Neurotoxin injections: preventative and restorative skincare
Sometimes, taking care of our skin by staying hydrated and using anti-aging products is not enough to fend off pesky fine lines and wrinkles.
Neurotoxin Injections
Millions of people across the globe receive neurotoxin injections each year, but if you’re just looking into them, you may have a lot of questions.
Enter: Heather Herrick, head of aesthetics for IVme and co-founder of IVme Milwaukee.
“The main reason people are hesitant about neurotoxin injections is because they think it’s going to change the way they look, and that’s simply not true,” Heather says. “I like to say these treatments like Botox® and Dysport® create a look that everybody notices but nobody knows exactly what’s different. Neurotoxin injections preserve and restore one’s own natural beauty, creating a refreshed look instead of something new.”
What is a neurotoxin injection?
Neurotoxin injections, such as BOTOX® and Dysport® are a cosmetic treatment that involves injecting a small amount of botulinum toxin into the muscles of the face. Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin that blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals the muscles to contract.
When botulinum toxin is injected into the muscles of the face, it relaxes the muscles, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The effects of neurotoxin injections usually last for several months, after which the treatment needs to be repeated to maintain the desired results.
“Each of us have been repeating the same facial muscle movements our entire lives; that’s why our fine lines and wrinkles are called smile or frown lines,” says Heather. “Neurotoxin treatments relax these muscles and keep them from contracting, ultimately relaxing the fine lines and wrinkles in your face.”
What Neurotoxin Options Are Available?
Most people have heard of Botox® and Dysport®, but IVme offers several different types of FDA-approved neurotoxins across our locations, including:
- Botox®
- Dysport®
- Daxxify®
- Jeuveau®
“At the end of the day, the brand matters less than finding the right match for your goals,” Heather explains. “Our trained injectors will recommend which neurotoxin is best based on your facial anatomy, skin needs, and personal preferences.”
All of these injectables achieve similar results — a refreshed, natural look — with timing and duration varying slightly. Botox® and Dysport® typically last 3–4 months, while Daxxify® may last longer for some patients.
Safety and Results
Neurotoxins have been FDA-approved for more than 20 years. The cosmetic dosage is extremely small — just enough to relax targeted muscles. Patients can expect to see results within 7–14 days, with peak results between two to four weeks. Treatments are then repeated every few months for best results.
Who gets neurotoxin injections and why do they get them?
There is not a suggested age range for neurotoxin injections. Anyone who wants a refreshed, natural look that is quick and easy is encouraged to consider neurotoxin injections as a solution.
For people in their 20s and 30s, neurotoxin injections can accentuate their natural look and serve as a preventative treatment. For people in their 40s and 50s, neurotoxin injections reduce fine lines and wrinkles, offering a revitalized look and restoring one’s own natural beauty. For anyone with deeper lines and wrinkles, neurotoxin injections can be combined with fillers.
“We often hear that our customers want to look less tired and feel more comfortable and confident in their skin,” Heather says. “Sometimes people come in wanting to relieve TMJ or chronic migraines, and other times it’s because their makeup is creasing in their facial lines or they don’t like the way they look in photos. The best part of my job is being able to provide that to them. After a treatment, I often hear ‘I feel like myself again!’ and that is such a good feeling.”
What can I expect when coming to IVme for neurotoxin injections?
At IVme, the patient’s goals are the top priority. Before any injection is administered, a registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP) or medical doctor (MD) will provide a full facial assessment, looking at the tone and texture of the skin, as well as the full facial anatomy and muscle movements.
“We always start with a consultation to understand each person’s needs, answer any questions they may have and help them feel educated and confident in their treatment decisions,” Heather says. “One of the things that sets IVme apart is our highly-educated staff. During these consultations, patients have the benefit of meeting with medically-trained professionals to get the absolute best results.”
Once a treatment is given by one of IVme’s trained nurse injectors, IVme patients should begin to see results within 7-10 days. Because this is a temporary treatment–unlike fillers, which we’ll dive into later–injections are then administered every three to four months thereafter, depending on the type of treatment and overall goal.
“Neurotoxin injections are often where people start when they want a preventative, restorative service that produces natural results,” Heather says. “For anyone considering considering injectables, I’d encourage them to come in for a consultation and get the conversation started; the longer you wait to treat your muscles from the lifelong movements they’ve made, the harder it is to get them to change.”
What makes IVme a great place to receive neurotoxin injections?
At IVme, we understand that part of feeling your best includes looking your best, and our exceptionally skilled and equally caring team is committed to helping you enhance your naturally beautiful appearance. It’s often said that IVme operates as a medical facility with a spa-like atmosphere and experience.
All of the treatments offered at IVme benefit and support one another. Neurotoxin injections will only be enhanced by medical-grade skincare and facial services, while IV treatments make your skin shine from the inside out–sustaining your hydration and boosting your overall skin quality.
We are guided by our PEP principles:
- Product: Offer safe, effective and age-defying treatments that make you look as good as you feel
- Experience: Offer a personalized, safe and relaxing experience
- People: Our staff are highly trained, caring and all around exceptional humans
With these guiding principles, IVme is committed to results and building long-term relationships with customers through follow-up appointments and education. Many of our staff are trusted medical professionals who put customer wellness at the center of everything they do.
“I was a pediatric nurse for over 10 years, and I’ve been administering cosmetic injectables since 2014,” Heather says. “One of the things I love most about working at IVme is that we’re able to offer beauty from the inside and out; there aren’t many other places you can get BOTOX® or Dysport® alongside a BeautyPlus IV that’s going to hydrate you and make your skin glow even more.”
Book your neurotoxin injection consultation today.
Services and availability vary by location. Contact your local IVme center for details.