subject: Neuromuscular Toxins Vs Soft Tissue Fillers [print this page] The treatment of facial wrinkles through the use of neuromuscular toxins and/or soft tissue fillers are some of the most common minimally invasive procedures available in plastic and cosmetic surgery. One of the most widely used products is the very popular Botox. Botox is a neuromuscular toxin, cleared for safety by the FDA nearly 20 years ago, that has been used to reduce and temporarily eliminate wrinkles on the forehead, as well as wrinkles in between and around the eyes. Soft tissue fillers can be used alone or in conjunction with Botox to further shape the face, and fill folds and wrinkles. If you want to erase wrinkles, look more youthful, or rejuvenate your face neuromuscular, toxins and soft tissue fillers may be the perfect option.
Neuromuscular Toxins
Neuromuscular toxins are ideal for wrinkles associated with age or simply with animation. Some people otherwise are simply born with deep, active muscles which cause wrinkles or furrows in the forehead, or between the eyes The in-between the eye muscle creases are sometimes called "the elevens" as the two lines resemble the number 11. Neuromuscular toxins work by weakening or temporarily paralyzing the muscles that are causing the wrinkles. These essentially block the nerve signals which cause the muscles to contract. When the muscles don't contract or are relaxed, the folds or wrinkles nearly disappear. Since the toxin in question works in the immediate area in which it is injected, surgeons are able to specifically treat targeted areas to achieve the best results
Botox is one of the most common products available. This agent was the first to be studied and be approved for cosmetic use. Other brands of neuromuscular toxins are Dysport and Xeomin which is to be released soon. Practically speaking, all the toxins are basically the same and may differ in the onset of action, or how long the effect lasts. Botox generally lasts anywhere from 3 to 4 months and can repeated at the patient's desire. Some risks of neuromuscular toxins include bruising, and unintentionally affecting nearby muscles.
Soft Tissue Fillers
If you have large or firmly established wrinkles you may want to consider soft tissue fillers rather than a neuromuscular toxin. Soft tissue fillers work by creating volume in portions of the face that suffers from deeper wrinkles or folds. Botox can relax the lines, and fillers like Restylane or Juvederm can fill them. Soft tissue fillers are very versatile and may be used to smooth fine lines, fill deep lines, and even sculpt the soft tissue on your face. They are also approved for augmenting lips giving a very nice appearance to those whose lips are thin or lacking in volume.
There are few disadvantages to soft tissue fillers but they do include temporary bruising, or lumpiness which is rare and correctable. Soft tissue fillers last about a year, and can be repeated at will. They are easily performed in your doctor's office and require about thirty minutes of time to do. There is little to no down time with the exception of possible bruising in the first day or two
