and neck. In addition, off-label uses for Botox and Xeomin are continually being discovered.

Besides its cosmetic applications, Botox also holds medical indications, such as improving excessive sweating and alleviating migraines and pain related to TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). Regardless of what a neurotoxin is used to treat, the results are not immediately noticeable and typically surface in three to seven days. The wrinkle-reducing effects last three to four months.

Of all the neurotoxins available, Botox is the most popular injectable treatment. It is often considered an entry-level aesthetic treatment since it provides dramatic results without recovery and minimal risk.

Younger patients appreciate the skin-smoothing benefits of neurotoxins and usually continue with the treatment throughout life because the results are just that good.

Botox is effective in smoothing out:

Crow's feet
Frown lines
Forehead wrinkles
Lip lines
Smile lines
Nasal folds
Wrinkles between the brows
Bunny lines on the nose

Furthermore, there are many treatment areas for using neurotoxins. While some are FDA-approved, most are off-label uses (safe and frequently injected areas that do not hold an FDA indication for use). Common regions treated with Botox or Xeomin are:

The frown lines between the eyebrows
The crow's feet
Lines on the forehead
Above the eyebrows to give a "brow lift"
To lift the corners of the mouth
In the neck to smooth bands
In the corners of the mouth and lip border, flipping up the upper lip
Bunny lines on the nose
The jawline to slim overactive and enlarged muscles
To lift the tip of a droopy nose
In the underarms to control overactive sweat glands
To smooth out a dimpled chin

How Do Neurotoxins Work?

All neurotoxins, including Botox and Xeomin, work to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of movement-related wrinkles and fine lines by limiting muscle contraction and, therefore, muscle movement.

Botox and the like are injected into the muscles and temporarily block nerve receptors on the muscle to stop muscle movement. This process, in turn, prevents lines and wrinkles from forming.

When a specific muscle is injected with Botox or Xeomin, the toxin sends a signal to the nerve that tells a muscle to contract. When the nerves communicate with the muscles, it tells them to move. The more these muscles contract and move, the more noticeable lines and wrinkles become on the skin. But when Botox or Xeomin is injected into those same muscles, the nerve can’t speak to the muscle nearly as well, so there’s a breakdown in the process of sending a signal to the muscle so that it contracts. As a result, when the muscles cannot contract, they stay relaxed and are unable to create lines and wrinkles in the skin.

All injectable neurotoxins, including Botox and Xeomin, work similarly and technically block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine.

This chemical is responsible for the muscles contracting when the nerves communicate for them to do so. The difference between different neurotoxins is their protein makeup.

However, once the neurotoxin wears off after a few months, the nerves start communicating with the muscles again, and movement reoccurs, causing wrinkles to resurface. Sometimes, the wrinkles reappear softer but are still visible, while others return in full force and return to baseline. But a repeat treatment is all it takes to send those wrinkles packing.

Neurotoxin injections are quick and easy and take about 10 minutes to perform. You can return to your routine and activity after treatment with no downtime. However, it’s essential to know that the effects are not immediate but take about three to five days to show. Everyone is different, and some people notice a smoothness in their skin faster than others. Keep in mind that the results are temporary, and to maintain the results, injections need to be done every three to four months to stay wrinkle-free.

Who Is An Ideal Candidate?

Botox is a quick and easy way to eliminate wrinkles and correct other aesthetic and medical issues.

It’s also a good solution for those with good skin quality who aren’t ready for more invasive treatments and procedures. In addition, Botox and Xeomin can create a very natural, youthful appearance when injected appropriately.

Neurotoxins are a treatment that many people choose to do and respond well to. If you are bothered by wrinkles and fine lines or other signs of aging, neurotoxin injections may be right for you, especially if:

You are bothered by facial wrinkles
Are 18 years or older
Are healthy
Are in good physical health
Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
Have realistic expectations of what the treatment can do for your skin
In addition, Botox and Xeomin work well for both men and women of all skin tones and types.

What Are The Benefits of Botox?

While aesthetic concerns are some of the more popular reasons for neurotoxin injections, Botox has various uses and benefits.

Its first approval was in 1989 to treat facial spasms, uncontrollable blinking, and misaligned eyes by treating muscle movement the same way the treatment works for facial wrinkles caused by movement. Since then, the uses and benefits of Botox and neurotoxins have continued to grow and evolve.

