Neurotoxin (botulinum toxin) is a popular cosmetic treatment used to give a more youthful appearance, and can also help with certain functional concerns.
The treatment works by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from nerves that cause muscles to contract, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Beyond cosmetic use, it can also help with concerns such as a high (“gummy”) lip line, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort, and bruxism (teeth grinding). It's a quick, convenient, minimally invasive treatment with very little downtime, and it can be combined with dermal fillers for enhanced results.
Before your appointment, we ask patients to avoid blood-thinning medication for two weeks, alcohol for 24 hours, and retinol products for two days, and to eat something beforehand. Afterwards, avoid lying down for four hours, avoid bending or heavy lifting, skip vigorous exercise for 48 hours, avoid alcohol and excess salt for 24 hours, avoid make-up for a few hours, don't massage the treated area for three hours, and hold off on retinol for two days.
We generally recommend this treatment from around age 25 onwards.
