What are neurotoxins?

Ah, the bread and butter of aesthetics... neurotoxins! Or, more commonly known to the public by their brand names: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and now Daxxify. Either way, it's the running joke that neurotoxins are the gateway to the rest of the aesthetics world.

So... what are neurotoxins? Neurotoxins are injectables that work to temporarily paralyze the targeted muscles, most commonly in the upper face, but may also be used in the lower face, neck, armpits, trapezius muscle, and even in the medical sphere to assist with disorders such as migranes, cerebral palsy, and incontinence. In doing so in aesthetics, they help to reduce wrinkles but relaxing the facial muscles that are causing the wrinkles. It is a very simple procedure that can not only restore a more youthful, rested appearance, but can also help to improve self-confidence.

The most commonly injected sites are the forehead, the lines between the eyebrows commonly known as the "11's", and the wrinkles outside the eyes known as Crow's Feet. Less common but still treatable areas include nose scrunching wrinkles ("bunny lines"), upper lip ("lipstick lines", "gummy smile", "lip flip"), jaw muscles called massaters, frown lines ("DAO's"), cobbled chin, and the platysmal neck bands. Becoming more popular is trapezius injections, which help to relieve shoulder tension.

Generally speaking, four of the five neuromodulators (all except Daxxify) should last 3-4 months. If your treatment is not lasting this long, it's possible you have stronger facial muscles than anticipated, a higher metabolism than anticipated, or simply your dose wasn't strong enough to give you the duration. I always think that the first time you receive neuromodulator treatment is the most fun. Neuromodulators take 2-7 days to set in, with full effect occurring at 14 days. However, as the neuromodulators begin to take hold over the muscle, you'll pass mirrors and make the suspect faces that provoke wrinkles. At some point in that course, you know you're asking your brain to make the face, but it won't! It's something to experience, that's for sure!

After injection, you should avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas, tanning beds, alcohol, for 24 hours, and avoid and lying face down for 4 hours after injection. This helps to prevent spread of the neuromodulator to undesired areas, and therefore reduces the risks of complications.

Speaking of the c-word, there are actually minimal complications that may come from neuromodulator injections, but it is worth mentioning. When neuromodulators spread to an area and thus muscles that weren't targeted, it may cause eyebrow or eyelid ptosis (drooping), or in the lower face, a crooked smile. All complications are temporary and will only last the duration of the rest of the treatment. The best way to avoid these are to make sure you follow aftercare instructions, and choose an injector with experience.

Overall, neuromodulators can serve as the beginning of a great antiaging regimen in combination with a good skincare routine including SPF.