Believe it or not, some of the most popular cosmetic treatments for lines and wrinkles use neurotoxins – that’s right, toxins. Neurotoxins are hailed as one of the most effective ingredients for preventing and smoothening fine lines and wrinkles. But what are neurotoxins, which cosmetic treatments use them, and how do they affect the appearance?
We will answer these questions and more in this post.
What are Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins are any toxin that affects nerve function, hence the neuro- prefix. Neuro stands for anything relating to the nerves or the nervous system. The neurotoxins used for medical aesthetics all hinder signals from nerves to the muscles around the injection site.
The neurotoxin used in cosmetic procedures is Botulinum toxin; it is the most sought-after cosmetic treatment globally. Botulinum toxin is from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and can produce the deadly disease botulism. However, medical aesthetics uses the toxin because it halts the release of certain neurotransmitters from nerves’ endings.
In short, Botulinum toxin causes flaccid paralysis.
Which Cosmetic Treatments Use Neurotoxins?
Different cosmetic products use Botulinum toxin to treat wrinkles and lines. At Bella Rose Aesthetics, we offer neurotoxins, including Botox (the most popular), Xeomin, Dysport, and Jeuveau. They all treat contain Botulinum toxin as their primary active ingredient, but in varying amounts.
Botox is the most well-known example of a treatment that uses neurotoxins. It’s the first product approved by the FDA to treat wrinkles in various areas and is also suitable for rectifying certain medical conditions that affect muscular function.
Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau also use Botulinum toxin to achieve their desired effects. However, they contain lower concentrations of the neurotoxin Botulinum, making how they affect wrinkles slightly different from Botox.
The Effects of Neurotoxins in Medical Aesthetics
You might wonder why medical professionals would intentionally inject neurotoxins into the human body on earth.
Medical science has discovered that injecting Botulinum toxin can be beneficial in the right concentration and in the perfect place. Injecting Botulinum toxin in specific amounts at strategic locations can achieve medical wonders without risking botulism.
How Do Neurotoxins Help Reduce Wrinkles?
The flaccid paralysis effect of the Botulinum toxin is helpful in preventing and smoothening the appearance of fine lines of wrinkles. Fine lines and wrinkles on the face form due to many factors, including the decrease of collagen and elastin over time, as well as the constant movement of the facial muscles creating ridges on the skin. The perpetual facial expressions lead to permanent creases on the skin.
By preventing the constant movements of the facial muscles beneath the skin, neurotoxins effectively prevent and help smoothen out fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
How Long Do the Neurotoxins Maintain Their Effects?
Different neurotoxin brands have differing effects on the skin. However, their effects last for up to four months in general. In some cases, the results of the neurotoxins may last for up to six months, while in some cases, they may last for only a couple of months.
It is noted that some first-time patients of neurotoxins for wrinkles may only enjoy the results for a short time. But on their subsequent neurotoxin treatments, the fruits of the injections last longer.
Do Neurotoxins Have Side Effects?
Unfortunately, neurotoxin treatments for fine lines and wrinkles have side effects. These side effects are generally mild, temporary, and in no way will affect the ultimate outcome of the treatment. Although in some cases, the adverse effects are pretty severe.
The most common side effects include:
- Minor headache or flu-like symptoms
- Pain, swelling, or bruising around the treatment region
- Crooked smile or drooling
- Droopy eyelid
- Cockeyed eyebrows
- Nausea
- Either eye dryness or excessive tearing
These mild and moderate side effects should dissipate within a few days to a couple of weeks.
The more severe complications include:
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty with speech or swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- Vision problems
- Upset stomach
- Incontinence (loss of bladder control)
These more severe complications are often the result of incompetent injecting on the provider’s part. The toxin can spread beyond the intended target muscles when the injector is untrained or unskilled. You will notice these side effects hours to weeks after getting a Botulinum toxin injection.
You should immediately call your physician if you notice these side effects.
It is best to work with experienced and certified professional injectors for neurotoxin treatments.
What Areas Can Neurotoxins Treat?
Neurotoxins can treat several areas on the face – areas commonly afflicted by wrinkles. These areas include the forehead (forehead lines), the space between the eyebrows (scowl lines), sides of the nose (bunny lines), corners of the eyes (crow’s feet), corners of the lips, chin, and neck.
How Long Will the Results Last?
The results of neurotoxins vary depending on the product. Botox can take around ten to fourteen days for the results to manifest, while Dysport might take as soon as two days. Xeomin injections might take five to seven days to take full effect, while Jeaveau begins displaying results in three to five days.
How Many Treatments are Needed for Optimum Results?
The number of treatments you need to achieve your desired results varies depending on the type of neurotoxin you use and your specific needs. But most of the time, you need only one treatment session to get the results you want. And if you desire to maintain the effects of the treatment, schedule another session for when the outcomes fade.
Do Neurotoxins Have Other Effects?
Yes! Aside from being wrinkle relaxers, neurotoxins are also used for medical reasons. At Bella Rose Aesthetics, we offer neurotoxin treatments for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), temporomandibular joint disorders, and migraine relief.
The muscle-relaxing properties of neurotoxins make them suitable treatment options for the listed medical issues.
Talk to Us About Your Neurotoxin Needs
Whether you are pursuing cosmetic improvements or medical relief, it is best to have a consultation with a professional before undergoing a neurotoxin treatment. To schedule a consultation, contact Bella Rose Aesthetics by phone at 317-349-3050 or email at info@bellaroseaesthetics.com. Visit our office at 10255 Commerce Dr. Suite 116, Carmel, IN 46032.
