Botulinum type A injections are by far the most popular cosmetic treatments preformed nationwide, helping millions fight wrinkles & rejuvenate their appearance. Our guide to Botox-type injectables will help you learn more about this popular treatment, giving you the info you need to make the right choice.
Botulinum toxin type A is an injectable neurotoxin, better known under brand names such as Botox Cosmetic®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®. Neurotoxin treatments are the most popular single cosmetic procedure in the U.S. and are mainly used to smooth dynamic wrinkles, or those wrinkles that form as a result of facial movements like frowning, squinting, smiling, and other expressions we tend to make day after day. Treatment works by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles, causing them to relax. As a result, your expressions soften and the dynamic wrinkles are greatly reduced.
Botox-type injectables can help an adult patient of any age improve his or her appearance, not only imparting a more youthful look, but also alleviating an overly concerned look, helping you look better refreshed or even more pleasant. The most commonly treated areas are those where muscle activity influences facial features, such as the following:
Now you know that each of these products contain the same active ingredient: botulinum toxin type A, and are designed to address the same types of wrinkles and other cosmetic concerns. So how are they different? The main distinction lies in their formulation, which influences the dosage used, how much the product spreads, and how quickly a patient might see the results. For example, Botox Cosmetic is formulated with an accompanying protein. Dysport contains a smaller version of a similar protein, while Xeomin doesn’t contain an accompanying protein at all. All three products are FDA approved and have been used safely and effectively for years. Which of these products is best for you will depend on your unique anatomy, your goals, and your cosmetic surgeon’s recommendations.
Many people think that because Botox is advertised in day spas and other non-medical offices, botulinum injections are on the same level as a manicure, facial or haircut. We cannot stress enough that this is not the case! Though non-surgical, injections are a medical procedure that requires specific training, knowledge and skill to administer safely and effectively.
When selecting a provider for injectable treatments, give your decision the same level of care and scrutiny that you would for a surgical procedure. While many doctors begin advertising Botox treatments after attending a weekend course in injectables, ABCS board certified cosmetic surgeons receive specific training performing neurotoxin injections during their year-long cosmetic surgery fellowship. Choosing a board certified cosmetic surgeon means choosing a Botox provider with an extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, a well-developed aesthetic eye, and a surgeon’s skill and precision.
Whomever you choose, make sure your provider has a proven background in cosmetic medicine as well as training and substantial experience administering botulinum toxin injections. Ask to see before and after photos of that provider’s patients. If an R.N. or physician’s assistant will be performing your injections, that person should be working closely under the supervision of a board certified cosmetic surgeon or other qualified physician.
Botulinum toxin injections are non-surgical and typically completed during an office visit. Your initial treatment will begin with a consultation, during which you will meet with your cosmetic surgeon to discuss your concerns and goals.
During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will evaluate your area of concern and go over your medical history. Even though there is little risk of major complications for most patients, it is still imperative that you share your medical history fully and openly with your provider before treatment, as certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications can make treatment unsuitable for a patient. For instance, you need to tell your cosmetic surgeon if you have been taking NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) or blood thinners.
Just before the actual treatment, you may be given a topical anesthetic to numb the area prior to injection, though many patients find this unnecessary, as the needles used to inject botulinum toxins are very thin and the injections are not very deep. Your provider will reconstitute the botulinum toxin into a solution, and inject this solution into the muscle at strategic points. Most patients describe a pinching feeling during the injection, though not much pain.
You will be able to go back to your normal activities right after treatment, but your cosmetic surgeon may ask you to take the day off from exercise or other strenuous activity, and to keep your head upright for the rest of the day. Mild redness, swelling at the injection site, and bruising are the most common side effects.
Following treatment, you will not see results immediately. This is expected, so do not worry that treatment hasn’t worked. Depending on the patient, product used, and area treated, final results are typically reached 3 to 7 days after initial treatments. If this is your first botulinum toxin treatment, your cosmetic surgeon may initially inject a more conservative amount and touch up the results during a follow up treatment. This helps to ensure natural, optimal results without the risk of over-treating an area.
The wrinkle-reducing effects from botulinum treatments will vary depending on the patient, the area treated, and the product used, but results will typically last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. To maintain your results, your cosmetic surgeon will simply repeat treatment, adjusting dosage and techniques as necessary to ensure optimal results.
While botulinum toxin type A is most commonly used to treat facial wrinkles, cosmetic surgeons can also use neurotoxins to address other aesthetic concerns that are associated with nerve and muscle activity:
With an experienced, qualified provider, Botox-type injectables provide natural-looking rejuvenation with a safe, convenient procedure with virtually no downtime. The best way to learn whether you are a good candidate for botulinum toxin injections is to meet with a board certified cosmetic surgeon for a consultation.
Call Dedham Medical Aesthetics today @ 781-821-0734 to book your complimentary consultation with Dr. Tantillo.
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