Botox® is the trade name for Botulinum Toxin, a neurotoxin in the form of a purified protein. The mechanism of action for Botulinum Toxin (Botox) is really quite simple; it is injected into facial muscles but really doesn’t affect the muscle at all. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) works by blocking the transmitters between the motor nerves that innervate the muscle.

The areas typically treated with Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for wrinkles are the forehead, between the eyes (glabellar region), around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet) and around the lips (smokers lines or gummy smile). There is no loss of sensory feeling in the muscles. Once the motor nerve endings are interrupted, the muscle cannot contract, causing wrinkles in the skin to smooth. The effects of Botulinum Toxin (Botox) last approximately three to four months, at which time the patient will require retreatment.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox) has important clinical uses as an adjunct in facial pain and bruxism cases for patients with chronic TMJ and orofacial pain. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) is also used to complement esthetic dentistry as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.

Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA), is a neurotoxin approved by the US FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe frown lines in adults. Xeomin is made of a protein purified from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum Toxins block nerve activity in the muscles, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity, thus a reduction in wrinkles and lines.

Xeomin is the first Botulinum Toxin that does not need to be refrigerated before use, which simplifies distribution. It has no additives, containing only Botulinum Toxin type A – this may mean there is less risk of developing antibodies against Xeomin compared to other available neurotoxins. The effects of Xeomin are visable within one week, with results lasting 3 to 6 months.

Xeomin should not be used interchangeably with other botulinum products. There is a risk all botulinum toxin products may spread from the area injected, causing potentially life-threatening swallowing and breathing problems. Other risks may include bleeding and bruising at the injection site and allergic reactions such as itching, swelling or shortness of breath. Your doctor should discuss all the potential risks of this procedure with you during consultation.

Botulinum Toxin (Botox) is used esthetically to decrease the appearance of aging by reducing muscle movement. Areas of treatment include; the glabellar area (the 11’s/frown lines between the eyes), frontalis muscles (forehead lines), crow’s feet, chin dimples, radial lip lines (smoker’s lines) and nose lines. Botulinum Toxin can also be used to reduce the muscle mass in the masseters (jaw line) for a slimming facial esthetic result.

Receiving Botulinum Toxin takes only a few minutes and there’s no need for anesthesia or down time. The injections are made using a very fine needle and are virtually painless.

Generally, results are visible within two to ten days. To reduce the possibility of bruising/swelling, it is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours and aspirin/anti-inflammatory medications for a period of two weeks prior to the procedure. As always, consult your physician before stopping any medications.

The most common side effects of Botulinum Toxin injections are bruising, redness, and swelling. Other, rare side effects are possible and will be reviewed by the treating physician. To avoid adverse reactions/results, do not manipulate the treated area for 2 hours after injections and maintain an upright position.

The esthetic effects of Botulinum Toxin typically last three to four months. As the treated muscles regain movement, lines and wrinkles will begin to reappear and require retreatment. Over time, these lines and wrinkles should appear less noticeable due to training the treated muscles to relax.