Whether you’re looking to smooth out crow’s feet or worry lines, correct or prevent forehead wrinkles, or treat a medical condition, neurotoxin treatments like Botox are a quick and easy solution with lasting results.
Millions of people get neurotoxin treatments each year, but most don’t realize they are making some common mistakes that could impact the effectiveness and overall outcome of their treatment.
Today, we will discuss the most common neurotoxin mistakes we see people make and how to avoid them to ensure you receive the best and most long-lasting results.
What is a Neurotoxin Treatment?
A neurotoxin treatment is an in-office injectable medical aesthetic procedure that both men and women use to prevent the signs of aging and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines that have already formed.
You likely know these treatments by their brand names: Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. If you’ve ever wondered how these neurotoxin formulas are different, we’ll explain in the next section.
Each brand has its own formulation, but they all use neurotoxins that work in a similar way to serve the same purpose—to temporarily block the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract, softening facial lines and wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming.
Using a fine needle, the neurotoxin is injected directly into specific muscles. The entire treatment process is quick (10-15 minutes) and relatively painless. The results are not instant but usually start to show within a few days. The full effect is visible in about two weeks and can last three to six months, depending on the individual and the product used.
One of the best parts about neurotoxin treatments is that there is little to no downtime. You can resume your normal activities right after the procedure. Side effects are generally mild, including slight bruising or swelling at the injection site, which usually subsides within a few days.
Neurotoxin treatments are not just for wrinkles. They can also treat medical conditions such as chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms. This versatility makes them a valuable tool in both cosmetic and medical fields.
Neurotoxin treatments have long been the most popular anti-aging solution, likely because they appeal to a large age range of all genders, are cost-effective, require little to no downtime, offer very quick and long-lasting results, and can be used for both cosmetic and medical purposes.
As long as you choose a skilled and experienced injector, neurotoxin treatments are a safe and effective way to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.
Types of Neurotoxin Treatments
There are three primary brands of neurotoxins. All three are FDA approved to treat the same aesthetic concern and contain the same active ingredient (botulinum toxin type A) to temporarily relax the muscles responsible for lines and wrinkles.
They also last a similar amount of time and provide similar results. The only difference is they are made by different manufacturers, which slightly changes the cost, potency, and exact formulation. For instance, certain formulations contain protein blends that can affect the diffusion and effectiveness of the injection.
Here is a quick breakdown of the three most popular neurotoxin brands. If you are still unsure which formula is best for you, a qualified injector can help you decide during your consultation.
Botox
Botox is the most well-known neurotoxin treatment. It is FDA-approved for both cosmetic use and various medical conditions, including chronic migraines and excessive sweating.
Botox contains a neurotoxin protein that blocks nerve signals to the muscles, reducing muscle contractions and smoothing out wrinkles. Its formula includes protective proteins to stabilize the neurotoxin, which helps ensure consistent results.
Ingredients in Botox
Active Ingredient
Botulinum toxin type A
Inactive Ingredients
Human albumin
Sodium chloride
Dysport
Dysport is another FDA-approved neurotoxin treatment used primarily for cosmetic purposes, such as reducing frown lines between the eyebrows. Dysport also contains the neurotoxin protein but has a slightly different formulation compared to Botox.
The key difference is its diffusion characteristics; Dysport may spread more easily to a wider area, which can be beneficial for treating larger surface areas.
Ingredients in Dysport
Active Ingredient
Botulinum toxin type A
Inactive Ingredients
Human albumin
Lactose
Xeomin
Xeomin is a neurotoxin treatment similar to Botox and Dysport that is FDA-approved for cosmetic use and some medical conditions. What sets Xeomin apart is its formulation, which does not include additional proteins found in other brands.
This “naked” neurotoxin may reduce the risk of developing resistance and can be a good option for individuals who have had previous treatments with other neurotoxins and are no longer seeing the results they desire.
Ingredients in Xeomin
Active Ingredient
Botulinum toxin type A
Inactive Ingredients
None (Xeomin is known for its “naked” formulation without additional proteins)
10 Common Neurotoxin Treatment Mistakes
Did you know that what you drink before and after a neurotoxin treatment and even the skincare products you use in the days following treatment could impact the results of your neurotoxin treatment? There are several things that could lead to potential side effects or keep you from getting the best possible results from your neurotoxin treatment.
Here are a few common mistakes you might be making before and after treatment:
Mistake #1: Lying Down Immediately After Treatment
Do not take an afternoon nap or head to bed right after your neurotoxin treatment. You need to stay upright for about four hours after a neurotoxin injection. This helps the neurotoxin settle into the targeted muscles and reduces the risk of spreading to unintended areas.
