Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Daxxify in Montgomery AL
Neuromodulators: What are my options?
At Alabama Surgical Arts, we offer four different types of botulinum toxin (neuromodulators) to relax those wrinkles: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Daxxify. The differences between the four neuromodulators are minimal and the results are similar, with the exception of longevity. In fact they all have the same active ingredient botulinum toxin type A. They are all great options and have proven to work! Our newest option, Daxxify, offers a longer duration of action. While potentially having to receive less treatments a year is exciting news for many, our new patients are encouraged to select Botox, Dysport or Xeomin until a customize reproducible neurotoxin plan has been trialed.
What Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Daxxify Treats
Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Daxxify) can be used to treat very specific and targeted areas of aging on the face. It is a localized treatment that works to minimize lines and wrinkles in the area where it is injected. Some of the most common areas of the face that we treat with Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Daxxify are:
- Vertical lines/frown lines between the eyebrows
- Forehead or worry lines
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Around the eyebrows to provide a gentle lift
- Bunny lines on the nose
- Smoker’s lines (vertical lines around the lips)
- Gummy Smile
- Dimpling of the chin (“peach pit” chin or peau d’orange chin)
- Sad ‘frowning’ corners of lips (“bitterness folds”)
- Vertical neck bands (platsymal bands)
- Masseters for facial slimming and bruxism
How Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Daxxify) Work
Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Daxxify are purified proteins that come from the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium. When injected into a muscle, they stop the nerve impulse from reaching the muscle, thus preventing it from contracting as strongly. This causes the muscle to weaken and relax, allowing the overlying skin to soften and causing wrinkles in the area to disappear over time. Medical grade skincare and other procedures may be added adjunctively.
Botox has been in use for many years and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of areas such as glabellar wrinkles and crow’s feet. Dysport and Xeomin are approved by the FDA for treatment for glabellar wrinkles. Daxxify, the long awaited neurotoxin was released in 2022 and is FDA-approved for frown lines.
There are two types of wrinkles on the face. Static (wrinkles that are present at rest) and dynamic (wrinkles that present with movement). Over the years dynamic wrinkles can change to static wrinkles as creases are permanently “etched” into the skin.
Dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles with movement) disappear first. With consistent treatment and good skincare, static wrinkles will begin to soften. This is also the concept behind the preventative use of neuromodulators. By preventing dynamic wrinkles we can stop the progression to static wrinkles.
Another less talked about the effect of neuromodulators is a decrease in sweat and oil production. Through the same mechanism of effect on muscle, neuromodulators are able to minimize the signal to sweat and sebaceous glands.
Want To Relax Those Wrinkles?
For more information about Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Daxxify) or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nizam, call our office today!
What to Expect During a Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Daxxify Treatment Session
Before injecting neuromodulators, Dr. Nizam will give you the option of having a topical anesthetic and/or nitrous oxide to make the injections more comfortable. Many people, however, do not find this initial step necessary, as they are able to tolerate the injection discomfort quite well.
Dr. Nizam will then use a fine needle to inject small amounts of neuromodulator into your skin and/or muscles. The number of injections administered will depend upon the size of the area being treated and the exact complaint being addressed. It usually takes about 10 minutes to administer Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Daxxify. These are quick and you can be in and out of your appointment in no time.
After the procedure, you can resume normal activities immediately. You should avoid rubbing the treated area for the next 24 hours as this may cause the product to move into another part of the face. Very few patients experience minor redness or bruising at the injection site, which can be covered with makeup with minimal issues.
Results
Results of Botox and Xeomin are typically seen within 6-7 days. The results of Dysport are typically seen within 5-6 days. Daxxify results typically begin in 3-4 days. You can expect the results to be maintained for about 3 months for Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. With Daxxify results last approximately 4-5 months. Below is a chart comparing FDA studies that were used for approval of each drug showing timeline to return of function of the muscles. We invite our patients to return for a follow up in 2-3 weeks to ensure that the results are aligned with your goals.
What about units?
Units can be confusing. The way each company defines units is not standardized, making it very confusing. A good rule of thumb is 1 unit of Botox is equal to 1 unit of Xeomin. One unit of Botox is equal to 2 units of Daxxify. One unit of Botox is equal to 2.5 units of Dysport. Below is a chart demonstrating the actual amount of botulinum toxin type A being delivered using these standard conversions.
Safety
Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Daxxify injections are some of the safest cosmetic treatments available today. Contrary to popular belief, the protein itself is not a poison as it has been modified extensively into a pure form with a very dilute concentration. When injected properly into the muscle, it does not enter other areas of the body. All neurotoxins require a special ingredient to stabilize botulinum toxin A. BOTOX® Cosmetic and Xeomin uses human serum albumin (HSA) as its stabilizer. Dysport® uses cow’s milk protein in addition to HSA. Daxxify uses a novel peptide as a stabilizer and does not contain human or animal byproducts. Dr. Nizam, who has been extensively trained in these injections, will discuss the risks and benefits with you before proceeding.
If you are preparing for a same day treatment, a list of common avoidances before treatment include, but are not limited to:
- Retin-A
- Blood thinners
- Muscle relaxants
- Fish or oils rich in omega 3
- Allergy medication
- Topical steroids
- Sleep medications and supplements
- Aspirin
- St. John’s Wort
- Supplements containing Vitamin E
- Ibuprofen
Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Daxxify Consultation
If you’re ready to learn more about how neuromodulators can rejuvenate your appearance, we encourage you to contact us today to set up an initial consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Nizam and Physician Associate Lily will answer any questions you may have. They will assess your face and help you determine whether Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Daxxify can provide the results you desire.