NEUROMODULATORS AKA Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum Toxin, is a neurotoxin protein derived from the Clostridium Botulinum Bacterium. When small quantities of botulinum toxin are injected into target muscles, localized chemical denervation occurs due to inhibition of acetylcholine release. This temporarily reduces muscle contractions and smooths skin wrinkles in the treatment area. Botulinum Toxin A is used for cosmetic indications.

Botulinum toxin procedures are performed via needle injection. There is minimal or no discomfort. Numbing is not required. 

• For temporary treatment of moderate to severe dynamic glabellar frown lines
• For temporary treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis aka excess sweating in the underarms
• For temporary treatment of migraines
• For off label uses for reduction of wrinkles in the upper and lower face, neck, and chest, lifting of facial areas, and correction of facial asymmetries. 

• Frown lines
• Horizontal forehead lines
• Crow's feet
• Bunny lines
• Lower eyelid wrinkles/fine lines
• Eyebrow lift
• Lip lines (smoker's lines)
• Upper lip lift/flip 
• Marionette lines
• Downturned smile
• Gummy smile
• Chin puckering
• Neck bands 
• Jaw slimming 
• Temporomandibular-joint pain
• Excess sweating on the underarms

• Dysport
• Xeomin
• Botox (by request)

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Active infection in the treatment area
• Taking antibiotics - wait 1 week after last dose
• Had a vaccine within 14 days ago or expecting vaccine within the next 2 weeks--must wait 2 weeks before and after vaccine
• Neuromuscular disorder including but not limited to myasthenia graves, Lambert-eaton syndrome, etc.
• Neurological disorder including but not limited to Bell's palsy, etc.
• Risk of hypertrophic or keloidal scarring
• Active dermatological disorder such as eczema, psoriasis, acne
• Currently taking Accutane for acne or treatment in the last 6 months
• Autoimmune disorders 
• Allergy to botulinum serotype A, human albumin, lactose
• Immunosuppressant
• Active cancer 
• Bleeding disorders
• Inability to actively contract muscles in the treatment area prior to treatment 
• Surgery within the previous 6 months in the treatment area
• Neuromuscular or neurological medications 
• Unrealistic expectations 

Effects begin several days after treatment and the full effect seen at 2 weeks. The effects are temporary, lasting 3 to 4 months at which reinjection is necessary to maintain results.

A follow up 2 weeks after injection is highly recommended to evaluate response and make any tweaks as needed. Additional units required will be charged as normal. Tweaks will not be made beyond 2 weeks.

Although rare, side effects and complications can occur. 

Side effects injection-related not limited to:

• Localized stinging during injection
• Redness & swelling in the injection site which will subside after a couple hours
• Bruising
• Headache - you may take Tylenol for this.
• Infection - rare but can occur with any open injury to the skin. Avoid touching your skin post-procedure.
• Numbness - rare but injury to nerves can occur.
• Reactivation of herpes simplex

Complications related to botulinum toxin not limited to:

• Droopy eyelid
• Droopy eyebrow
• Incomplete eyelid closure
• Dry eyes 
• Double vision
• Asymmetry of eyebrows or smile
• Botox resistance: Autoantibodies against botulinum toxin where little to no effect is achieved. 

Total units vary person to person. It will be determined at your consultation how many units you will need approximately. The treatment is not exact science, so re-evaluation for a touch up may be necessary at 2 weeks. 

Price will be charge per unit (inquire).

Commonly areas:

Forehead with frown can start at $300.

Crow's feet can start at $200.

Avoid blood thinning products ~1 week prior: aspirin (if safe to), Advil, Motrin, Aleve, vitamin E, St. John's wort, gingko, evening primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, Omega-3 supplements, alcohol. Consult with your family physician if any of these area safe to hold.

Come to your appointment with a clean face. No makeup.

Schedule your appointment when you do not have important meetings.

• Do not lay down for 4 hours after appointment.
• Avoid blood thinning products (as listed above) including alcohol for ~3 days.
• Do not manipulate the treatment area for 24 hours. Gently cleanse the area in the evening without rubbing.
• Avoid exfoliating products for ~3 days such as Retinol, Retin-A, acids, physical scrubs.
• Avoid facial treatments such as microdermabrasion, facials, any type of laser, waxing, threading, etc for at least 2 weeks.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours.
• If you have bruises, you may apply arnica gel to accelerate fading of the bruise.

Feel free to contact us via email or phone with any additional questions you may have. You may schedule a consultation appointment prior to proceeding with the procedure.