Neuromodulators in Westminster, California

BOTOX Cosmetic (OnabotulinumtoxinA)
Class: Neurotoxin
Approved cosmetic uses: Moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (also known as glabellar lines or “11’s”)

Botox is also approved to treat a variety of medical conditions including:

• Eye muscle spasms
• problems with eye coordination
• Severe armpit sweating
• Migraine headaches
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary incontinence related to nerve damage from multiple sclerosis and spine injury

Mode of action: Botox essentially paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles. This neurotoxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, a chemical causes the muscle contractions that create wrinkles.

Results: Full Botox Cosmetic results are visible within one week after treatment. These wrinkle-busting effects last a minimum of three months.

Side Effects may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Flu-like symptoms
• Redness, pain at the injection site.

(Infrequently, Botox may cause muscle weakness or drooping of the upper eyelid muscles.)

Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA)
Class: Neurotoxin, neuromodulator

Approved Cosmetic Uses: Xeomin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to improve moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (also known as glabellar lines) in adults. Xeomin is manufactured by Merz Pharmaceuticals.

Mode of Action: The active ingredient in Xeomin, botulinum toxin type A, paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles.

Results: The wrinkle-smoothing results seen with Xeomin typically last up to six months. Results are visible within one week.

Side effects: Xeomin side effects or injection complications may include bleeding or bruising. Allergic reactions may also occur with Xeomin.

Like all other botulinum products, Xeomin poses a rare risk for spreading outside of the injection site. If this occurs, life-threatening swallowing and breathing problems may result. Of note, this side effect has not been seen in people receiving neurotoxins for cosmetic reasons.

Other neurotoxins:

• Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)
• Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA)

(Dysport, Xeomin and Botox should not be used interchangeably.)

What sets Xeomin apart from the fray?

The main difference is that Xeomin is “naked.” This means that it contains just one ingredient: Botulinum toxin A. There are no additives, making an allergic reaction less probable. It also does not have to be refrigerated.

Dysport
Class: Neurotoxin

Approved cosmetic uses: Dysport is Food and Drug Administration-approved to treat forehead wrinkles and frown lines. Marketed by Medicis in the U.S., it has been used to treat neurological disorders outside the U.S. for more than 15 years.

Mode of action: Dysport is an injectable form of Botulinum Toxin Type A. It is injected into wrinkle-causing muscles to paralyze them.

Dysport Results: Cosmetic results are visible within two to three days, and may last up to six months. Results vary.

Side Effects: Possible side effects of Dysport may include:

• Localized numbness
• Headache
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Burning sensation during injection
• Droopy eyelids or uneven eyebrows (temporary)

WARNING: All botulinum-based drugs must carry a “black box” warning to alert users to the chance that the toxin may spread from the injection site to other parts of the body, where it can cause potentially life-threatening swallowing or breathing issues. This is not typically seen when the injections are used for cosmetic purposes.

Other Neurotoxins:

• Botox Cosmetic
• Xeomin

NOTE: Dysport, Xeomin and Botox CANNOT be used interchangeably.

Injection Pain (1-5 scale, with 5 being the most pain.): 1.5 The needles used to administer Dysport are so thin that any pain from the injections is minimal. The area is usually numbed before treatment. Pain is subjective, and varies from person to person.