Today, neurotoxins offer a wide array of both cosmetic and medical advantages. Some of the more notable benefits of Botox and Xeomin include:

Smoothing crow's feet around the outer corners of the eyes
Reducing lines and wrinkles on the forehead
Treating fine lines and wrinkles throughout the face
Eliminating wrinkles between the eyebrows
Uplifting the corners of the mouth
Softening neckbands
Smoothing out dimples and pebbled skin on the chin
Slimming the jawline
Reduction in teeth grinding

The Botox Injection Experience

The injection process is not painful and is quick. By the time you realize your provider is injecting you, the treatment is probably almost over.

During the treatment, the treatment areas are first cleaned. We inject Botox and Xeomin with a very fine needle to make the treatment quick and comfortable.

Following all pre- and post-injection instructions is essential to limit bruising and swelling. That includes avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before the injections since it can increase the risk of bruising by thinning the blood. Also, avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and blood thinners for two weeks before your neurotoxin injections.

Other supplements to avoid include aspirin, vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, fish oil supplements, ibuprofen, omega-3, and ginseng.

Feeling a slight or mild pinch or prick as the needle enters the skin is normal. But as soon as the injection is complete, any feeling on the skin subsides. There’s also no recovery time with Botox and Xeomin or any downtime save for minor redness, swelling, or bruising. The fast procedure lets you return to work immediately, but you must avoid lying down for about 8 hours and working out for a day or two.

How Much Do Neurotoxins Cost?

Every provider charges independently for Botox and Xeomin injections, and there are differences between the two types of neurotoxins.

For example, the size of the treatment area, the neurotoxin used, and the number of sessions needed to obtain your desired results influence the overall cost. Botox and Xeomin are charged per unit, ranging from $10 to $25 per unit area.

To determine the cost of your treatment, call our office to schedule a consultation where we will put a custom program together to correct your current skin concerns.

The Results

It’s well known that neurotoxins work like a magical wrinkle eraser, but any effects you see won’t last forever.

Nor are they immediate. Instead, the results garnered from treatment are not typically visible until about three to seven days after the injections, although some patients notice the effects kicking in sooner than that.

Botox and Xeomin’s wrinkle-reducing and skin-smoothing effects are incredible and often dramatic, but to maintain them, you’ll need to keep up with the injections every three to four months. Some patients can stretch their appointments out a little longer, while others need touch ups sooner because they naturally metabolize the product faster. The results of Botox and Xeomin are similar and last about the same length of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to see the results of a neurotoxin?

On average, the results can be seen in about three to seven days, depending on the product injected, the area treated, and how quickly your body responds to Botox or Xeomin. Some people see the onset of action sooner than that, while some may not see results for up to 10 days.

Are there any side effects?

Neurotoxins are safe, effective aesthetic treatments, but like all elective treatments and procedures, there are potential side effects. Although side effects are rare, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of one or more occurring, which can include:

Injection site reactions
Headaches
Swelling, bruising, and redness
Droopy eyelids
Dry skin (when used to treat sweating)
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Vision issues
Nerve or muscle problems

How many units will I need?

Everyone is different, and the correct dose for you may not be appropriate for someone else. Schedule a consultation with our team today to determine how many units you need to achieve your skin goals. During your consultation, we can discuss your concerns and goals and create a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Is there anything special I need to do after my Botox appointment?

Following treatment, you will not see results immediately. This is expected, so do not worry that the treatment hasn’t worked. Depending on the patient, product used, and area treated, final results are typically reached three to seven days after initial treatments. If this is your first botulinum toxin treatment, your cosmetic surgeon may initially inject a more conservative amount and touch up the results during follow-up treatments. This helps to ensure natural, optimal results without the risk of over-treating an area.

What areas of the face can I treat with neurotoxins?

There are many uses for neurotoxins, and some of the more popular treatment areas include:

Glabellar lines (a.k.a. “elevens” or frown lines
Wrinkles around the eyes, such as crow’s feet
Forehead lines
The corners of the mouth
A “cobblestoned” appearance to the chin
Other facial wrinkles associated with muscle activity
Slimming the lower face

Besides treating the face, neurotoxins are effective in:

Reducing excessive sweating on the armpits, hands, or feet
Softening vertical neck bands
Minimizing the effects of migraines

Are you Ready to Experience the AFL Beauty Bar Difference?

If you’re ready to eliminate cumbersome wrinkles and lines and get smoother, younger-looking, wrinkle-free skin, there’s no better time to book a consultation with AFL Beauty Bar. A one-on-one consultation with our experienced, certified team of skin experts will determine the best neurotoxin treatment for you. We can customize a unique package specific to your skin to achieve the best results possible. Click the button below to schedule a consultation or book your neurotoxin appointment today!