Neurotoxins in Alpharetta, GA
Botulinum toxin injections are purified neurotoxins that are used to treat wrinkles by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. This effect relaxes and will smooth the look of lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive movements on the face—most commonly, between the brows (the “Elevens”), crow’s feet around the eyes and horizontal forehead creases. Botulinum toxin can also be used to balance facial asymmetry and relax tight neck bands as well as to reduce perspiration in the armpits, hands and feet.
A use popularized by Dr. Graivier is to treat people who grind their teeth and have large masseter muscles. This can help TMJ sufferers as well. Dr. Graivier has developed injection techniques to give a chemical brow elevation and even can treat people with neck and upper back spasms leading to tension headaches. Botox is FDA approved to treat migraine headaches.
Common types of botulinum toxin injections are Botox®, Dysport® and Xeomin®. Dr. Graivier has recently participated in FDA studies on another botulinum toxin pending FDA approval.
Neurotoxins Complementary Procedure
It is a common practice for patients receiving neurotoxins to combine several procedures at once that will offer complementary or enhanced results. At The Graivier Center, we will take the time to walk potential patients through all of the risks and benefits of each procedure, whether you choose a single treatment or multiple treatments.
Patients receiving neurotoxins may elect to combine the following procedures for enhanced results:
- Facial fillers
- Facelift
- Fat grafting
- Brow lift
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
Neurotoxins Procedure
Botulinum toxin injections can usually be completed on the same day as the initial evaluation.
The injection site will be cleansed and will not require anesthesia prior to injection. The needles used are short and thin, causing minimal discomfort. Depending on your specific concerns and condition, a number of injections will be needed to achieve the desired result.
Types of Botulinum Toxin Injections
- Botox®
- Dysport®
- XEOMIN®
Botox®
Botox® is a purified neurotoxin that is used to improve moderate-to-severe fine lines and wrinkles. It works by blocking the nerve impulses to the affected muscle, reducing muscle activity that causes persistent lines.
The most common areas treated are areas of the upper face: between the eyebrows, forehead and crow’s feet around the eyes (known as the glabellar region or 11’s).
Botox® can also be used to smooth out unwanted lines on the mid-face and lower face, and neck, as well as lines on the sides of the nose, vertical lip lines and muscle bands of the neck.
The onset of treatment is 48-72 hours and may continue to take a stronger effect for one to two weeks. Botox® lasts for approximately three to six months.
The muscle activity will return to normal once the Botox® is completely worn off.
Dysport®
Dysport® is a purified neurotoxin used to temporarily improve the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines without changing the look of your entire face. The untreated facial muscles still work normally, allowing you to freely show facial expressions, such as smiling, in untreated areas.
Dysport® works for three to six months to block the signal from the nerve to the muscles, resulting in a reduction of muscle activity and temporarily preventing contraction of the muscles that cause frown lines. It is important to note that you should not be treated with Dysport® more frequently than every 90 days.
XEOMIN®
XEOMIN® is a purified neurotoxin that treats frown lines, brow wrinkles, crow’s feet and bunny lines. Similarly to Botox® and Dysport®, XEOMIN® can create longer-lasting results by temporarily ‘paralyzing’ the targeted muscles to create a smoother looking appearance.
If you have received Botox® or Dysport® and found that your improvement is less than expected, did not last as long as it should, or has decreased with a given dosage, you may respond better to Xeomin®.
Neurotoxins Recovery
There is no down time or recovery time for Botulinum toxin injections. You may resume normal activities immediately.
Dr. Graivier recommends patients do not rub or massage the treated areas after treatment because it can cause the Botulinum toxin to migrate to another area of your face. If this happens, you could have temporary facial weakness or drooping.
Patients may experience slight pain, short-lasting swelling and minimal redness or bleeding.
Once the neurotoxin has been injected, it will take several days to reach full effect and a follow-up visit is often scheduled weeks after the initial injection.
Depending on your age, skin condition and habits, effects of Botulinum toxin could last anywhere from three to six months.
When to Consider Neurotoxins
- Deep lines between your eyes make you look tired, angry, sad, or upset
- Your facial expressions cause wrinkles in and around your eyes and forehead
- You need better contour or raising of your eyebrows
- There is asymmetry in your eyebrows or face that can be corrected by relaxing a muscle
- You suffer from migraine headaches
- You have severe underarm sweating (severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis) and topical medications used on the skin do not work
- You grind your teeth and/or have large jawline muscles
- You have neck or back spasms leading to tension headaches
- You have large salivary glands after face or neck lift
