Botox Treatment in Toronto
What is Botox ?
Botox (onabotulinum toxin A) is a purified protein when injected, relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles such as frown lines and crows feet. Relaxing these muscles improves the appearance of wrinkles and creases that develop over time from ageing.
Neuromodulators are chemicals in the nervous system that can alter the activity of neurons. They can affect the release, uptake, or response to neurotransmitters, thus modulating the overall activity of neural circuits. Examples include dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. Neuromodulators play crucial roles in regulating various physiological processes such as mood, sleep, and attention.
How Does Botox Work?
As we age, repetitive movements in the face such as smiling, frowning or squinting, can cause fine lines and wrinkles. Botox is injected into the muscle, temporarily reducing muscle activity. It can be used as a preventative or corrective measure to reduce the appearance of moderate to more severe wrinkles.
Botox is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is used medically to treat certain muscular conditions and cosmetically to temporarily reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles by relaxing the muscles responsible for causing wrinkles. Botox injections work by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles, preventing them from contracting, which results in a smoother appearance of the skin.
What to Expect
There is no cookie cutter approach to Botox and each patient has very unique expectations. Dr. Skouras believes in soft natural results that give his patients a fresh relaxed appearance rather than harsh or “frozen”. During your consultation, Dr. Skouras will discuss what your expectations are and provide you with a quotation on approximately how many units the treatment will require to reach your desired results.
Botox is a quick and moderately painless treatment performed using a very fine needle. The sensation is comparable to that of a light prick or mosquito bite. After treatment, there may be slight redness to the injection site that will minimize in approximately 30 mins. Many patients are able to have Botox treatment on their lunch breaks!
Xeomin
Xeomin and Botox are both botulinum toxin type A formulations used for cosmetic and medical purposes, but they have some differences:
- Formulation: Xeomin contains only the botulinum toxin type A molecule, whereas Botox includes not only the toxin but also additional proteins from the bacteria used in its production.
- Purification process: Xeomin undergoes a purification process that removes the accessory proteins found in Botox, which may reduce the risk of developing antibodies to the toxin.
- Onset of action: Some studies suggest that Xeomin may have a slightly faster onset of action compared to Botox, but individual responses can vary.
- Shelf life: Due to its lack of complexing proteins, Xeomin does not require refrigeration before reconstitution, which may simplify storage and transportation.
- Clinical effectiveness: Both Xeomin and Botox are effective in reducing wrinkles and treating certain medical conditions, but individual response can vary, and one may be preferred over the other based on factors such as patient preference, cost, and practitioner experience.
Ultimately, the choice between Xeomin and Botox should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional based on individual needs and preferences.