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Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX®)

Botulinum Toxin (Neuromodulator) Treatment

Botulinum toxin injections, often called neuromodulators or wrinkle relaxers, are one of the simplest ways to soften the lines that form after years of everyday facial expressions. Unlike dermal fillers, which add volume, a neuromodulator works by temporarily relaxing the specific muscles that crease your skin when you frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows.

The treatment is quick and needs little to no downtime. At Allura Skin & Laser Center, our goal is always a rested, natural look, which means preserving your ability to make expressions. We offer several botulinum toxin formulations, including Botox, Dysport, DAXXIFY, and Letybo.

Who is a Good Candidate for Neuromodulator Treatment?

If you want to reduce the appearance of frown lines, forehead lines, or crow’s feet without surgery, you may be a good candidate. You should also be:

Neuromodulators are not recommended if you have a disease affecting your muscles and nerves, such as ALS or myasthenia gravis, or if you are allergic to any ingredient in the product being used. Your Allura Skin & Laser Center provider will review your health history, discuss your goals, and recommend the formulation and dose best suited to you.

Botox

Botox is the most widely recognized neuromodulator and is made from a purified protein called botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily blocks nerve signals to the treated muscle. It can smooth crow’s feet, frown lines, furrows between the brows, and forehead lines.

Treatment usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Most patients begin noticing results about three days afterward, with the best results visible at 10 to 14 days. Maintenance treatments every three to four months help preserve your results.

Dysport

Dysport works much like Botox by preventing muscle contractions, and it can treat the same areas. It is most often used for the frown lines between the eyebrows, where it is placed in five points between and above the brows.

Because Dysport spreads slightly more than Botox, it is sometimes preferred for broader areas like the forehead. Patients may see visible improvement as soon as 24 hours after treatment, with most noticing changes within two to three days. Results typically last three to six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dysport is commonly used to treat:

  • The frown lines between the eyebrows (the 11's)
  • The horizontal forehead lines
  • The lines at the outer corner of the eyes (the crow's feet)
  • Lifting of the eyebrows
  • Neck bands
  • Lines around the mouth

Our goal is to give you a natural look, and to do this we must ensure that you have expression. It is the primary reason to rely on our expertise and experience.

We use a fine needle for injections, and most patients feel minimal stinging. This can be reduced with the use of ice or a numbing cream, but most patients do not find this necessary.

Cost will vary by the amount of Dysport used. Each patient is evaluated individually to determine the optimal placement and amount needed for the desired effect. This is where our expertise and experience come in.

Yes. When used properly for cosmetic indications, side effects are uncommon and are limited to the area treated. Serious side effects are extremely rare. Less serious side effects include bruising, asymmetric effect, and eyelid droop (uncommon). These side effects are temporary.

Do not take Dysport if you:

  • Are allergic to the ingredients in Dysport
  • Are allergic to cow's milk protein
  • Have had an allergic reaction to BOTOX or Myobloc
  • Have a skin infection at the planned injection site
  • Have a disease affecting your muscles and nerves (such as ALS or myasthenia gravis)
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

DAXXIFY

DAXXIFY also uses a purified botulinum toxin type A protein, but it is formulated with a peptide that helps stabilize the toxin and improves its ability to enter nerve cells.

It is used primarily to treat frown lines, giving them a smoother, softer appearance. Many patients see results within one to two days and find they only need maintenance every six to nine months, making DAXXIFY a good option if you would prefer fewer appointments each year.

Letybo

Letybo is a newer botulinum toxin type A treatment that received FDA approval in 2024 for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. It works the same way as the other neuromodulators, interrupting the nerve signals that cause those muscles to contract.

In clinical studies, patients saw improvement in as little as two days, with results lasting roughly four months. Like the others, it is injected in-office, and you can return to your usual activities right away.

What to Expect After Treatment

All four options involve minimal discomfort, and we offer numbing cream or ice on request. You may notice slight redness, tenderness, or swelling at the injection sites, which fades quickly. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours, and do not lie down or place pressure on the treated area for three to four hours. If possible, avoid aspirin and non-steroidal medications for a week beforehand to reduce the chance of bruising.

Would you like to find out which neuromodulator is right for you? Schedule a consultation at Allura Skin & Laser Center in San Mateo, CA, today!

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