Neurotoxins

Wrinkles are a natural part of aging caused by a lifetime of facial movements and sometimes exacerbated by overstimulated muscles. To combat wrinkles and other side effects of overstimulated muscles, Botox and other neurotoxins are a popular, widely available solution. 

At Lockhart Matter Dermatology, our board-certified, friendly staff can identify which neurotoxin will work best for your unique situation and expertly perform your injections. 

Located in Prosper, Texas, we’re proud to serve patients from the region north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, including Richardson, Garland, Plano, McKinney, Allen and Frisco. Our perfect Google reviews indicate that our patients are happy to recommend us as providers!

What are Neurotoxins?

Neurotoxins are proven treatments for a number of aesthetic and medical conditions. They’re derived from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which causes food poisoning when ingested, but has beneficial effects on the skin’s appearance as injectable treatments.

Neurotoxins disrupt communication between muscles and the nervous system—specifically, by blocking the release of acetylcholine and temporarily paralyzing local muscles. This helps facial muscles relax, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by repeated movements. 

Botulinum toxin has been proven effective not only by numerous studies, but by FDA approval as well. Botox, for example, has been FDA approved since 1989. Other FDA-approved brands are Dysport, Jeuveau, Myobloc, Rima and Xeomin.

What Can You Treat with Injectable Neurotoxins?

Offering few side effects and no downtime, neurotoxin injections are one of the most common anti-aging procedures and are available through countless providers throughout the country. Notably, while they’re widely used as cosmetic treatments, the injections can also act as medical interventions as well.

Forehead lines, brow wrinkles and crow’s feet

Treatments like Botox work by paralyzing local muscles to minimize wrinkles. The procedure is performed in-clinic, and results usually last 3–6 months. Your dermatologist will determine the optimal injection sites and quantities of neurotoxin to minimize forehead lines and crow’s feet.

Lines around the nose and mouth

Reducing facial wrinkles around the nose and mouth is a common cosmetic procedure and can be achieved with various neurotoxin products. Frown lines, for example, are a common cause for treatment. 

Neck banding

Neurotoxins can also be injected along the jawline to reduce neck lines and neck bands and generally make the neck look younger. 

Neck lines are caused by the skin losing its elasticity and collagen breakdown as well as sun damage. Neck bands, sometimes called turkey neck, are caused by sagging skin and tension in the platysma, surface muscles in the neck. 

In general, starting treatment to reduce neck lines and bands is best done earlier rather than later, since degenerative changes become more pronounced over time.

Migraines

Neurotoxins like Botox are proven to be effective prophylactic treatments for migraines. Injections are made into muscles activated by both the facial and trigeminal nerves to prevent and reduce the duration and intensity of headaches. 

There can be side effects, including blepharoptosis—eyelid drooping—as well as skin tightness, neck stiffness, and more. Your doctor will discuss these potential side effects with you before beginning treatment.

Bruxism

Bruxism, a condition in which a person uncontrollably grinds their teeth, can be treated with neurotoxins. The botulinum toxin reduces the involuntary tensing of the jaw muscles that leads to grinding teeth, thus lowering the frequency of bruxism, reducing pain and preventing tooth damage with minimal side effects. 

Excessive sweating

Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is another condition that may be treated with neurotoxins. Hyperhidrosis often occurs in the palms and armpits. 

Treatment is performed via multiple injections in a grid pattern, and the skin is usually numbed with a local anesthetic cream before treatment to reduce pain.

Muscle spasms

Neurotoxins have been shown to be effective treatments for muscle spasms in the face and neck. The toxin disrupts the signal between the nerve and the nervous system, causing the muscle to relax to prevent and reduce the number of events.

Injectable Neurotoxins We Offer

We offer three of the most popular neurotoxin brands to our patients. Your dermatologist will determine which may be right for you during your consultation.

Botox

Lockhart Matter relies on Botox Cosmetic, the pioneering injectable treatment created by Allergan, to treat lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, smile lines and crow’s feet and neck bands. Our Botox treatment is a quick, ten-minute session with usually no downtime. You’ll notice results within 24-48 hours, with full results appearing after 2 weeks.

Dysport

Dysport injections reduce wrinkles without compromising facial expressions and are most effective for moderate to severe frown lines. It’s clinically proven to work after one treatment and is currently used worldwide. Typically, we perform the injections at five points between and above the eyebrows to prevent the muscle contractions that cause frown lines.

Jeuveau

Jeuveau is useful for treating moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, called glabellar lines, by relaxing the muscles that cause these lines. Your Jeuveau treatment will be specifically tailored to you to target the exact area affected. 

Neurotoxins FAQ

Are neurotoxins safe?

Neurotoxins have an excellent safety profile and a long track record–they’ve been FDA-approved since 1989. They rarely cause adverse effects when properly injected in the right amounts by a trained practitioner. It is not safe to use these products at home, so be sure to refer to a licensed injector at a reputable med spa.

How do I know which brand to choose?

Your provider will help you choose which neurotoxin best meets your facial rejuvenation needs; different brands are correct for different circumstances.

Can neurotoxins replace surgical procedures?

Neurotoxin injections don’t necessarily replace plastic surgery, but offer a less invasive option to create a more youthful appearance with no downtime. However, they only work on dynamic wrinkles, i.e. wrinkles caused by muscle movements, and can’t be used to treat other signs of aging such as sagging or excess skin. 

Can the procedure be reversed?

Neurotoxin injections like Botox cannot be reversed. However, as the procedure is associated with minimal, temporary side effects, it’s exceedingly rare for patients to desire reversal after treatment.