Botox + Dysport + Jeuveau + Daxxify

Have you found a wrinkle or fine line on your face that you simply don’t like? Maybe it didn’t bother you until you saw it in a photo or until someone pointed it out. While wrinkles are natural, it’s also natural to dislike how they affect your appearance. If you aren’t thrilled with how you look, REAL Aesthetic Med is here to help. We offer FDA-approved rejuvenation medications in Santa Rosa that will help reduce dynamic lines, lessen static wrinkles, fill in folds, and give you the glow up of your dreams. Our treatments will leave you looking and feeling refreshed, young, and full of self-esteem.

As leaders in medical-grade products and evidence-based procedures, we have dedicated ourselves to helping patients achieve their skin care goals, from microneedling to cosmetic and aesthetic injectables like Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Daxxify. There are multiple benefits from these various neuromodulators or neuromuscular blocking procedures. Whether you want to recapture or retain your youth, prevent future signs of aging, or simply want to get rid of a few of those wrinkles that stand out when you look in the mirror, REAL Aesthetic Med is here for you.

What are Neuromodulators?

Neuromodulators (“wrinkle relaxers”) are one of the most widely-used forms of treatment in cosmetic dermatology. All four of the neuromodulators we use (Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Daxxify) are a part of the botulinum toxin A family. While they’re similar, their molecular structures (and thus their impact and effectiveness) may vary between doses and individuals. All four of these wrinkle relaxers can be used to smooth wrinkles, erase crow’s feet, and more. Many people often want Botox for what’s called the “11s,” the lines between the eyes that appear when you furrow your brow.

Note that neuromodulators are not the same as dermal fillers. Botox is injected into the muscle to prevent it from contracting, while dermal fillers plump up areas that have lost volume due to aging. In some cases, to achieve the look you want, you may need one or both types of treatments.

What are the Benefits of Botox Treatments?

The most immediate benefit to using Botox (or Dysport, Jeuveau, or Daxxify – Botox is often used as shorthand for these treatments) is aesthetic. Botox can be used to smooth out the forehead, slim or elongate the neck, and contour your jawline. Your skin will look smoother, which in turn can have a major impact on how you feel about yourself. With this improved self-esteem, you may find that you’re more outgoing, are less self-conscious about taking photos, and generally enjoy life more.

In addition to cosmetic benefits, there are also, Botox treatments do have other benefits. For example, Dysport can be used to provide pain relief in those who suffer from chronic migraines. Daxxify has been proven to help with muscle spasms. Botox itself is often used to treat those who suffer from hyperhidrosis, a condition that results in excessive sweating. Other conditions that can be treated using Botox include tension headaches and TMJ.

How Does it Work?

Botulinum medications can provide medical relief and cosmetic revitalization because of the unique ways they interact with our skin and muscles. During your treatment, a small amount of medication will be injected into the muscles of the treated area. We use the smallest needle possible when doing this so our patients feel little to no pain. In most cases, patients say it feels like a pin prick. Patients typically find the sensation fairly tolerable, and the treatment is over fairly quickly. You won’t have to devote a large amount of time to your Botox appointment, and you can immediately return to your daily routine, though you should avoid strenuous activity, sweating for 24 hours, and putting pressure on the treated area.

As soon as the medication is injected, it begins affecting the neuromuscular receptors in that area, preventing them from contracting. By doing so, the skin above those muscles is pulled tighter, reducing wrinkles and lines. The outcome of a treatment done correctly is natural but impactful, making you look younger and brighter without making it immediately apparent that anything has changed.

What About Side Effects?

Of course, many people are concerned about side effects. We won’t lie to you—there can be some side effects. That said, most of them are very minor. The Botox horror stories you see are typically caused by inexperienced people administering the treatment. The team at REAL has extensive training in these treatments, and we’re continually learning and adding to our knowledge. We have hundreds of success stories and will be more than happy to show you before and after photos as well as patient reviews. Because everyone’s body is different and reacts differently, it can be hard to accurately predict which side effects you may have, if any. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary. They can include bruising or swelling at the injection site and minor headaches.

Preparing for the procedure by following the guidelines we give you, which include avoiding alcohol and specific medications and supplements, will help reduce these side effects. If you do have any reactions, reach out to us immediately and our experienced team can help!

Which Type of Botox is Right for Me?

During your consultation, we will discuss your needs and your expectations from your treatment. Some people want results quickly. For those patients, Daxxify may be the right choice. Others may want to go for longer periods of time between treatments. We will go over the pros and cons of each treatment option as well as discuss any healthcare conditions that may impact your treatment. In the end, we’ll help you determine which form of Botox will provide the best outcome.

