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Nurse Practitioner, Christina, injecting botox in patient in facial chair.

N E U R O T O X I N S

NEUROTOXINS:OUR FAVORITE WRINKLE ERASER

Neurotoxins, often called "tox", like Botox® Cosmetic and Jeuveau® smooth wrinkles and fine lines by softening the dynamic muscles of the face (the muscles that make folds when clenched).  By softening the muscle that cause the wrinkles, the wrinkles mellow and fade away, in some cases, after your initial treatment and over time with consistent treatments.

In addition to treating fine lines and wrinkles on the upper face, to is commonly used for a number of other benefits including:

 

  • Reduce sweating in the underarms, hair, palms, wherever you need!

  • Narrow the jaw and lower face

  • Improve the appearance of the neck and jowls

  • Increase the fullness of the upper lip ("lip flip")

  • Reduce tension and discomfort associated with TMJ

  • Reduce headaches


Neurotoxins is ideal for treating areas of the face like between the eyebrows, the forehead, and crow's feet.  Areas of the lower face can be smoothed and adjusted with Neurotoxins as well.  Neurotoxins are a quick and effective way to erase bothersome lines for 3-4 months.

 

No, you will not get "addicted" and we won't over "tox" you. We are confident that you will love the way your skin and face respond to the treatment but you can easily skip a treatment or two if desired without any problems.  Neurotoxin dosage is carefully planned to give you a subtle, beautiful result. Dosage is actually tied to duration, not response.  So, if you skimp on dosage, you are only cheating yourself! Our experienced injectors, are able to assess your needs to ensure the proper result.  Patients are encouraged to visit us 2 weeks after their initial visit to ensure their results are as desired and make any necessary tweaks.

In some cases, with wrinkles that are more "etched" in, this may require a few treatments to see more visible results or in some cases, filler may be required to achieve optimal results.  Priced by area and treatments start at $325 (with exception of lip flip).  We find that pricing the treatment by area allows us to better focus - and provide - your desired outcome.  A consultation required prior to treatment and prices are reviewed based on your unique recommendations.  Before and after photos are Essential clients.


Essential does offer unit pricing promotions occassionally and we do offer a "bank your tox" option to purchase 100 units of Neurotoxin at a discounted price.  Ask one of our team members for additional information.  Join our newsletter to learn about upcoming promotions!

FAQ: NEUROTOXINS

What Is Recommended Before My Treatment? 
Avoid taking blood thinners (i.e. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil) for at least 7-10 days prior. For optimal results and to minimize the chance of bleeding or bruising at the injection site, please avoid all blood thinning medications and supplements for one week prior to your treatment. This includes aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen, Motrin and Aleve and wells as high does of vitamin-E and Omega-3 fish oil.   If you take aspirin or other blood thinners on your doctor's advice or orders, do not stop taking your medication.
  Please notify us in advance if you are taking Coumadin, Plavix or any other blood thinner for a medical condition.

Do not use botox or dermal fillers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are allergic to any of it's ingredients or suffer from any neurological disorders. Due to some isolated reactions with filler and the Covid-19 vaccine, we recommend waiting 4 weeks between your vaccine and your dermal filler treatment.

Inform your provider if you have a history of Perioral Herpes to receive advice on antiviral therapy prior to treatment. (Valtrex 500 mg BID, 5 days, start 2 days prior to treatment)

Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A) retinols, retinoids, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or any "anti-aging" products for two days before and after treatment.  Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours before or after your treatment to avoid extra bruising.

How Is My Tox Treatment Performed?  
A medical history and exam and consultation with a medical provider is performed prior to your treatment to rule out any risks or contraindications.  Botox patients will have their treatment area cleaned and prepped.  You may be asked to move your facial muscles like smile, frown or grimace so the provider can observe your facial muscles in motion. Small amounts of the product are injected using a tiny needle to soften the strength of the muscles making the wrinkles.  Redness at the treatment area is normal and an ice pack is used immediately following the treatment.  Results can take up to 14 days and it is normal for facial asymmetry while the Botox settles and does it's job. Bruising and swelling are normal will resolve on its own in the days following the treatment.

 

Who Does Neurotoxins at Essential? 
All of our aesthetic injector providers are licensed Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants with several years of aesthetic injecting experience.  Together, Essential has over 25 years of Neurotoxin experience.

 

What Neurotoxins do you use?

Essential uses Allergan's Botox Cosmetic® and Evolus's Jeuveau products.  We find that these products give our patients the best results and longest results.  Both products have loyalty programs that allow for savings for treatments. Having said that, we are always learning and testing new products to provide our patients the best of the best.

What Is The Downtime After My Treatment? 

In both cases, some bruising or swelling may be evident for the first few days after treatment.  Immediately following toxin injection, the most commonly reported side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. Cold gel/ice packs may be used immediately after treatment to reduce swelling.  To avoid a bruise, refrain from taking blood thinning medications (see above) for several days after.  Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin is recommended if you need a pain relieving medication.    

We recommend avoiding laying completely flat for 3 hours post treatment and avoiding the following for the first 24 hours after your treatment:  jumping, exercise, jumping jacks, direct high heat, sauna or steam room, massaging treatment area. 

What Are The Side Effects? 

Possible Botox side effects include: mild headache, bruising at injection site, a sensation of "numbness" or tingling at the injection site, feeling of pressure or fullness at injection site and droopy eyelid (ptosis).   If you experience any droopy eyelide, please call the office as soon as possible.
 

All of the above side effects are temporary and will resolve as neurotoxin is metabolized. However, please call the office to notify us if you experience any of the above side effects.  We recommend avoiding all other facial treatments for 14 days post Botox treatment and one month post Dermal Filler.

When Will I Start To See Results From My Treatment?
Muscles injected with neurotoxin will show resistance to movement within 3-7 days, but results can take up to 14 days for the full effect. If the desired effect has not occurred by day 14 and you have been treated with the recommended number of units, a touch-up treatment or additional toxin units may be needed.
  Swelling typically subsides in a few days and by two weeks you will be loving your new results!

Is Botox and Filler Safe? 
Yes!  Both Neurotoxins like Botox Cosmetic® and Jeuveau have been studied for YEARS for safety and efficacy in the US and abroad. In fact, Botox is one of the most researched medications available and it is used for medicinal purposes (in much larger doses) for adults and even children. 

Can Botox and Fillers Be Combined With Other Procedures? 
Yes! Botox and Filler can be used to complement other treatments; however in many cases, we recommend waiting at least 4 weeks post treatment for additional services and whenever possible, we recommend doing any radiofrequency treatments prior to filler.   Talk to our office about a customized treatment plan to ensure optimal timing and results.

Nurse Practitioner, Christina, injecting botox into patient.
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