Our skin is a representation of our lives. You can tell if someone has had fun in the sun or lots of laughs. These are reminders of good times, but there are also some not so desired reminders resulting from aging, such as loose skin and deep-set wrinkles.
Neurotoxin is a one-of-a-kind injectable that helps fight against wrinkled skin that a good night’s rest just cannot counter.
WHAT IS Neurotoxin?
Neurotoxin is a non-surgical procedure that smooths fine lines and wrinkles through means of injection. Neurotoxin temporarily paralyzes muscle movement in desired areas by sending a signal to the nerve that is attached to the designated muscle, which relaxes and softens the muscle. Neurotoxin can be used on multiple parts of the body for numerous purposes, but most commonly it is used to address facial wrinkles.
Neurotoxin is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures on the market with millions of men and women receiving treatments every year. Neurotoxin is a great procedure on its own, but can be combined with other procedure to enhance results, such as fat transfer or dermal fillers for more facial volume. It is a non-permanent treatment, so multiple injections spread over time are needed for lasting results.
HOW Neurotoxin WORKS
Neurotoxin injections target the underlying muscles in the area it is meant to treat. The muscles overworking can cause both cosmetic imperfections and physical irritations. For example, when you make facial expressions, the muscles underneath the skin work to form those expressions, such as squinting your eyes when concentrating or a big smile. Over time, those muscles work enough where the skin begins to form wrinkles because the skin gets continuously furrowed.
To alleviate this, Neurotoxin will be injected into the muscle that lies underneath the furrowed skin. This will temporarily relax the muscle and not cause it to overwork, in turn relaxing the skin. The same concept applies to physical irritations, such as excessive sweating. Injecting Neurotoxin into the armpits makes the nerve signals slow in productivity, ceasing sweating greatly.
Neurotoxin VS DYSPORT VS XEOMIN
Neurotoxin, Dysport, and Xeomin all inject an FDA approved neurotoxin called botulinum toxin type A, which is most commonly used to smooth facial wrinkles. So what makes them different from one another? Their formulations. This formulation impacts the dosage used and how quickly results can be seen.
– The Neurotoxin formulation includes botulinum toxin type A and an accompanying protein.
– Dysport also includes an accompanying protein, but a smaller version.
– Xeomin does not use any accompanying proteins.
The product that will give you optimal results depends on your specific case and your aesthetic desires. Dr. Reed or Dr. Broderick will gladly assess your candidacy during a private consultation at either of our Massachusetts locations.
Neurotoxin CANDIDATES
Wrinkles and fine lines around eyes, mouth, and forehead
Mildly sagging skin on face, neck, and breasts
Excessive sweating
Extreme migraines
Gummy smile
Neurotoxin TREATMENTS
Neurotoxin can be used to treat an array of issues. In order to see if you are a candidate for any of the below treatments, please schedule a private consultation at our Quincy or Plymouth office and Dr. Reed or Dr. Broderick will be able to assess your candidacy.
WRINKLED SKIN
The most common use of Neurotoxin is to help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest. Wrinkles can be a result of many different factors, such as cellular change, collagen reduction, or sun exposure. Wrinkles can also be caused by muscles moving to form facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, squinting, etc.
Neurotoxin works great for softening forehead creases, frown lines, crows feet, corners of the mouth, and a cobblestoned chin appearance. To treat these, Neurotoxin is injected into the muscle underneath the problem area to temporarily paralyze the muscle and smooth wrinkles. The result is a more refreshed, youthful appearance. This should be repeated every 3-4 monthsfor lasting results.
EXCESSIVE SWEATING
If deodorants, creams, and medications aren’t working, Neurotoxin can be used to counter excessive sweating from the armpits. When injected into the armpit, Neurotoxin temporarily blocks nerve signals that trigger sweat glands. Sweating is greatly reduced when the glands do not receive the chemical signals. This does not causesweating to back up or go anywhere because it simply does not get produced in the Neurotoxin injected area. For lasting results this should be repeated every 5 months.
MIGRAINES
Neurotoxin is the only FDA approved injectable treatment for fighting migraines. To qualify for this treatment, patients must experience 15 or more migraines lasting 4 or more hours per month. This treatment typically relieves 9 migraines a month, and should be repeated every 12 weeks for lasting results.
