How Soon Should You Get Neurotoxins Before a Special Occasion?
Posted January 16, 2020 in BOTOX® Cosmetic
6 Minute Read
Table of Contents
How Are Neurotoxins Different Than Other Injectable Treatments?
When Will I See the Results of My Neurotoxins?
What Is the Difference Between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®?
Why Do I Have to Wait to See My Results?
Are There Any Alternative Treatments to Neurotoxins?
Why Should I Choose Careaga Plastic Surgery?
How Can I Learn More About Neurotoxins in Miami?
Patients should schedule their neurotoxin treatment two weeks before a special occasion.
Many individuals become interested in cosmetic improvement before a special occasion like a wedding, family get together, or school reunion.
One of the most popular cosmetic options for these types of occasions is BOTOX® Cosmetic—an injectable treatment that lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
While BOTOX® is the most well-known neurotoxin formula, it is not the only treatment of this nature that is available. Dysport® is a similar neurotoxin that restores more youthful contours.
Even though these are non-surgical treatment options, you shouldn’t undergo them hours before your special occasion and expect optimal results.
So, when is the best time to undergo an injectable neurotoxin treatment if you have something special coming up?
What Are Neurotoxins?
In 2018, there were over seven million neurotoxin injections performed (BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, and XEOMIN®), and those numbers are continuing to grow.
Neurotoxins are the name given to a line of injectable treatments that are made up of botulinum toxin. These injections are muscle relaxers, meaning that, when injected, they block the chemical signals between the facial nerves and muscles.
Slowing or stopping these chemical signals prevents muscle contraction (wrinkle formation), and therefore, restores a more youthful complexion.
At Careaga Plastic Surgery, we offer the following neurotoxin treatments:
- BOTOX® Cosmetic
- Dysport®
Neurotoxins like BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport® reduce the appearance of wrinkles such as crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines.
How Are Neurotoxins Different From Other Injectable Treatments?
Unlike injectable dermal fillers, neurotoxins do not add volume to the face. Instead, these treatments prohibit the transmission of chemical signals between the nerves and muscles that contract to form dynamic lines.
Dynamic lines are wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements like blinking, squinting, and certain facial expressions. These are the opposite of static lines—lines that are caused by the natural aging process.
Dynamic lines are best treated with neurotoxins, whereas static lines are best served with injectable dermal fillers.
What Is the Difference Between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®?
Even though BOTOX® Cosmetic is more identifiable to the general public, it is not the only treatment that blocks muscle contractions to reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.
Dysport® is a lesser-known but equally effective treatment.
Dysport®—which is also derived from botulinum toxin type A—is primarily designed to target moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows).
BOTOX® Cosmetic, on the other hand, can treat frown lines as well as crow’s feet (lines that radiate from the corners of the eye) and forehead lines.
When Will I See the Results of My Neurotoxin Treatment?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the muscles to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet.
Your neurotoxin injections are quick and relatively pain-free.
Even though these injections are placed directly into the muscle, your skin may not improve immediately.
Before you start to worry, you should know that it can take anywhere from two to eight days for your results to start showing.
Your final results are usually seen after two weeks.
Because of this, you should schedule your BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport® injectable treatment at least two weeks before the date of your desired debut. This will give you more than enough time for your results to develop.
How Should I Take Care of Myself During My Recovery?
Neurotoxin injections do not require you to take off work or avoid your day-to-day activities.
Any resulting side effects are temporary and will begin to subside within 24 to 48 hours.
In the days following your treatment, you should avoid:
- Massaging your face
- Since neurotoxins are strategically injected into the muscles, massages can cause the injected formula to spread to unwanted areas.
- Strenuous exercise
- Strenuous activity should be avoided for 24 hours to prevent headaches.
- Taking aspirin
- Anti-inflammatory medications and supplements thin the blood, which can worsen bruising.
- Drinking alcohol
- Like aspirin, alcohol thins the blood and can increase complications.
- This should be avoided for at least one week—which is another reason to give yourself plenty of time to heal before a special occasion where you may want a drink.
How Long Will My Neurotoxin Results Last?
Neurotoxins are an easy way to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but they do not provide permanent results.
This toxin stays in the body for a period of three to six months, and most BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport® patients undergo repeated injections every four to six months to maintain results.
Why Do I Have to Wait to See My Results?
Even though the neurotoxin is injected directly into the muscles, it takes time for the results to become noticeable.
This is due to a few reasons.
- The muscles must absorb the toxin and trigger the receptors. This absorption does not happen immediately.
- The injections may cause minor bruising and swelling that can obscure the quality of your results. It can take anywhere from two days to two weeks for the swelling and redness to disappear completely.
Are There Any Alternative Treatments to Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins reduce the signs of aging on the upper third of the face.
These treatments are so common because they are effective, are non-surgical, and target the areas of the face most affected by repeated muscle movements and contractions.
While most patients achieve desirable results with these injections, some individuals desire longer-lasting or more extensive results.
Patients looking for results like this may be better candidates for a facial enhancement surgery, such as facelift surgery or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).
Facial enhancement surgery offers the most comprehensive facial rejuvenation possible, but these treatment options are surgical procedures and require a more extensive recovery period.
If you are undergoing a surgical procedure before a special occasion, it is best to schedule your surgery at least two months before that occasion.
Why Should I Choose Careaga Plastic Surgery?
Even though neurotoxin injectables are non-surgical treatments, it is still essential that they are injected by a trained and skilled provider. At Careaga Plastic Surgery, we are proud to have our board-certified physician assistant Reana Myers, MMS, PA-C, on board to help our patients with their injectable needs.
With over 10 years of experience, Reana understands the nuances of these treatments, which helps her provide patients with the results they want.
How Can I Learn More About Neurotoxins in Miami?
To learn more about the neurotoxins offered or to set up a consultation with Reana Myers, contact Careaga Plastic Surgery by calling (305) 960-7511 or by filling out our online contact form.