WHAT ARE BOTOX-TYPE INJECTABLES?
One of the most popular facial injectables in the market are the Botulinum Type A injections, otherwise known as Botox-type injectables. Both doctors and patients love these types of injectables because they can easily rejuvenate the appearance. The fight against wrinkles is an intense one. Millions of people experience alterations in their look due to aging and sun damage. Having products that can effectively combat these kinds of changes is critical.
This is where medically safe injectables enter the picture. Some very popular brands are Botox, Dysport and Xeomin. If you are searching for solutions you likely have heard of all three. They are each highly effective and utilized because of their efficacy with treating unwanted wrinkles.
Botulium Type A injections like Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are injectable neurotoxins that can help minimize wrinkles that come on as a result of movements like smiling, talking, frowning and squinting.
HOW DO BOTOX-TYPE INJECTABLES WORK?
If you are considering Botox or Botox-type injectables then you likely have been doing research on the most popular ones. What you need to know is that these types of neurotoxins work because they block nerve impulses in the muscles. These are the muscles that consistently make specific movements that create lines. If you can cut down on the facial strain and movements that are made, you can eliminate wrinkles that are evident now, and lessen the further development of them. What you’ll find post-injection is a much softer expression where dynamic wrinkles seem lessened.
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WHAT TYPES OF FACIAL ISSUES CAN BOTOX-TYPE INJECTABLES TREAT?
Botox-type injectables are used to treat a variety of facial issues. Here are some of the most popular:
• Frown Lines (glabellar lines). Frown lines are the lines that appear at the points of your eyebrows in the center of your face. They are known to be the most “worked” muscles in the face because they move as you talk throughout the day. The movement is subconscious and though many people try to “train” themselves to not use these muscles, likely this is a difficult, if not impossible, pursuit.
• Forehead Creases. The forehead is a targeted area for wrinkles due to facial expressions. When you frown, smile or merely talk, you likely use this area of your face to convey emotions. Most of it is also probably subconscious so you aren’t usually aware that you’re making the movements that will cause lines to appear.
• Crow’s Feet/Wrinkles around the Eyes. They eyes are another casualty of wrinkles. From the outer corners of your eyes you likely have seen some general lines forming. As time goes on, they become more pronounced. This is a result of smiling usually. Again- without some way to relax these lines, it is very difficult to mitigate their appearance.
• “Cobblestone” Appearance to the Chin. When you walk, your chin moves also. The muscles can sometimes start to look “bumpy” or “cobblestone-like”. This is where Botox-type injectables can also aid. They can relax the chin so it isn’t held tightly in the constricted form.
• Corners of the Mouth. Just like the eyes, you also can get lines extending from the corners of your mouth. These are also a result of a lifelong of smiling. A smile is a great thing, but the wrinkles left by smiling are not. This is where injectables can also help to minimize lines and stop future growth of them.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOTOX, DYSPORT AND XEOMIN
There are three main Botox-type injectables:
• Botox
• Dysport
• Xeomin
Of the three though, there are some differences. Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss which ones are appropriate for you. What they decide on will be a result of your unique facial goals, your anatomy and their experienced recommendations. You will discuss what you want to achieve with your injections and they will come up with the best solution for that goal.
The general difference though between Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are their makeup. For example, Botox has a protein in its ingredients. Dysport has a lower amount of that protein and Xeomin does not have the protein. Also, Dysport can spread over a wider area beyond the injection site than Botox can.
CHOOSING A PROVIDER FOR BOTOX-TYPE INJECTABLES TREATMENTS
- If you are looking for injectable treatments, it is crucial that you find the right provider. There are some general things you should look for when searching. First of all, never pick the first cosmetic surgeon you hear about. Talk to them, get their diagnosis and treatment plan, but then talk to a few more. You want to know what your options are and what different treatments may mean for your specific case.
