A lifetime of pulling facings can leave a lasting impression on your skin. In fact, some of the most difficult aesthetic concerns to treat are dynamic wrinkles, which are the lines of your face that are associated with active facial expressions. From crow's feet to laugh lines, dynamic wrinkles are difficult to treat because they are perpetually in motion. Fortunately, at Steven H Dayan, MD in Chicago, IL, we know there are certain cosmetic treatments that can help, such as Xeomin.
How Long Do Xeomin Injections Last?
You can expect the wrinkle-relaxing effects of Xeomin to last for 3 to 6 months per treatment. This is a standard measurement for this class of cosmetic treatments, as most neurotoxins have similar result durations. However, the fact that this neurotoxin can last up to 6 months puts it ahead of some other neurotoxins, which may only last for 3 to 4 months for most patients. This is only one reason why more and more patients are turning to this neurotoxin instead of the competition.
How Frequently Should You Have These Injections?
Ideally, patients should have this treatment when they notice the effects of the neurotoxins are beginning to wane. For many patients, this means scheduling regular appointments every 5 to 6 months to maintain optimal results.
What Determines Frequency?
Ultimately, the frequency of your treatment will be determined by a few factors, such as how quickly your body breaks down the injectable solution. One of the bigger determining factors is the condition of your skin and the areas where the injections are made.
If you have moderate or severe dynamic wrinkles, your treatment may not last as long as other patients simply because there is more work for the neurotoxins to do. Similarly, injections made on areas of the face that are involved in movement, such as around the mouth, tend to break down more quickly.
Why Do Xeomin Injections Last So Long?
Some patients report that this neurotoxins injectable lasts a bit longer than the direct competition, which would be Botox and Dysport. The reason for this can be found in the chemical formula. Although each of these neurotoxins uses botulinum toxin as the main active ingredient, brands like Botox and Dysport include accessory proteins in their formula to help refine the effects of the treatment. However, this refinement also makes the botulinum slightly less effective for some patients.
Xeomin, on the other hand, uses a "naked" botulinum toxin that does not contain any added binding proteins. This means that this neurotoxin is both purer than other injectable treatments and that there is less risk of an allergic reaction to added proteins. Patients who have not had much success with other neurotoxin injectables may find more success with this one.
How Soon Can You See Your Results?
Generally speaking, regardless of the neurotoxin treatment being used, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the results to manifest on your face. Your results will involve relaxing the muscles on your face and smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, both of which will create a more youthful visage. Some patients may notice results in as little as 5 days. How quickly you notice results will depend on how well you are responding to the treatment.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do Neurotoxins Work?
Neurotoxins are a novelty in the cosmetics industry. Ever since Botox became available as a cosmetic treatment for patients seeking anti-aging solutions, neurotoxins have been the backbone of many cosmetic treatment plans. All neurotoxins work in the same way, which means that they are each an injectable treatment. Injections are made in targeted locations on the face, such as the forehead, to help you achieve your aesthetic goal.
In principle, the basic idea for neurotoxins as a cosmetic treatment is the tactical application of chemicals like botulinum toxin, which are known toxins that interfere with the regular communication of neurons. In the case of botulinum toxin, this is a neurotoxin that modulates the way neurotransmitters related to muscle movement communicate with each other. Because botulinum toxin inhibits the response of muscles in the face, wrinkles caused by facial movements can relax.
2. What's the Difference Between Xeomin and Botox?
The main difference between this injectable treatment and Botox is in the chemical formulation. The trace proteins in Botox help bind the neurotoxin to blood and tissue, which essentially helps the injections stay in place. For Xeomin, those proteins are absent, which means this neurotoxin injectable has a bit more freedom in how it settles in the muscle.
Is One Better Than the Other?
It's hard to say whether one neurotoxin treatment is better than the other since it really depends on the patient and their exact needs. However, the fact that there are multiple neurotoxin treatments to choose from would suggest that there is one specific formula that works best with your unique body composition.
Dr. Steven Dayan is a true expert who will help you determine which neurotoxin treatment is ideal for your aesthetic goals, as well as which neurotoxin injectable works best for you to produce the results you want.
3. Do You Need to Alternate Between This Neurotoxin and Another?
Patients who are old-hat at cosmetic treatments, particularly patients who have used neurotoxins in the past, might already be aware of the wisdom in alternating between different neurotoxins. For example, because Dysport is the most effective for about 4 to 6 treatments in a row, many patients alternate Dysport and Botox to prolong result efficacy and to avoid building up a tolerance to the treatment.