Let’s take a closer look at these four different forms of treatment we offer:

What is Botox?

Botox is known for its versatility and has both cosmetic and medical uses. It can be used to smooth the skin of the forehead, chin, eyebrows, nose, neckline, and around the mouth. It’s the most well-known neuromuscular blocker, and it’s also one of the oldest—while the FDA approved it for cosmetic use in the face and neck in 2002, it’s been used since the 1970s for various medical purposes. It is true that Botox is a type of neurotoxic protein, but it’s not harmful when administered by professionals.

Typically, patients can go three to four months between Botox treatments, although this does vary between individuals and the dosage administered. In some cases, patients may need more frequent treatments for medical conditions, such as when using Botox for migraines. Botox starts working fairly quickly, but it can take seven to ten days to see the full effects. Side effects can take the same amount of time to appear and/or clear up, which means you should schedule Botox treatments at least two weeks prior to any major engagements or events.

What is Daxxify?

The biggest difference between Daxxify and the other options we offer is in its makeup. Daxxify has an extra peptide that makes it more absorbent, which means you’ll see results faster. These peptides can be found in a variety of different skincare products because they provide a “glow,” making your face look brighter.

Daxxify was approved for cosmetic use by the FDA in 2022. While the other three forms of Botox used here at REAL are classified as toxins, Daxxify is not. Scientifically, it’s a “Vegan-based peptide alternative.” This means it will not be used in conjuncture with any of the other botulinum products. While again, Botox treatments are not harmful when administered correctly, some patients do feel less apprehension about using a treatment that is not considered a toxin. Daxxify is also often used to smooth out the glabellar lines, although it’s also a good option for neck creases and can be used between the eyebrows, on the forehead, for crow’s feet, and in other areas. Those with headaches and migraines may also find Daxxify is a good treatment option. One of the reasons many patients consider Daxxify is that it can last longer than the other options. While you may need four treatments per year with Botox, you may only need two or three with Daxxify if you are getting the FDA recommended dose, saving you time and money. Daxxify begins to take effect almost immediately. Often, patients see effects within a couple of days. Side effects usually last only a few days.

What is Dysport?

Dysport can also be used to treat forehead wrinkles, neck lines, and lines and wrinkles in other areas. In 2020, Botox and Dysport were used in around 4.4 million cosmetic procedures. While some 94% of the millions of those 4.4 million patients were women, Dysport is often the form of Botox used by men.

One reason Dysport is so popular is that it spreads over large areas, making it ideal for those who have clusters of wrinkles or who want to smooth out large sections of their face or neck. Some patients see immediate improvements after a single injection, with effects appearing in two or three days. Side effects typically vanish within days. We always recommend patients plan their appointments, especially their first appointment, two weeks or more before any major events to ensure you get your desired results and so you have time to come in for your complimentary follow-up appointment.

Patients who get Dysport injections can usually go three to four months between treatments. Some patients see results for even longer periods of time. Those who use Dysport for medical treatments rather than cosmetic purposes may need more frequent injections depending on the condition being treated.

What is Jeuveau?

Jeuveau, while a type of botulinum toxin A, is actually synthetic. It was created in a lab and contains the same active ingredients that botox does. It’s also one of the newer Botox treatments, receiving its FDA approval in 2017. It’s mainly used on glabellar lines (those “11s” mentioned earlier).

If you are looking to smooth out those glabellar lines, though, Jeuveau may be your best option. It has become more of the most effective and preferred options for treating these wrinkles. Jeuveau works just as well as Botox treatments, and it also has some cost benefits that may make it the more attractive treatment for some.

Jeuveau treatments usually last three to four months. Like Dysport, it also takes about a week to see the full effects, while side effects usually clear up in anywhere from 15 minutes to a day for swelling. Brusing can take a few days, while headaches may come and go within a day. Again, booking your treatment appointment at least two weeks before major events is recommended.

Preparing for Treatment

After your consultation and discussing Botox with your healthcare provider, you may decide that this treatment is right for you. If so, you can proceed with treatment that day or book an appointment with one of our professionals. You should book this appointment at least two weeks before any major event to make certain you have time for your follow-up appointment to ensure you’ve achieved the desired results.

Here are a few things to remember before your treatment:

• Don’t drink alcohol for five days prior to the appointment to reduce bruising

• Also stop taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and NSAIDs five days prior to your appointment, although you should not stop taking any blood-thinners that are prescribed by your doctor without discussing it with them first.

• Likewise, certain supplements can also increase your risk of bruising. Stop taking these supplements five days before your appointment: Fish Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Flax Oil, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Vitamin A, Vitamin E or other essential fatty acids.

