Anne Arundel Dermatology > Everything you Should Know About Injectable Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin)

Everything you Should Know About Injectable Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin)

November 9th, 2016
By Anne Arundel Dermatology

What are neurotoxins?

Neurotoxins, also known as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are injectable solutions that temporarily block nerve receptors in the muscle, preventing lines and wrinkles from forming. They can be used to treat muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, excessive sweating, and overactive bladder. This cosmetic treatment is the #1 nonsurgical procedure since 2000.

What is the difference between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin?

Each brand has a slightly different formulation of bacterium: Clostridium Botulinum or Botulinum Toxin A. They all work in the same way – block the nerve impulses of the injected muscles to temporarily paralyze muscle movements that cause wrinkles.

What does it do?

Neurotoxins target underlying causes of fine lines on the face, such as, the repeated muscle contractions from frowning and squinting. Your dermatologist will inject the muscles with the neurotoxins to essentially pause muscle activity. The temporary absence of contracting facial muscles will  fines lines to be reduced or removed as the skin naturally renews itself.

What are the differences between Botox and fillers?

  • Botox works to reduce the appearance of lines that are visible when you are smiling, frowning, or squinting and stops new ones from forming. Fillers treat deeper lines and wrinkles that are present even when the face is at rest.
  • Botox reduces muscle movement, fillers plump and fill the skin while replacing and stimulating the production of collagen.
  • Botox injections will show results in 3-5 days and will last approximately 3-6 months. Fillers provide instant results and can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

When should you consider Neurotoxins?

Since everyone’s skin is different, there is no specific age. Some choose to get preventative injectables when they are young to prevent lines from becoming ingrained.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neurological disease, you should not use these injectables.

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