B O T O X * D Y S P O R T * X E O M I N
Remember when Botox was a taboo subject? Now you mention Botox and nobody raises an eyebrow. It’s not even frowned upon!

Botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) is very safe in small amounts such as those used for cosmetic face injections to reduce dynamic facial lines and wrinkles. Since the late 80’s, the cosmetic procedure has enjoyed wide popularity with Hollywood and has more recently become mainstream. Approximately 1 million Americans had BoNT/A in 2018, and it is gaining popularity among millennials as a preventative measure against static wrinkles. Static wrinkles are the deeper facial lines that develop as we age as a result of the dynamic wrinkles that form when making facial expressions like smiling, frowning, raising the eyebrows or squinting.

Botox Cosmetic (brand name), which received FDA approval in 2002, is the most popular neurotoxin; however, three other brands of BoNT/As are available in the market: Dysport, Xeomin, and the new Jeuveau. The word “Botox” has become the universal word to represent “Botulinum neurotoxin A,” just like the word “Kleenex” is used in place of “facial tissue.” The differences between the various brands of BoNT are in the molecular structure/proteins, how the product may be stored (refrigerated or not), where the toxin is manufactured, and the price per unit.

All of the BoNT/As temporarily paralyze the nerve impulses responsible for muscle contractions that create those dynamic wrinkles of facial expression. The reduction in dynamic wrinkles lasts between 3 months to 6 months. The incidence of side effects is very low, and includes injection site irritation at the time of treatment, bruising, mild swelling, and rarely (1-2%) a temporary drooping of the eyelids or eyebrows. Very rarely headache, twitching, numbness, or asymmetry (one side different from the other) may occur. For some patients, the treatment reduces or prevents headaches.

At Nua, we carry Botox, Dysport and Xeomin. If you haven’t tried BoNT/A and would like more information, please schedule a consult! Let’s turn that frown into a smile!