However, most of the tolerance from neurotoxin treatments is the result of the trace proteins in the injection, which binds to enzymes produced by your body, which creates the opportunity for your body to build up a tolerance to those proteins over time. You may not have this problem with Xeomin because the formula does not contain added proteins.
4. Can You Use This Neurotoxin With Other Treatments?
You absolutely can use neurotoxin treatments with other cosmetic treatments, and in fact, for many patients, this is the best way to achieve all of your aesthetic goals. Combining treatments is particularly useful if you have multiple appearance-related concerns that cannot be addressed by a single treatment. Some cosmetic treatments commonly combined with this one include:
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers and neurotoxins go hand-in-hand. While neurotoxins will relax facial muscles to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and prevent wrinkles from worsening, dermal fillers are designed to restore facial volume, particularly skin laxity.
A normal result of the aging process is an increase in skin laxity, or skin looseness, which is caused by lower levels of collagen produced by the body. Many dermal fillers restore facial volume and incite the production of collagen simultaneously.
Hydrafacials
Hydrafacials are a revolutionary facial treatment that addresses multiple skin concerns at one time. With patented double-helix vortex technology, Hydrafacials are able to gently exfoliate the skin surface, deep-clean pores to remove bacteria, dirt, and oil, and infuse the skin with intense hydration and special serums for added benefits.
Hydrafacials are ideal for all patients as this treatment can correct uneven skin tone and texture, restore moisture balance, treat acne, and blur blemishes.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are ideal for treating superficial skin concerns. With a combination of light and thermal energy, laser treatments penetrate the sub-dermal layers of skin to stimulate the body's natural regenerative response and correct moderate to severe superficial skin concerns.
Using laser treatments in conjunction with neurotoxins needs to be carefully planned. Laser treatments can reduce scarring, erase sun damage and dark spots, and so much more.
Skincare Products
Using the right skincare products can also enhance the results of your neurotoxin treatment. The right skincare routine can restore the appearance of your skin and act as a preventative measure against new signs of aging.
Product lines such as Alastin, Skin Medica, PCA Skin, and Environ are all good options to boost the effects of your other cosmetic treatments. We will help you find the right system for your skincare needs.
5. How Should You Prepare for Neurotoxin Injections?
Preparing for neurotoxin injectable treatments involves following a few rules. For example, for about 5 to 7 days before your treatment appointment, you should temporarily discontinue the use of blood-thinning medications like Aspirin and certain supplements, such as Vitamin E. You may also want to temporarily stop using Retinoids for 3 to 5 days before your appointment.
It's also important that you reschedule your treatment appointment if you have an active cold sore, skin irritation such as eczema, or you are currently pregnant. Because this is a non-invasive treatment, you will not need to arrange for transportation after your appointment.
6. What Is Your Recovery Like?
Recovery for this treatment is simply because there is very little downtime associated with neurotoxin injectables. However, while you are free to return to your normal daily activities following your treatment, there are a few rules you will want to keep in mind. For instance, you will be told how to take care of your skin for the next 3 to 5 days, you will be instructed to not use certain acids or exfoliating products, and you will be reminded to use sunscreen anytime you cannot avoid direct sunlight.
7. Where Can This Injection Be Used?
This treatment actually has a broader range of treatment areas than other neurotoxin treatments. There are multiple areas of the face that can be treated, including:
- Glabellar lines
- Forehead lines
- Crow's feet
- Smile lines
- Bunny lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Vertical lip lines
- Gummy smile
8. How Many Units Will Your Treatment Require?
The number of units required for your treatment will depend on the areas that are being treated. For wrinkles on the forehead, about 20 to 40 units will be needed; wrinkles around the eye area will require 5 to 10 units; wrinkles on the mid-face will require about 20 units. The number of units needed for your treatment will also depend on the severity of your skin condition.
9. Are You a Good Candidate?
Good candidates include those who are not allergic to botulinum toxin and who are not currently pregnant. Your consultation appointment will determine if this treatment is a good option to achieve your aesthetic goals. You may be a good candidate for neurotoxin treatments if you want to smooth the appearance of fine lines and correct dynamic wrinkles.
See the Difference With Xeomin Injections Today!
Neurotoxin injection treatments can help you achieve your goal of a younger-looking visage. It's time to relax your frown lines and see the difference neurotoxin treatments can make for you. Under Dr. Steven Dayan's expert care, you can benefit from the anti-aging effects of Xeomin injections today. Call Steven H Dayan, MD in Chicago, IL to schedule your initial appointment today!
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