Neurotoxin 101: Botox, Dysport and Jeuveau
What are neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins, or neuromodulators, are a class of drugs that help to treat facial wrinkles by relaxing or paralyzing the muscles that cause those wrinkles. At Meridian Plastic Surgery, we carry three different types or brands of neurotoxins: Botox, Dysport, and Jeuveau. They all have similar mechanisms, but slight differences as shown below.
Starts taking effect:
Botox: 5-7 days
Dysport: 2-3 days
Jeuveau: 3-5 days
It takes 2 weeks for the neurotoxin to fully set it, so any adjustments to your treatment are not recommended until 2 weeks after your injection.
How do you know which neurotoxin is right for you?
There are subtle differences between the neurotoxins, but overall they result in the same effect. Some patients feel like they may get a better result from one product, or like the feel of one product better. For example, Dysport injections spread a bit more and therefore may feel and look a bit more natural. I’m happy to talk to you more about this in the office and pick the toxin that is best for you!
What is the injection experience like?
We make the injection process as easy and painless as possible. We use the thinnest possible needles which makes the injection process more comfortable. We also use a vibrating tool during the injection, which distracts your pain receptors. This is called the gate control theory of pain: the sensation of something non-painful (the vibrating tool), can override the more painful sensation of getting an injection.
What is aftercare like?
For the first 24 hours after injection, avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area to prevent the product from diffusing to unwanted areas. It is not advised to workout for 24 hours after getting injected, or to take a nap immediately after the injection as laying on your face could also cause diffusion of the product. You may have some small bruising from the injection sites, although this can usually be covered up easily with makeup.
How often should I get injections? Do I need to keep getting injections once I start?
Neurotoxin injections last for 3-4 months. I do not recommend getting another neurotoxin injection before the effects have started to wear off, as this can increase the risk of your body mounting an immune response to the neurotoxin which will decrease its effectiveness.
You do not NEED to continue getting neurotoxin injections once you start – although you may like it so much that you will want to.
Can neurotoxins be preventative?
Yes! If you imagine your skin as a piece of paper, the wrinkles in your skin are like a crease in a piece of paper. Over time as your muscles continually make the overlying skin wrinkle, these lines can become permanent, even when your face is at rest. Therefore, neurotoxins are a great preventative tool.
