Understanding Botox
Botox injections contain tiny amounts of a purified protein called Botulinum toxin. When injected into specific facial and neck muscles, Botox blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. This temporarily weakens or paralyzes the muscles, smoothing out wrinkles or reducing excessive sweating in the treated areas.
How Botox Works
The mechanism of action for Botox takes place in four key steps:
- Botox is injected into the desired muscle.
- The toxin attaches to nerve endings connected to the muscle.
- Signals from nerves to the muscle are blocked.
- The muscle relaxes leading to desired effect like less pronounced wrinkles.
Results are not immediate but kick in gradually within a week as the toxin spreads. Smooth skin normally lasts about 3-6 months as muscle activity slowly returns and wrinkles start to return.
Common Botox Treatment Areas
The FDA has approved using Botox injections to temporarily improve the appearance of:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines between eyebrows
- Crows feet at the corners of eyes
- Bunny lines on nose
- Chin dimpling
- Neck bands
Off-label, doctors may also inject Botox to lift the corners of the mouth, minimize gummy smiles, prevent bruxism teeth grinding or reduce excessive underarm sweating.
Types of Botulinum Toxins
There are currently three commercially available types of Botulinum toxin injections used in aesthetic procedures. The main options are:
OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
The first ever approved botulinum toxin for use in humans, OnabotulinumtoxinA goes by the brand name Botox. Botox was originally approved by the FDA in 1989 for two ophthalmic disorders - strabismus and blepharospasm. Today it Treats an extensive list of muscular and neuropathic conditions.
IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin)
The purified neurotoxin Xeomin contains only the active botulinum molecule with no accessory proteins. Approved by the FDA in 2011 to temporarily improve glabellar lines, Xeomin offers predictable diffusion with relatively low antigenicity.
AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport)
Approved for cosmetic use in Europe since 1991, Dysport with abobotulinumtoxinA first secured FDA approval in 2009. This type spreads more broadly with slightly faster onset but shorter duration than Botox and Xeomin.
Differences Between Types
While all three leading injectable botulinum toxin types essentially provide comparable therapeutic effects, there are some small differences to consider:
Onset and Longevity
Most clinical trials find Botox and Xeomin take 3-7 days to take full effect, while Dysport works marginally faster at 2-3 days. In terms of longevity, Botox and Xeomin smooth wrinkles about 3 months. Dysport may wear off 1-2 weeks sooner.
Dosing
The potencies are not equivalent with recommended dosage ratios differing. One unit of Botox or Xeomin equals about 3-4 units of Dysport for equal efficacy and duration.
Antigenicity
Xeomin as a purer, isolated form of the neurotoxin has the lowest antigenicity and risk of developing resistance to the botulinum molecule over repeat treatments.
Pain During Injections
Multiple studies suggest Dysport injections cause less localized pain during the procedure. The smaller molecule may diffuse through tissues faster with less pressure buildup.
Diffusion
Of the major brands, Dysport tends to diffuse through tissues most broadly. This makes placement even more technique dependent for the desired effects without impacting nearby expressions.
Choosing a Botox Provider in Santa Barbara
While Botox is considered very safe with minimal risks when properly administered, in the hands of inexperienced or non-medical injectors negative outcomes occur more frequently. Choose an established, licensed provider like a plastic surgeon or dermatologist for treatments.
Verify the professional is licensed through the Medical Board of California and trained to perform injectables. View before and after photos to evaluate skill level. Ask about volume of Botox treatments completed and frequency of any complications. Reputable Santa Barbara Botox specialty practices should willingly disclose such information openly.
Questions to Ask Prospective Botox Injectors
To vet the best Botox provider for your facial rejuvenation goals and budget, inquire about:
- Medical credentials, specialty training and years administering Botox
- Volume of injectables performed annually
- Techniques used to minimize pain and risk
- Filler options for combined treatments
- Before and after photos from real patients
- Any discounts or membership plans available
Comparing multiple Santa Barbara area clinics helps you make the most educated choice for safe, customized Botox treatments from an accredited, highly experienced medical aesthetic practice.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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