- Be sure that your cosmetic surgeon is Board Certified. Of course some people think this is too obvious to state, however there are some patients who don’t check. You want to be sure that your surgeon is certified by the official American Board of Plastic Surgery. The reality is that any doctor can legally do any procedure. That doesn’t mean your podiatrist should be injecting you with fillers.
- Check for your cosmetic surgeon’s history. Any good surgeon will have a before-after portfolio to show you. Be sure that the surgeon you are discussing your procedures with has a history of similar patients and similar procedures to the ones you want. This is a great way to gauge his or her professionalism and experience.
- You also can discuss the process with those who have already gone through the procedures you want. Friends, family, co-workers—they all may have some experience with cosmetic surgery and working with trusted surgeons. Ask them for their insight into where you should go, or at least where you should start your search.
- Do your own research of the office and staff. Remember that if you have questions or concerns, you could likely have a relationship with the entire office long-term. You want to feel comfortable with them and ask any question you need to. You’ll be able to see immediately whether or not you have an open and receptive team.
Finally, put together your questions for the surgeon prior to your initial meeting. It is easy to get dazzled when you arrive and have the surgeon do all the talking. Your best bet is to write down every concern and then bring the list with you. Let the surgeon address them one-by-one so you know exactly what to expect from the initial meeting to the after-care process.
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WHAT TO EXPECT DURING TREATMENT
There are two general things to consider during the entire treatment:
• Pre-treatment Consultation
• Your Botox-type Injectables Treatment
The pre-treatment consultation is where you should address all of your general concerns. Here is where you bring any questions you have that are general or specific to your case. Be sure to disclose any health issues you have faced, any medications you are currently taking (including herbal) and any allergies you may have.
The injectable treatment is another stage of treatment. This is where you actually show up to the office and are ready for your procedures to be done. Your surgeon will use a tiny needle to inject the product into areas of concern. They can use a topical anesthesia to lessen discomfort. The number of injections required depends on the number of procedures you are having and the areas you want treated.
HOW LONG WILL RESULTS LAST?
Usually Botox and Botox-type injectables start to work within a few days post-treatment. Of course this depends on the amount of product used and the results you desire. Usually the results will last up to three months, but sometimes they can last longer. Be sure to always maintain your follow-up procedures and injections to maintain the desired effect.
WHAT ELSE CAN NEUROTOXINS HELP WITH?
The value of neurotoxins goes beyond wrinkles. The value of the neurotoxins used in cosmetic surgery comes from their ability to be destructive to nerve tissue. Here are some of the other things that neurotoxins can effectively help to manage:
• Reduce excessive sweating. Many cosmetic surgeons use injections to cut down on excessive sweating. This can occur on the palms, or underarms most commonly. Surgeons can use an injection of Botox or Botox-like substance to quell the production of sweat by the glands.
• Migraines. This is a newer advancement, but it has been found that migraine sufferers can benefit from injections of neurotoxins.
• Soften vertical neck bands. Aging affects the entire body and another area that has some apparent visible signs of aging is the neck. Likely you have seen the elderly with bands around their neck. Injectables can effectively help to minimize these.
• Correction of the Gummy Smile. The gummy smile is a result of the top lip tightening up too much to reveal too much of the top teeth. Neurotoxins can be injected to stop the lip’s tightening and relax it more. This relaxing process then makes it impossible to show off so much of the top teeth when smiling.
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WHO ARE CANDIDATES FOR BOTOX-TYPE INJECTABLES TREATMENT?
In general a good candidate for Botox-type injectables are those who:
• Have moderate wrinkles to severe wrinkles to manage
• Have wrinkles in areas that are easily treatable by Botox-type injectables (such as the eyes, neck, forehead, etc.)
