Neurotoxin (Botox)
It’s important to note that neurotoxin injections are temporary and typically last for several months before their effects wear off. The procedure should only be performed by trained and licensed medical professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Cosmetic Use
Neurotoxin injections are often used to reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles, particularly in the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and around the eyes (crow's feet). By temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for these lines, neurotoxin can smooth out the skin and give a more youthful appearance. It is important to note that the effects are temporary, typically lasting for a few months, after which additional injections are required to maintain the results.
Migraine Treatment
Some individuals suffering from chronic migraines may find relief with neurotoxin injections. The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed that the toxin blocks pain signals in the nerves or reduces muscle tension that contributes to migraines. Multiple injections are usually administered around the head and neck every few months as a preventive measure.
TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders
Neurotoxin injections can be used to treat TMJ disorders, which involve pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. By injecting neurotoxin into the affected muscles, it can temporarily reduce muscle activity and alleviate pain and discomfort associated with TMJ.
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
Neurotoxin injections can help manage hyperhidrosis by temporarily blocking the chemical signals that stimulate sweat glands. This can reduce excessive sweating in areas such as the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet. The effects typically last several months before additional injections are needed.
As with any medical procedure, there can be side effects and potential risks, such as bruising, redness, headaches, temporary facial weakness, or eyelid drooping. Serious side effects are rare but can occur if the injection is not administered properly. Neurotoxin injections should be administered by qualified medical professionals who have experience in the specific procedures and conditions being treated. They can assess the suitability of the treatment for each individual and provide appropriate guidance.
Frequently Asked Qestions
At Samsara we frequently use Botox (onsbotulinumtaxinA), Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) and Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA). If other neurotoxins are required, we maybe able to order it for your usage.
All three drugs are derived from Clostridium Botulinum type A; a type of bacteria that produces a chemical that blocks nerve signals allowing muscles to relax.
Dysport weighs more than Botox and Xeomin, therefore, it is likely to spread more. When injected Dysport spreads to the size of a quarter, Botox spreads to the size of a penny and Xemoin spreads to the size of a dime. All three medications last on average of 3-4 months.
Botox and Dysport have complex proteins that surround the toxin while Xeomin has no additional proteins. Xeomin is considered a “naked injectable”; given the lack of additives in Xeomin there is less changes chances of your body developing an allergic reaction or becoming resistant to the medication. If you have an allergy to eggs and/or lactose, you should avoid using Dysport.
There is no clinical proof that one medication tends to work faster than other, however, patients tend to report Botox starts working in 3 days, Dysport in 1 day and Xemoin in about 4 days.
Some patients may take longer for effects to take place; therefore, we recommend all patients to schedule a 14 day follow up to ensure the medications are working properly and/or if any additional treatments are required.
Treatment time will vary by location however most appointments take from 15-45 mins.
Everyone’s pain tolerance varies; however, we try to make each appointment painless as possible. At Samsara we use the sharpest needles available (made by Comfortox) to minimize pain. Additionally, we use a distraction/vibration tool to help reduce any pain.
Side effects between the three commonly used neurotoxins are the same as they all use the same active ingredient. Side effects can include: pain at the injection(s) site, headache, dry eyes/mouth, blurry vision, brow/eyelid droop and allergic reactions. Please note this is not an comprehensive list of all the side effects but some of the most commonly reported ones.