BOTOX Cosmetic treatment is a revolutionary approach to reversing the effects of facial wrinkles. Crows feet worry lines and laugh lines can all be a thing of the past. These are referred to as dynamic wrinkle lines and all are treatable with this procedure. Cosmetic denervation is the process of injecting botox into the tiny facial muscles that create the wrinkles.
The BOTOX Cosmetic Procedure
BOTOX Cosmetic injections are performed without anesthesia because they are virtually painless. Only a very small sting is felt when the injections are made. The effects are not permanent and may need to be repeated two to three times per year to retain the effects. Research has suggested, however, that long-term use of the injections leads to a longer duration of each treatment’s effect. Patients over the age of 65 may not experience such dramatic results. BOTOX Cosmetic is only useful in treating expression lines and cannot be used to repair sagging skin caused by aging.
Post-Procedure Information
After the procedure patients may experience slight bruising around the area that quickly fades. Normal activities can be performed immediately. Possible side effects are temporary weakness of nearby muscles or in rare cases, an eyelid may droop. BOTOX Cosmetic is completely reversible so any side effect is only a temporary condition. The doctor will explain all risks associated at the time of your consultation.
Applications for Dysport Injectable
Prescription Dysport® injectable is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for temporarily lessening or eliminating moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Like BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport injectable is placed directly into the muscle underneath a furrow, weakening the muscle to the point where it cannot contract.
Dysport, also known as Reloxin, is made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum; it is the same neurotoxin used in BOTOX Cosmetic.
Medically, Dysport injectable is used to treat excessive underarm sweating; symptoms of cervical dystonia, which include neck pain and abnormal head position; and muscle spasms. Cosmetically, Dysport injections are used to treat the following:
- Forehead furrows
- Frown lines
- Crow's feet
- Skin bands on the neck
Dysport Injectable Procedure and Results
Using a very fine needle, Dysport injectable is placed directly into facial muscles that are causing furrows and lines. No anesthetic is required, but some doctors choose to numb the area to be injected with ice packs or a topical anesthetic cream. Results can usually be seen within a few days of treatment, and typically last up to 4 months, although areas that are treated on a regular basis may retain results longer. Injections should be given only by qualified medical professionals.
Candidates for Dysport Injectable
According to the manufacturer's website, candidates for Dysport injectable are "adults less than 65 years of age" who want "temporary improvement in the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines)." It may not be suitable for those with the following:
- Allergies to Dysport injectable or its ingredients
- An allergy to cow's milk protein
- Surgical facial changes
- Very weak muscles in the treatment area
- A face that looks very different on each side
- Inflammation or infection in the area to be injected
- Droopy eyelids or sagging eyelid folds
- Deep facial scars
- Thick, oily skin
- Wrinkles that cannot be smoothed when spread apart
Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or has a neuromuscular disease, should not receive Dysport injectable.
Differences Between Dysport Injectable and BOTOX Cosmetic
Although made from the same bacterium, there is anecdotal evidence that Dysport injectable may last longer, spread farther and take effect more quickly than BOTOX Cosmetic.
Xeomin
Xeomin® is a prescription medication used to effectively treat intramuscular conditions such as blepharospasm, or abnormal involuntary closing of the eyelid.
Xeomin is composed of botulinum toxin type A, a naturally occurring protein that is produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Xeomin is injected into the affected muscles in order to reduce their activity. Xeomin does not stop the muscle from moving entirely; instead, it modifies the contractions. This is achieved by inhibiting a body chemical called acetylcholine from signaling all of the nerves within the muscle to contract.
Blepharospasm is a condition involving abnormal involuntary spasms of the eyelids. Injections of Xeomin administered into the muscles of the eyelid can help relieve spasms for many patients.
The number of injections necessary will vary from patient to patient, depending upon the number of muscles affected and the severity of the condition. The results of treatment with Xeomin are usually seen after one week and last, on the average, up to 12 weeks.
Risks of Xeomin Treatment
While an effective medication for muscle spasms, treatment with Xeomin carries certain risks. Whether they occur hours or weeks after treatment, the following symptoms may be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention:
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing
- Muscle weakness throughout the body
- Double vision
- Blurred vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Change in voice quality
- Problems with articulation
- Loss of bladder control
Daxxify
Wrinkle relaxers, also known as neuromodulators, are a family of non-surgical cosmetic injectables that can be used to treat:
- Forehead Creases
- Frown Lines
- Crow’s Feet
- Bunny Lines
- Smile Lines
- Chin Dimpling
- Neck Bands
Wrinkle relaxers work on dynamic wrinkles that only appear with facial movement and can help produce a smoother and more youthful appearance.
What is Daxxify?
Daxxify, also known as “Daxi,” is the newest wrinkle relaxer. Similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau®, Daxxify utilizes a cosmetically safe neurotoxin (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) to block the signals between muscles and nerves, allowing wrinkled skin to relax, even during facial expression. Like other wrinkle relaxers, Daxxify does not impact your ability to move your face but produces a more youthful appearance when facial expressions are made.
What Makes Daxxify Different?
Most wrinkle relaxers produce results from three to four months. This means that continued results require up to four treatments per year. Daxxify can deliver results for six to nine months, making it the longest-lasting wrinkle relaxer on the market.
Not only is it longer lasting, but clinical trials have also shown Daxxify to be particularly robust, making it an outstanding solution for individuals with deeper lines and wrinkles. Moreover, patients who have received injections for frown lines reported a reduction in forehead creases and improvement in eyebrow position, which may allow Daxxify to treat a greater range of issues with fewer injections.
Daxxify contains a stabilizing peptide that allows it to bind more effectively to nerve cell membranes. This helps to extend results and removes the need for animal-derived stabilizing proteins, making it a suitable treatment for vegetarians and vegans.
Is Daxxify Safe?
Daxxify was approved by the FDA for cosmetic use in September 2022 and is considered safe for most. However, people with an allergy to any of its ingredients should avoid use.
The most common serious side effects in clinical trials were headache, appearing in six percent of patients; eyelid ptosis (sagging), occurring in two percent of patients; and facial asymmetry, appearing in one percent of patients. These risks self-correct with time and are similar to those with all neuromodulators.
Also similar to other wrinkle relaxers, the most common side effects of Daxxify are redness, bruising, and slight discomfort at the injection site. As with more serious risks, these tend to self-correct and should not cause lasting issues.
Daxxify does not require any downtime. You can resume all of your normal activities immediately after treatment.
How Long Until I See Results?
Most patients report results within one to two days, with full results visible within a month. In studies, 98 percent of patients reported optimal results within four weeks.
Am I a Good Candidate for Daxxify?
You may be the ideal Daxxify candidate if you have deep lines or wrinkles on your face but still have good skin elasticity. The best candidates are in generally good health, realistic with their expectations, and willing to take care of their skin following treatment to help amplify and extend results. The best way to learn if you are a good candidate is through a one-on-one consultation with a qualified Daxxify provider.
If you are curious to learn if Daxxify is a suitable option for your needs, we are here to help. Please call our office at 661-726-6277 to schedule a one-on-one consultation today.