Mistake #2: Soaking in the Sun
Sun exposure, such as lounging by the pool, getting in a tanning bed, or even just spending excess time outdoors in direct sunlight, can irritate the treated area and affect the results of your treatment. You should protect your skin from direct sunlight 24-48 hours following treatment.
Additionally, overexposure to the sun could lead to sunburn. You want to wear sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned anytime, but especially before or after a neurotoxin treatment. A sunburn can cause inflammation and sensitivity, which can interfere with the neurotoxin’s ability to work effectively and may increase the risk of complications.
Mistake #3: Getting Too Hot and Sweaty
Heat can increase blood flow and potentially affect the neurotoxin’s effectiveness. Sweat could lead to irritation and even contribute to an environment where bacteria are more likely to thrive, increasing the risk of infection.
For at least 24 hours following a neurotoxin treatment, avoid anything that will make you too hot or produce excess sweat (direct sunlight, really hot showers, steam rooms, saunas, etc.).
Mistake #4: Intense Physical Activity
It is perfectly fine to go about normal day-to-day activities. However, you should refrain from vigorous activities right after your treatment. Intense physical activity can disrupt the neurotoxin and lead to less predictable results. Get in your workout before your treatment and then wait until the next day for your next session.
Mistake #5: Drinking Alcohol or Caffeine
Don’t plan a night out that involves alcohol the day before, the day of, and for a couple days following your neurotoxin treatment. Alcohol can increase the risk of bruising and swelling around the injection sites. It is best to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after neurotoxin injections.
Caffeine is also something you may want to limit immediately before and after your appointment because it can increase your blood pressure, which might cause the neurotoxin to break down before the toxin settles.
Mistake #6: Taking a Blood Thinning Medication
For a day or two leading up to and following your treatment, you should stay away from blood-thinning medications or supplements, such as aspirin and certain herbal remedies known to thin the blood, unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. These types of medications and supplements can increase the likelihood of bruising and bleeding.
Mistake #7: Using Harsh Topical Products
We love a good home skincare routine that incorporates products like retinoids, retinol, glycolic acid, and Alpha Hydroxy Acid. However, you should hold off on using these types of skincare products for a few days after your neurotoxin treatment.
Harsh skincare products can irritate the skin and potentially interfere with healing. For the 24-48 hours following treatment, it is best to stick to the basics– a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Mistake #8: Rubbing or Laying on Your Face
You need to be very gentle with your skin and avoid rubbing, massaging, or applying direct pressure to your face for at least 24 hours following treatment. This helps prevent the neurotoxin from migrating away from the targeted areas.
Mistake #9: Getting a Massage, Facial, or Similar Cosmetic Treatment
Just as you shouldn’t rub your face or lie face down on a pillow, you shouldn’t let anyone else apply any type of pressure to the treatment area.
Rubbing your face or applying too much pressure (such as lying on a massage pillow) can affect the placement and effectiveness of the neurotoxin. Pampering treatments such as massages or facials should be avoided for at least 24-48 hours.
Mistake 10: Worrying About Bumps, Bruises, and Minor Swelling
Don’t worry if you see a little bump, a light bruise, and mild swelling after your treatment. Minor bumps, bruises, and a little bit of swelling at the injection sites are normal and should resolve on their own within a few hours.
If you experience bumps, bruising, or swelling after treatment, apply an ice pack to the treatment area in 15-20-minute intervals. An arnica-based topical ointment is also an excellent way to reduce bruising, swelling, and soreness.
Where to Get the Best Neurotoxin Treatment Near Me
What you do before and after your neurotoxin treatment is important, but more crucial is where you go to get your treatment and who you allow to inject you. Choosing the right clinic and injector is key to achieving the best results and ensuring safety.
Look for a facility that is clean, up-to-date on all modern techniques, has an outstanding reputation, and is professionally staffed. Your injector should be a licensed medical professional with experience in neurotoxin treatments.
Before scheduling your treatment, read reviews and ask to see before and after photos of previous patients to assess the injector’s quality of their work. You should also ensure that the facility is properly licensed and that the injector uses only FDA-approved products.
During treatment, never hesitate to ask your injector to show you that they are using new, sterile needles and freshly opened vials of the neurotoxin to prevent contamination and ensure the best possible results.
At Relieve Health, we have safe, clean, and up-to-date med spa clinics all across the United States staffed with knowledgeable and experienced neurotoxin injectors. In addition to Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport, we also offer other popular medical aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, laser hair removal, and the popular hydrafacial!
To find a Relive Health clinic near you, check out our clinic locator.
