Botox injections are used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. Botox is the brand name from Allergan but has become the universal word used for cosmetic botulinum toxin A use. Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridum botulinum. It prevents the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from axon endings at the neuromuscular junction thus relaxing the facial muscles and allowing the skin to smoothen. Other well-known and commonly used botulinum toxin A products are Dysport and Xeomin. Both products are just as effective as the brand-named Botox, but often used differently depending on the person or the skin goals.
What is the difference between dynamic and static lines?
Dynamic lines are the lines you see when someone experiences emotions such as happy, or sad, and the lines you see while someone is squinting or surprised. With these expressions you will see the facial lines are noticeable in various places such as the forehead, between the eyes, sides of the nose, around the eyes, and around the mouth. These lines quickly go away as soon as you relax your face.
Static lines, or wrinkles, occur over time as these facial expressions cause the muscle to contract. These muscle contractions run opposite to the skin which will eventually form permanent and deeper lines. Botox will relax the underlining muscles and let the lines on the skin smoothen out.
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin what’s the difference?
Botox is considered by some the gold standard. Botox is potent and can freeze someone which will sometimes cause the skin to appear very shiny and almost glassy. Botox can start to work in 5-7 days, but it is recommended to wait 14 days for the full effect. There can be immunity issues with repeated exposure to its accessory proteins meaning someone can build up a tolerance and it can become less effective; however, this is rare and approximately a 2% risk. Botox is generally the more expensive. At inject SkinCare we charge $12/unit and offer new clients 10% off their first procedure.
Dysport tends to spread more and is similar in potency as compared with Botox. Dysport can start to work in 3-4 days, but it is recommended to wait 14 days for the full effect. Dysport is contraindicated with those who have a severe dairy allergy. Dysport is less expensive and at Inject SkinCare we charge $10/unit. All new clients get 10% off their first procedure.
Xeomin is considered the “Pure-tox” of the botulinum toxins, type A. This is because Xeomin does not have accessory proteins like the other toxins. Xeomin provides a less frozen hold and is often labeled the “natural” tox because of its softer effects. It’s a great starter tox for those new to injections or those in their 20s looking to prevent future lines. Xeomin can start to work in 3-4 days, but it is recommended to wait 14 days for the full effect. At Inject SkinCare we charge $10/unit. All new clients get 10% off their first procedure.
These products are also commonly used for treating migraines, reducing teeth grinding and preventing excessive sweating.
