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.
Enter: neurotoxin injections.
Millions of people across the globe receive neurotoxin injections such as BOTOX® and Dysport® 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 BOTOX® and Dysport® treatments create a look that everybody notices but nobody knows exactly what’s different. These treatments 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’s the difference between BOTOX® and Dysport®?
In all honesty, the main difference between these two treatments is the branding. But, IVme offers both and staff choose which treatment is best for each patient based on their personal goals.
Some people boast quicker results from Dysport®, noticing a reduction in wrinkles as soon as 2-3 days, while BOTOX® typically takes around 7 days to kick in. However, both injectables will hit their peak result in 2 weeks, and both products last 3-4 months, which is when another treatment would be recommended for best, consistent results.
In terms of choosing one over the other, it depends on each patient’s personal situation. Dysport® is used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles, while BOTOX® is used to treat mild to moderate wrinkles. Dysport® is FDA-approved for the glabella complex, or frown lines, and BOTOX® is FDA-approved for the glabella complex, forehead and crow’s feet.
“At the end of the day, BOTOX® and Dysport® both offer great results,” Heather says. “Choosing one treatment over the other is a decision that should be made in consultation with a trained neurotoxin injector.”
Are neurotoxins safe?
Yes, neurotoxins are safe and have been FDA-approved for more than 20 years. It’s true that neurotoxins are a type of toxin, but it has been purified multiple times before becoming a cosmetic injection. It’s also important to note that the neurotoxin dosage in BOTOX® and Dysport® is extremely small, just enough to relax the muscles.
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 BOTOX® or Dysport®, 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.”