• Do not wear makeup to your appointment. Come with a clean, bare face.

• Wear loose clothing if you’re getting treatment in an area other than your face for easy access.

• You’ll need to avoid sweating and strenuous activity for 24 hours after your appointment.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

While you’re in our office, you can expect us to clearly communicate the procedure to you step by step. We will always answer any questions you have before administering a treatment, and we will ask you to sign a consent form before proceeding. All of the areas here at REAL Aesthetic Med are sterile and cleaned with antiseptic cleaners. Once all the paperwork is done, we will take some photos so you have a visual record of your progress. All these photos are kept private unless you specifically agree we can use them elsewhere.

Following the photos, we will proceed with the injections. Depending on the location and reason for treatment, you may receive multiple small injections using a small needle. Again, most patients feel only a small pin prick sensation. This process usually takes between five and ten minutes. Once the last injection is finished, the treatment is done!

What to Do Following Treatment

After your treatment, you can return to your daily activities, although you’ll want to avoid doing anything strenuous for 24 hours and also avoid putting any pressure on the treated areas. This means no exercising or doing anything that will make you sweaty. You should also avoid taking a hot bath or going to the sauna for 24 hours. Immediately following your treatment, do not lie flat for four hours.

Here are a few other things to remember following your treatment:

• Don’t touch the area or massage/rub it. Doing so can cause the Botox to spread into unwanted areas and relax the wrong muscles.

• If you experience any discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).

• When you arrive for your appointment, we will schedule a follow-up appointment with you to make certain the treatment is progressing as expected. Don’t miss this important follow-up!

• If you notice any side effects or unexpected results, please let us know as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Considering Botox? Here are some of the questions our potential patients often have. Of course, you’re always welcome to reach out to the team here at REAL Aesthetic Med with any questions or concerns you may have.

Do I Have to Continue Treatment?

No, you don’t have to continue receiving injections if you don’t want to. However, over time, the treatment will wear off. You’ll see your muscles start to contract again, resulting in the wrinkles and lines reappearing.

Can You Get Botox While Breastfeeding or Pregnant?

Patients should avoid Botox injections during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to potential risks. However, more research is needed to fully understand the scope and dangers associated with botulinum treatments administered during pregnancy.

Can I Build up Resistance to Neuromodulators?

While it is possible to develop an antibody resistance to the complex proteins of botulinum injections, this side effect occurs in only a small number of people. If you do build up a resistance, it can subsequently reduce the effectiveness of Botox treatments over time. Often, we only see this type of resistance in patients who have had Botox treatments consistently for more than a decade. If this occurs, we can often switch to a different type of medication and still help you achieve your desired result.

Studies have suggested that resistance to the injections occurs due to one of three factors: (1) inadequate dosages; (2) inappropriate injection placements; or (3) a naturally occurring lack of sensitivity in the procedure areas. The experienced professionals here at REAL Aesthetic Med will carefully determine your dosage and injection placement, reducing the risks of two of the three factors. In the cast of the third, speaking with your healthcare provider can help you determine if you’re at risk of this rare, naturally occurring issue.

I Heard Botox Contains Botulism; Is that True?

Not quite. Botox and other botulinum products share some neurotoxins with a bacteria called clostridium botulinum, which is responsible for botulism, aka food poisoning. However, through the sanitized development of botulinum toxins, studies have verified that Botox is safe for use in both the short- and long-term.

Are There Additional Uses for Neuromodulators?

Using injectables to reduce or eliminate wrinkles is only one option. You can also get relief from other problems you may face. If you suffer from teeth grinding or TMJ, for example, neuromodulators can be used to relax the masseters, the muscles in the face and jaw that control the jaw hinge. This muscle often becomes sore or tight when grinding your teeth, causing it to swell. Botox will help relax the muscle, reducing its size. We can also inject Botox, Daxxify, and other medications into the armpits or other areas of the body to help reduce excessive sweating.

Other medical uses for neuromodulators include chronic migraines, overactive bladder symptoms, and even crossed eyes. If all other medical treatments seem to have failed you, Botox could be the solution.

Reach Out Today to Learn More and Book Your Consultation

REAL Aesthetic Med proudly serves Santa Rosa, California, and Sonoma County; contact us today to book a consultation. Our team of professional cosmetic dermatologists is here to help you enhance your natural beauty, boost your confidence, and discover what Botox can do for you!

Note that the information above may vary depending on your treatment and healthcare provider’s recommendations. Always consult your primary care provider or talk with our experts for personalized instructions and advice regarding any medical or cosmetic procedure.