What are Wrinkle Relaxers?

​Wrinkle relaxers such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are a type of neurotoxin from a purified bacterial source.
It’s use in medicine began in 1977 and has been found to be a safe, effective treatment for multiple muscle related diagnosis, as well as Aesthetic uses and excessive arm pit and hand sweating. 
​​Botox is available in three compounds, Botox, Xeomin and Dysport.
​Botox remains the most commonly performed non surgical aesthetic procedure. 

What do Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin treat?

It is used to treat facial and neck wrinkling, depressed brows, sagging and facial asymmetries. It works by interrupting the communication to select muscles responsible for the undesirable wrinkling/sagging. The muscles are temporarily relaxed (usually lasting 3-6 months). As the Botox wears off over time, the muscle communication resumes and a repeated treatment is necessary.
Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport wrinkle relaxers results last 3-6 months on average.
 In treating facial muscles that are contributing to undesirable lines and wrinkles, the skin is spared the ongoing pressure from muscles causing it to fold and crease and these areas can now be restored to their smooth and youthful state. On appearance the eye is then drawn to facial features, rather than shadows, lines and indentations which distract from one’s beautiful features.

What are the differences between Botox, Dysport and Xeomin?

There is a slight variation in the chemical structure between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin, yet they all contain the same active ingredient.
What this means is that for some patients one product may be more effective than another. The decision between which neurotoxin to use is based on a clinical assessment, the patient history and history with various neurotoxins/dosing, and longevity of muscle immobilization.
My algorithm at CollaJenn Aesthetics, which I share with patients who are neurotoxin naive, is to start with Botox. I move to Dysport for clients who have no response or complain of short duration with Botox. I use Xeomin for patients concerned with cost (however, in my experience Xeomin appears to be the product with the shortest duration of muscle immobilization).
Juveau is another available neurotoxin. Unless I had a client failing Boxot, Dysport, and Xeomin, I would consider for patients third in line after Dysport, simply because of my limited experience with Juveau and not really finding a need for this product.

​Is it safe?

​A clinical history will be taken to insure Botox is right for you. Botox is not used in those with neuromuscular junction disorders such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome. For most clients Botox is a safe and effective treatment without downtime.

When can I return to regular activities?

​Normal activity can be resumed following injections. Avoid massage to the injected area the day of injection, which also includes vibrating facial cleansing brushes. Avoid headbands on the day of injection.

How long does it last?

Botox and wrinkle relaxer results last 3-6 months on average.

Is it painful?

​Most clients do not report pain, however a change can be noticed in muscle sensation within the first couple days to two weeks as the Botox begins to work. 

​What are the benefits of treatment with wrinkle relaxers?

​As we age, the structure of our facial bones, muscles, fat pads and dermal layers continue to change. The desire for a permanent solution is very common, however temporary treatments such as Botox, allow us to modify the treatments as the face continues to change over time. This means we can have better outcomes when we have treatment options that allow us to respond to the changes occurring today and tomorrow.