Botox, Dysport & Xeomin
Sheepshead Bay Laser Center is pleased to offer neurotoxin treatments (Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Xeomin) to soften facial creases, lines and wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes. The result is a smoother, more relaxed, more youthful look, a bit like a brow lift without surgery.
What are neurotoxins?
Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are made from a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In tiny, carefully measured doses, it has been used in medicine for decades. It was first used to relieve muscle spasms, and it is now one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world.
When injected into a specific muscle, it temporarily relaxes that muscle by blocking the nerve signal that tells it to contract.
How it smooths wrinkles
The muscles you use for facial expressions are connected to the skin above them. After years of frowning, squinting and raising your brows, those repeated movements create visible lines and creases.
By relaxing the small muscles beneath these lines, the wrinkles soften and smooth out, and new wrinkles are less likely to form. The untreated muscles keep working normally, so you can still smile and show expression.
Three trusted products
All three are FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A treatments for frown lines. They work in a similar way, with small differences we'll discuss at your consultation to choose what's best for you.
Botox® Cosmetic
The best-known neurotoxin (onabotulinumtoxinA). A prescription medicine injected into muscles to temporarily improve the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the brows in adults, along with forehead lines and crow's feet.
Dysport®
(abobotulinumtoxinA) Temporarily improves the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines without changing the look of your whole face. Untreated muscles keep working normally, so you can still smile and show expression freely.
Xeomin®
(incobotulinumtoxinA) Made with a purification process that removes the accessory proteins found with the toxin, sometimes called a "naked" neurotoxin. It's an option for patients who prefer a highly purified product.
What to expect
- Free consultationWe discuss which lines bother you, review your medical history, and recommend the right product and treatment plan.
- TreatmentA very small amount of the diluted medicine is injected directly into the targeted muscles with a fine needle. The procedure is very quick. Ice packs applied beforehand help reduce any discomfort.
- Right afterStay upright for 2–3 hours after treatment so the medicine stays in the treated area. Minor redness or small bumps at the injection sites fade quickly.
- ResultsYou'll start to see lines soften within a few days, with the full effect in about 1–2 weeks.
- MaintenanceResults usually last 3–6 months. Over time, treated muscles often become trained to move less, so many patients need treatment less often.
Before your treatment
- Avoid aspirin, aspirin-containing products and anti-inflammatory medicines (like ibuprofen) for 10 days beforehand, unless your doctor has told you to take them
- Avoid alcohol for one week before treatment
- Let us know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have a neuromuscular condition, or have had a neurotoxin before
These steps help reduce the chance of bruising.
After your treatment
- Remain upright for 2–3 hours, and don't lie down or bend over
- Don't rub or massage the treated areas
- Avoid alcohol, aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines for at least 2 days
- Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be used for any lingering discomfort
Frequently asked questions
What wrinkles can be treated?
The most commonly treated areas are the forehead, the furrow between the brows ("11s"), and crow's feet around the eyes. Crow's feet can be softened, frown lines diminished, and forehead wrinkles lessened.
Can I still move my face?
Yes, just not as much in the treated areas. Extreme movements of the forehead and brows, which create the wrinkles, are reduced, while the other muscles in your face aren't affected. The goal is a natural, refreshed look, not a "frozen" one.
Do the injections hurt?
People respond differently. Some feel a brief sting while the medicine is injected, but there's rarely any pain afterward. Applying ice beforehand helps reduce discomfort.
How long do results last?
Results vary, but for most people they last 3–6 months. Larger muscles, or those used a lot by very expressive people, may need treatment more often. Over time, many patients find they need less frequent treatments. Treatments are usually spaced at least 3 months apart.
What about side effects?
Because the effects aren't permanent, significant side effects are uncommon. Bruising or redness at the injection sites can occur, and headaches aren't unusual. Rarely, the medicine can spread near the eyelid and cause temporary drooping. In very rare cases the effect can spread beyond the injection area; if you ever have trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing after treatment, get medical help right away.
Is it safe?
Neurotoxin injections have been used for cosmetic purposes for decades and are among the most-studied aesthetic treatments. The doses used are tiny, and they have an excellent safety record when given by experienced medical providers, as at our office. We'll review your health history to make sure treatment is right for you.
This page is for general information and isn't medical advice. Suitability, dosing and results vary by person and are determined by your provider. Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport® and Xeomin® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Look refreshed, naturally
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