• Are in good general health
• Have realistic goals with the results
MEDICAL AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
With Botox and Botox-like injectables there are some medical and health considerations. Though the injectables are not harmful, it is important to be ready for treatment. This means that anyone pregnant or breast-feeding is not a candidate for injections. Anyone with an infection or illness may not be a good candidate. Also, any allergies to ingredients in your injectable will cause you to be eliminated from use. Finally, anyone with muscle conditions or nerve conditions already, such as MS or ALS, are not good candidates for the treatment. Discuss with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon your entire health history, along with the medications you currently take.
BOTOX, DYSPORT, XEOMIN COST AND FINANCING INFORMATION
The cost of Botox, Dysport or Xeomin is dependent on the amount used, patient specifics, the amount of dilution and how highly skilled the injector is. This of course is a result of how many areas you want treated. In general, a patient looking to treat their forehead, crow’s feet and brow area use about sixty units of injectable solution. The cost on average throughout the US is about $900 for that amount, or $15-per-unit. This of course is highly variable, but that is more reason for you to get more than one opinion when considering injections. The cost of injections is an import factor, however, the most important thing to consider is the qualifications of the Botox injector so that you can get the best results with minimal to no side effects.
Most offices offer convenient payment plans. Discuss your options with your surgeon’s business office. They can give you a breakdown of exactly how many units you require, what your total cost will be and how you can pay it conveniently.
RISKS AND BENEFITS OF BOTOX-TYPE INJECTABLES
As with any medical procedure there are some risks with Botox and Botox-type injectables. One of the main risks are the most common side-effects of pain, bruising, and swelling at the injection sites. You also may experience a headache post-treatment. These should all go away relatively quickly and likely will be minimal. If you experience anything concerning, be sure to discuss it with your surgeon or the nursing assistant assigned to you.
In very extreme cases there have been reports of muscle weakness, trouble speaking and vision problems. These are highly unlikely to occur. Obviously if you do experience anything like this, consult your doctor immediately.
Most risks with injectables come from not having an experienced cosmetic surgeon on your side. This is where your pre-planning and picking the best surgeon you can find is going to be invaluable.
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HERE ARE SOME COMMON FAQ WITH BOTOX AND BOTOX-TYPE INJECTABLES
What are Botox-type injectables made of?
Botox-type injectables are made from neurotoxins that are created by bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
How do Botox-type injectables treatments work?
Injectables work with wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles that create them.
Which Botox-type injectables product is right for me?
Discuss your specific case with a board certified plastic surgeon, but injectables are highly effective at managing wrinkles.
Will I need an anesthetic for Botox-type injectables ?
You can request an anesthetic. Surgeons can put a topical anesthetic on at the injection site. The needle is very small though so likely you won’t have an issue with pain.
What should I do before a treatment with Botox, Dysport or Xeomin?
Discuss your specific case with a board certified plastic surgeon. They may have you discontinue certain medications and OTC solutions you normally take.
What should I do after a treatment with Botox, Dysport or Xeomin?
Discuss your specific case with a board certified plastic surgeon. In general though, you should not massage your face or put any direct pressure on the areas of treatment for one week.
When will I see results from Botox, Dysport or Xeomin?
You likely will see the actual results of Botox and Botox-like injectables within 5-7 days post treatment. Most doctors note though that it can take up to a full 2 weeks to see the final results.
What will I look like after my Botox-type injections?
Post treatment you likely may have some redness at the injection sites and experience some swelling. Both should be minimal and anything more should be reported to your surgeon.
What if I am unhappy with my results from Botox-type injectables?
Discuss any concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon. Likely, he or she can work with you to set the expectations pre-treatment so you’re ready for post-treatment results.
What happens if I discontinue my treatments?
You will see your treatment starting to lose its effectiveness around 3-4 months post treatment. If you completely discontinue treatment your skin will return to its baseline look pre-treatment.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Interested in Botox-type injectables? We can assist you! If you need Botox-type injectables for wrinkles, folds, volume loss and many other common problems, contact us today! Schedule a consultation and let us create a treatment plan designed for you. Call Dr. Sheffield today at our Santa Barbara location (805) 318-3280
