Let’s delve into the world of neuromodulators! As a board-certified dermatologist, I, Dr. Jennifer Breedlove, will discuss brand names like Dysport, Botox, and Xeomin.
I’ll answer key questions about who can be injected, the time it takes for injections to work, and the frequency of treatments.
I'll also touch on potential side effects and the variability in costs.
The technical name for these injections is botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin a neurotoxin that weakens muscles by affecting nerves. It's used to treat wrinkles, prevent migraines, and other conditions; and works by blocking nerve impulses to muscles, causing them to relax. This softens expressions and reduces wrinkles that form from facial movements like smiling, squinting, and frowning.
Ideal Candidates
A common question I get at Love Dermatology is, simply, who can be injected. Interestingly enough, patients over the age of 21 who have dynamic wrinkles, which means that when the face is moving, the muscles are actually moving with it, are candidates. However, it’s not indicated for anyone with neuromuscular disorders, myasthenia gravis, or Eaton-Lambert Syndrome, which are a couple of the most common neuromuscular disorders.
How Long Until You See Results
Another common question people have is how long does it take for the injections to become effective? As far as injection sites most commonly placed in areas above the eye, or in the jaw line for TMJ or when there's extensive grinding, or when used for banding in the neck, called platysmal bands, the answer is actually unique to you!
Each person is completely different, But generally speaking, it can take up to two weeks for full effect. You may have someone who is injected, and it also depends on what, which product you're injecting them with, but you may have someone who's injected who may get very quick movement improvement. And then, conversely, you may have people who it would take up to the full two weeks. So if you do need any kind of adjustment, we always say to wait the full two week duration, just in case, because it may take that long.
Does It Hurt
You may also be wondering, does it hurt, and how long does it take? I get that question a lot, and I think it is person dependent. It is a fairly quick procedure and we do it quite often here at Love Dermatology. You can expect the preparatory consent signing and picture taking, which takes some time, but the actual procedure itself takes only minutes.
Most people do not say that it is uncomfortable. We also implement a couple of distraction techniques during the appointment. Sometimes we'll do a little tapping in an area opposite where we're doing the injections, or we have a little tool that creates a gentle vibration which can alter the sensation of discomfort. However, most people say it is very tolerable; and it certainly hasn't discouraged anyone from getting injections!
Frequency
Another very common question people have regarding botulinum toxin is how often do I need to get it done?
You may need to get it done anywhere from three to four months, depending on the individual. On occasion, I do have some people that have been injecting for many years and they are able to go several months. Then on occasion, I will see my patients who are athletes and who have a high rate of metabolism, and they would be on the shorter side of that three month window.
If you're using it for sweating, to help with a condition called hyperhidrosis, the injection site is underneath the armpits and there is a medical indication for treatment of that area. Overall, it’s person dependent. Oftentimes you will get a longer duration, sometimes even six to nine, maybe even in 12 months.
Cost of Injectables
Regarding cost, it’s variable. The cost depends on many factors, including how many injections you need, which type of injections you’ll use, and even the experience of the injector can affect your cost.
I equate this as to when you're getting your hair done. There's stylists who may be just starting out and so they have lower tiered pricing, versus the cost for a stylist who's been doing it for 20 years, their rates will be a little different.
Side Effects
Lastly, side effects. You may be wondering what kind of side effects you can expect. The most common you may experience is temporary discomfort at the site of injection, most often in the glabella area of the forehead and around the eyes.
There may also be pinpoint bleeding at the injection site, therefore, if you are taking any medications that increase your chance of bleeding, like ibuprofen, other anti-inflammatories, Vitamin E, or even consuming an alcoholic beverage (which thins the blood), we advise you to discuss this with us prior to scheduling your appointment as to avoid your risk of bleeding the day of.
Injections may also increase your risk of bruising in the area, mild swelling or a bit of redness. However, for most people, it dissipates quickly and they can resume their regular activities.
Final Thoughts
I love getting injections! They have been around for decades. They were even injecting in Europe well before it was approved in the United States, and so it's a great in-office procedure that people can do fairly quickly. We sort of say it's a lunchtime procedure, because you can come and get it done and comfortably go right back to work.
I hope this blog has been informative and I look forward to answering any questions you may have. Just give our office a call and let us take care of you!
Wishing you a wonderful day ahead,
— Dr. Jennifer Breedlove, Your Trusted Dermatologist
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