Neurotoxins (Botox®)

While aging is a normal and natural life process that cannot be completely reversed or prevented, we need not always passively accept its undesirable effects on our skin and facial features.

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Wrinkles, fine lines, furrows, creases, and folds can significantly change the way others perceive us, distorting our defining features and robbing us of our youthfulness before we’re ready. Luckily, injectable neuromodulators like Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau® can radically improve signs of aging without surgery, incisions, or anesthesia.

Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau® are the four neurotoxins (muscle relaxers) that are currently available at our New York City plastic surgeon’s office. These FDA-approved products are injected to reduce facial wrinkles, especially around the forehead and eyes.

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*Individual results may vary.

Learn More About Neurotoxins (Botox®)

The FDA has approved Botox® for treating glabellar lines and crow’s feet. Glabellar lines, also called frown lines or “elevens,” are vertical wrinkles between the eyes that typically occur with frowning. Crow’s feet appear on the sides of the eyes and in the lower lids, typically with smiling or squinting. Dysport®, Jeuveau®, and Xeomin® are also intended for reducing frown lines and crow’s feet.

Many off-label uses of botulinum products have become quite popular in recent years. Botox® and other neurotoxins may be used on horizontal forehead lines, bunny lines, neck bands, lip lines, and more. They may be used to relax the muscles that cause a gummy smile or even the chewing muscles, which, when overgrown, can cause excessive widening of the lower face and TMJ pain. Finally, botulinum toxin can also be used to stop sweating, particularly in the underarms. 

Neurotoxins have many potential uses for your unique needs and goals. The best way to determine if Botox® or another neurotoxin is suitable for your specific concern is a consultation with Dr. Rapaport. Most patients are eligible for neurotoxin injections. However, patients who are pregnant, nursing, have an infection at the injection site or have a neuromuscular disease may not be suitable candidates.

Just like dermal fillers, the key to getting good results with botulinum toxin injections is to have the proper artistic approach to the face as a whole and truly understand each patient’s desires. To achieve optimal results, we keep a photographic record of precisely how much neurotoxin is used and where it is injected. This allows for duplication if results are ideal or adjustments if one seeks more or less muscle relaxation.

Offering multiple neurotoxin options also allows Dr. Rapaport and his team to provide the most customized treatment since some botulinum toxin products work better for certain patients and treatment areas than others. Botox® has been around longer than the other neurotoxins and is, therefore, the most well-known. Just as many people refer to all facial tissues as “Kleenex,” many people refer to all neurotoxins as Botox®. Indeed, all three neurotoxins are various forms of botulinum toxin type A and are far more similar than different.

There are small differences between Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau®, and each product has advantages in particular circumstances. At the time of consultation, Dr. Rapaport will advise which neurotoxin he recommends for treating any given area.

Depending on patient preference, Botox® can be used to freeze a muscle completely or, in lower doses, only weaken the muscle or parts of the muscle. This is a matter of patient anatomy and preference and is discussed with each patient individually by Dr. Rapaport at our New York City office.

Before treatment begins, Dr. Rapaport’s medical assistant will numb the treatment area with ice to minimize any discomfort. If you prefer, we can apply an alternative anesthetic for additional comfort. After carefully marking the strategically chosen entry points on the face, Dr. Rapaport will use an ultra-fine needle to inject the product into the skin. Most neurotoxin treatments can be completed in 15 minutes or less.

Injectables like neurotoxins are popular for their minimal side effects and recovery. Most swelling or redness is quite minor after Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau® treatment and can be easily alleviated with an ice pack and Tylenol. Patients must avoid ibuprofen, Vitamin E, fish oil, and other supplements for several days before and after the procedure to minimize bruising; aspirin should be avoided for ten days before and after the procedure. To ensure proper healing, you should avoid touching or disturbing the treatment areas for ten hours post-procedure.

Patients can resume normal activities within two hours following a neurotoxin treatment. Dr. Rapaport’s staff will provide detailed aftercare instructions and keep in touch with you for follow-up to monitor your progress. Patients may require additional injections down the line to help maintain excellent results. Complimentary touch-ups of botulinum treatment are generally included as part of your care!

Neurotoxin results are visible within approximately one week. Over recent years, Dysport® has become our preferred choice in most cases because its onset seems to be quicker, with noticeable improvement in two to three days instead of six to seven days with Botox® or Xeomin®. Dysport® sometimes lasts longer, as well.

Neurotoxins tend to remain effective for three to six months. When very small doses are used, the effect may be even more short-lived. Some of the off-label uses for neurotoxins may have longer or shorter results. Botox® lasts for three to five months for almost all uses, depending on how much is used, while when used to reduce sweating, it typically lasts from six to nine months, and sometimes more. Patients can preserve their neurotoxin benefits with two or three yearly maintenance sessions.

Take the Next Step

Every patient’s transformation journey at Rapaport Plastic Surgery begins with a detailed consultation with Dr. Rapaport. To learn more about Botox® and determine if it’s the right choice for you, fill out the form below or call us at (212) 249-9955 to schedule an appointment. Our team is dedicated to providing the best plastic surgery NYC has to offer.

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