Recent experience with Neurotoxins appear to help lacerations heal with less visible scarring. Scars from recent wounds treated with Botox® Cosmetic or Dysport were rated better in appearance than scars that healed without neurotoxin injections.  The neurotoxin prevents movement of the muscle and skin during the healing process. This helps the scar hear with less tension and disturbance.

For years neurotoxin has been used as a nonsurgical treatment for uncontrollable facial spasm and facial paralysis, sometimes caused by Bell’s Palsy, and asymmetry also caused by paralysis in the face.  Limitation of simultaneous facial movements (synkinesis) can also be successfully balanced by injecting neurotoxin. Dr. Aharonov utilizes Botox and Dysport to create symmetry or balance in the face and reduce the activity of synkinesis.

Neurotoxin is targeted directly at the facial muscles that are causing dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are wrinkles that occur when we move our face, such as when we smile or raise our eyebrows.  The neurotoxin injection blocks transmission from the nerve ending to the muscle.  As a result, the muscle relaxes, significantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles.  This blocking effect on the nerves usually lasts an average of three to six months, at which time the muscle regains movement and wrinkles reappear.

Dynamic wrinkles are associated with the muscles we use for facial expression. As we continuously use our facial muscles to smile, laugh and squint, mild wrinkles appear when we are young. They become deeper and more noticeable as we grow older. The most common areas where we develop dynamic wrinkles are around the lips, the corners of the eyes (crows’ feet), between the eyebrows, and on the forehead.  These wrinkles often make people look older and more tired than they actually are. Neurotoxin can be used to treat these dynamic wrinkles and make them less noticeable, while still preserving the ability to form facial expressions.

Management of the aging brow and forehead has improved over the years. The brows can sag as we age, causing a heaviness over the eyes. The position of the brows is determined by several factors including genetics, age, and facial muscle tone. One muscle group pulls the brows downward, while an opposing muscle group pulls the brows upward. By weakening the muscle group that pulls the brows downward, neurotoxin injections can be used to slightly elevate the brow or correct brow asymmetries, giving the eyes a more open, awake appearance.

Patients suffering from sweaty palms or overactive underarms have had very satisfactory results with injecting neurotoxin. In clinical studies, it was demonstrated that sweat secretions were blocked in the treated glands. No side effects were observed. These results typically last for about three to four months.

Some people have excessive amounts of their gums showing when they smile. This is known as a “gummy smile.” This can lead to feeling self conscious and inhibited. These people often avoid social situations that may involve laughing or avoiding family photos altogether. You can click here to learn more about gummy smile treatments.

There are several causes of a Gummy Smile. One of these is an overactive muscle in the upper lip, and doesn’t involve the gums or teeth at all. This cause can be easily corrected. This is a quick, virtually pain free procedure done in the office. A few simple neurotoxin injections placed in strategic locations will prevent the upper lip from raising excessively high when you smile. The full results are seen after several days. At that time, the upper lip will not raise as high. The effects typically last on average of three to six months, depending on the individual patient. Additionally, some people have an asymmetrical or irregular smile. Some part of the lips may be drooping lower or raised higher than the rest of the lips during smiling or laughing. This can also be corrected.