The cosmetic industry is a billion-dollar industry, where the manufacturers are constantly coming up with new creations to compete with each other for consumers. One of these developments is neurotoxins, which have applications for cosmetic and medical purposes. The use of neurotoxins in cosmetic treatments is actually nothing new; they have been there quite a while already.
Neurotoxins can be used as ingredients in cosmetic products like lipsticks and foundations, but they are known for facial cosmetic treatments. Although they are toxins, they are very safe and effective if appropriately applied. In fact, you may know these neurotoxins already, whether you are looking for cosmetic treatment or not.
Typically, neurotoxins appear as botulinum toxins, which are known to be the main ingredient for Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. These three botulinum toxins have become a household name.
What Are Neurotoxins?
First things first, why are we using neurotoxins for cosmetic treatments? To explain the why, we need first to explain what neurotoxins are.
Neurotoxins are toxins that can adversely affect or alter the function of the nervous system or other parts of the human body.
Neurotoxins interfere with nerve cell (neuron) communication, vital for maintaining healthy organ function. Most neurotoxins are not directly excreted out of the body but instead wreak havoc and cause significant damage to neurons and microcytic cells.
What is Botulinum Toxin?
For cosmetic treatments, companies typically use botulinum toxin. It also acts the same way as other neurotoxins.
Botulinum toxin is one of the most potent neurotoxins. They can effectively block nerve functions that lead to respiratory and muscular paralysis. It can produce life-threatening effects in humans when ingested by mouth or inhaled. The toxin causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and even death.
Why Do We Use Neurotoxins For Cosmetic Treatments?
Neurotoxins are very dangerous, and they can cause severe organ and muscle failures which may lead to death if not treated early. So why are we using these toxins for cosmetic purposes? We use neurotoxins precisely for their paralytic properties.
Every day, we regularly make facial expressions, and our facial muscles contract whether we are making a smile, sad, or frown facial expression. However, due to excessive use, the muscles wear themselves out eventually, causing signs of aging to rear their heads slowly. Not even skin care items can help you with that.
We need a formula that can effectively regulate your facial expressions to fix these issues.
As you might have guessed, we regulate muscle contractions using neurotoxins. For your muscle to contract, it needs a direct line of communication from the brain, so what neurotoxins do is cut off the communication line. It does that by preventing the acetylcholine chemical from reaching the muscle receptor, which contracts when stimulated by that chemical.
However, we do not use just any neurotoxin for the treatment. We will only use the botulinum toxin.
Botulinum Toxin Applications
Botulinum toxin is a common ingredient used in cosmetic treatments. It’s the most popular neurotoxin, and it has become one of the safest and effective methods of cosmetic and even medical treatments.
The application of botulinum toxin includes removing wrinkles, treating muscle spasms, and treating excessive sweating. They work by blocking neurotransmitters that send messages to muscles, preventing them from contracting. It also stops those facial muscles from contracting, smoothing out those unwanted wrinkles over time.
The botulinum toxin can also be injected into other areas such as foreheads and necks to reduce the appearance of signs of aging. Botulinum toxin effectively correct gummy smiles, soften a square jawline and be an alternative for facelifting. Some people may also want to use this treatment on their hands to remove wrinkles there.
Applying botulinum toxin requires skills. A great provider can effectively balance aesthetics and managing signs of aging. They can make you look rejuvenated and at the same time not make your face too stiff since the toxin paralyzes the muscles.
What Treatments Take Advantage Of Botulinum Toxin?
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are three FDA-approved treatments for treating wrinkles and reducing the appearance of lines in the face. Although they all use botulinum toxin, they have different effects and must not be used interchangeably.
Botox and Dysport are often used to treat wrinkles or lines on the face. Xeomin is a newer wrinkle treatment that is more effective than Botox and Dysport—but is also more expensive.
Botox and Dysport can treat wrinkles around the mouth, eyes, and forehead. Botox works by blocking nerve impulses which cause muscles in these areas to relax. Dysport works similarly by blocking muscle contractions, but it lasts longer than Botox does. Xeomin is a new treatment that has been proven more effective in treating moderate or severe wrinkle lines between the eyebrows for up to six months. It is also quite expensive, at about $1,000 per injection since it’s relatively new in the market.
What Can You Expect In These Treatments?
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are minimally invasive treatments, and it will take several injections in specific areas to reduce signs of aging.
The procedure typically takes 15-20 minutes, and it’s beneficial for people looking for an aesthetic improvement without needing surgery.
The first step is to wash the skin with alcohol to ensure optimal penetration of Botox. Your provider inserts a needle beneath the muscles between your eyebrows, near your temple, or on one side of your forehead. The needle inserts a small amount of the botulinum formula into the muscle that controls that muscle’s movement. You might feel a slight pinch after each injection, but that sensation will fade quickly.
It’s quick, and there is no downtime. You can go back to your daily routine as soon as you are out of the office.
Find The Right Provider For You!
Neurotoxins sounds dangerous, but it has plenty of cosmetic and medical applications if used appropriately. If you want to best and safest treatment experience, you need to find a suitable and experienced provider for your treatment. If you are interested, make sure to reach out to Age-Less Weigh-Less. Their staff is experienced in administering these treatments, perfectly balancing effectiveness and aesthetics.