GUMMY SMILE
Neurotoxin can be used for men and women whose upper gum line is visible when they smile. An injection relaxes and lowers the upper lip which hides the gum line. The outcome will depend on the length of your lip and the amount of gum visibility, so only select people are candidates for this specific treatment. Please request a Neurotoxin consultation at one of our Massachusetts locations to see if this procedure can benefit you.
ALTERNATIVES & ANCILLARY PROCEDURES FOR Neurotoxin
We offer a wide variety of facial treatments and procedures at Integrated Dermatology that can be performed alone or used in addition to Neurotoxin.
EYELID SURGERY
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure used to address sagging eyelids, under eye bags, and fine lines and wrinklesaround the eyes. This is an ideal procedure for those who desire a dramatic enhancement of the eyes. Neurotoxin cannot achieve the same results or address all the issues eyelid surgery can, but Neurotoxin can reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles through non-surgical means.
Both have their merits, so it ultimately comes down to the results you desire, preference of surgical or non-surgical procedure, and how much downtime you can afford to take.
FACELIFT
For those who experience overall facial skin sagging, a facelift may be an ideal alternative to Neurotoxin. A facelift is a surgical procedure which creates a more youthful appearance by removing excess facial skin and tissue and repositioning muscles to create a more defined facial contour. A traditional facelift procedure addresses the lower ⅔ of the face, so Neurotoxin can be performed in conjunction if you wish to reduce forehead wrinkles as well.
MICRO LASER PEEL
MicroLaserPeel uses a Sciton laser to treat fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, acne scars, and keratoses on the face. This laser removes the damaged outer layer of facial skin, and once the skin heals in about 3 days, smooth, vibrant facial skin is revealed. This treatment is ideal for those who wish to address skin tone and texture in addition to reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
PROFRACTIONAL LASER
Profractional laser is a facial treatment that also address pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars, but by creating micro-channels in the skin. The device removes microscopic portions of the epidermis and dermis which initiates the body’s natural healing response and collagen production. Collagen helps firm and rejuvenate the skin, which reduces the appearance of the above imperfections. A profactional laser treatment can be performed on its own, but results can be enhanced when combined with other facials treatments such as MicroLaserPeel.
CONSULTATION
During your private consultation with Dr. Ken Reed or Dr. Broderick, you will explain any areas of concern you have, whether cosmetic reasons or physical hindrances. Then a thorough examination to determine what areas can benefit from a Neurotoxin treatment, and both you and your doctor together will come up with the best individualized treatment plan. The treatment process from start to finish will be explained so you are made fully aware of all aspects of the procedure.
If you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to ask them at this time. We at Integrated Dermatology encourage an open line of communication, and will gladly address any concerns. Pricing inquiries will also be discussed at this time.
APPLYING Neurotoxin
Neurotoxin is a rather quick process, taking merely minutes.
It is performed in an office setting, and patients are free to go once the procedure is completed. Some people choose to get Neurotoxin injections during their lunch break and are able to return right back to work. While numbing is not required, some patients may request topical numbing cream. In these cases, numbing takes roughly 45 – 60 minutes, and once the numbing effect is achieved, the Neurotoxin injection is administered with a thin needle to the desired areas.
HOW DO WE DECIDE HOW MANY UNITS OF Neurotoxin TO USE?
Specific portions of each treatment area requires a certain dosage of Neurotoxin. This number varies depending on the patient’s gender, age, and the areas being treated. During your private consultation with Dr. Reed is the time that these numbers will be determined for your specific case.
RECOVERY
There is no downtime required after a Neurotoxin treatment; patients are able to return home right after their procedure. Side effects are rare, but temporary muscle weakness may occur; this resolves itself quickly. It is recommended not to rub the treatment area right away. Best results can be enjoyed 2-3 days after your treatment, and can last between 3-12 monthsdepending on the patient.
PRICING
Average cost: $100-$800
The cost of your Neurotoxin treatment will depend on your specific case and if you opt to receive additional treatments or procedures. Please feel free to schedule a private consultation to receive a quote.
