Neurotoxins

Cosmetic neurotoxins are purified proteins derived from the botulinum toxin, a naturally occurring substance that, when administered in small, controlled doses, temporarily relaxes targeted muscles. When injected strategically, neurotoxins block nerve signals to specific facial muscles, reducing their ability to contract. This reduction in muscle activity helps smooth out lines and wrinkles that develop over time from repeated facial expressions, such as frowning, squinting, or smiling.

Neurotoxins are most commonly applied to address dynamic wrinkles—lines that form due to repetitive muscle movements. Key areas for treatment include:

• Horizontal forehead lines: Creases that form across the forehead due to repeated muscle contractions when we raise our eyebrows. These lines can become more prominent over time, especially as skin loses elasticity, making them appear deeper and more noticeable. Neurotoxin injections are highly effective for smoothing these lines.
• Frown Lines (Glabellar Lines): Vertical lines between the eyebrows, often referred to as “Angry 11s”  are treated to smooth these lines and creating a more refreshed and approachable appearance. Relaxation of the muscles softens the appearance of the frown lines, reducing the depth of the “11” lines and preventing them from deepening over time.
• Crow’s Feet: Fine lines around the outer corners of the eyes, which deepen with squinting or smiling. Over time, as the skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner, these lines can become more prominent and permanent, often making the eyes look aged or tired. Neurotoxin injections relax of the muscle and softens the appearance of crow’s feet, allowing the skin around the eyes to look smoother and more youthful.
• Bunny Lines: Wrinkles on the nose that appear when smiling or scrunching the nose. Neurotoxin injections, such as Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin, are effective in softening the appearance of bunny lines by targeting the nasalis muscle. By relaxing the nasalis muscle, neurotoxins reduce the wrinkling effect on the skin, smoothing out the bunny lines and creating a more refined, youthful look.
• Lip Lines: Fine lines around the mouth often called smoker’s lines, are the vertical lines that form around the edges of the mouth. Over time, these lines can become more visible, especially if skin elasticity diminishes. Neurotoxin injections smooth out these fine lines creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance around the mouth, without affecting natural lip movements or expression.
• Chin Dimples: Chin dimpling, often referred to as “pebble chin” or “orange peel chin,” is caused by the overactivity of the mentalis muscle, which is located in the chin area. Neurotoxin injections reducep the “pebble” texture, giving the chin a softer and more refined appearance.
• Neck Bands: Neurotoxin injections, typically known for their use in the upper face, are also effective for rejuvenating the neck and lower face. At Palo Alto Dermatology Institute, neurotoxin treatments are used to smooth prominent neck bands and subtly lift the lower face, providing a non-surgical option for a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

The procedure for neurotoxin injections at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute is straightforward, quick, and minimally invasive, allowing patients to achieve smoother skin and a refreshed appearance with minimal downtime.

The process begins with a thorough consultation with a board-certified dermatologist who will discuss your aesthetic goals and evaluate your facial anatomy. Then, your Palo Alto Dermatology Institute dermatologist administers precise injections to achieve a natural, refreshed look.

Each session typically lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, with results becoming noticeable within a few days with full effects typically visible after one to two weeks.

The smoothing effect on wrinkles and lines generally lasts about three to four months, depending on the area treated, the dosage used, and individual muscle activity.

Our experienced team ensures that treatments are tailored to the individual’s facial structure and aesthetic goals. Your dermatologist will discuss with you potential side effects and aftercare which is important to ensure good outcomes.

Neurotoxin injections offer several advantages for those looking to enhance their appearance with no downtime:

1. Non-Surgical: Cosmetic neurotoxins provide a non-invasive solution for wrinkle reduction, allowing patients to avoid surgery and lengthy recovery times.
2. Quick and Convenient: Treatment sessions are fast and can be completed during a lunch break, with no need for prolonged recovery.
3. Customizable Results: Dosage and injection sites can be tailored to achieve subtle or more pronounced effects, depending on the patient’s preferences.
4. Proven Safety and Efficacy: Cosmetic neurotoxins have been extensively studied and approved by regulatory agencies, with a strong record of safety and effectiveness.