Botox & Other Injectable Neurotoxins

Botox and other injectable neurotoxins are a safe, effective means of reducing wrinkles on the face and preventing new ones from forming. At Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, we’ve been offering Botox injections for two decades in the Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson area. Book a consultation today to discover how we can help you maintain a smooth, relaxed and wrinkle-free complexion! 

What is Botox?

Botox is the brand name for an injectable made from botulinum toxin type A. It’s the most well-known of a growing class of injectable neuromodulators including Botox, Jeuveau, Xeomin and Dysport.

Neuromodulators are used primarily to treat dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles caused by repetitive movements of the facial muscles. When the toxin is injected into a muscle, it blocks the nerve signals that cause the muscle to move. As a result, the area is temporarily paralyzed, preventing new wrinkles from forming and softening existing ones. Botox also has several medical applications. 

What Can You Treat with Injectable Neurotoxins?

Injectable neurotoxins have many uses ranging from cosmetic to medical, and can be used both as a preventative and a corrective. We offer Botox and other neurotoxins to treat a wide range of skin concerns.

Forehead and brow wrinkling

By far, the most popular areas to inject Botox are the forehead and between the eyebrows. The neurotoxin partially immobilizes the facial muscles in these areas to reduce or prevent glabellar or forehead lines and frown lines, also called “elevens.” 

Lines around the eyes

Botox can also treat crow’s feet, the small lines caused by smiling and squinting. It’s most effective for people aged 30–50 whose crow’s feet are only starting to develop.

Lines around the nose and mouth

Similarly, lines around the nose and mouth caused by smiling, laughing, frowning and smoking can also be treated with Botox. 

Lines on the neck

Botox is an effective solution for horizontal lines and wrinkles on the neck. In addition to smoothing and tightening the skin, it also improves the jawline by relaxing the muscles that pull down on the neck.

Migraines

For people who suffer from frequent migraines, Botox and other neurotoxins can offer significant relief. It is injected around the head and neck every 12 weeks to reduce the frequency of migraines and tension headaches. It’s recommended for people with chronic migraines, which is defined as having a headache at least 15 days per month.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition in which you grind or clench your teeth, either while asleep or unconsciously during the day. It can lead to jaw disorders, damaged teeth and  cause tension headaches. When injected through the cheek, Botox relaxes the chewing muscles to reduce pain and other symptoms of bruxism.

Excessive sweating

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can be effectively treated with neurotoxin injections. The Botox blocks the nerves that activate sweat glands, which are overactive in people with this condition. Botox can be injected into the armpits, forehead and palms to treat abnormal sweating.

Muscle spasms

Because Botox effectively relaxes muscles, it can be used to treat a variety of muscular disorders. For example, eyelid twitching, neck spasms and strabismus (crossed eyes or “lazy eye”) can all be temporarily treated with Botox and in some cases resolved altogether.

Before and afters

Please note the patients featured in these images may have undergone other treatments in conjunction with Botox. This photo gallery does not guarantee that everyone who undergoes Botox will obtain these or similar results.

Neurotoxin Injectables We Offer

We offer a variety of neurotoxin injection brands, each serving a unique purpose. At your Botox consultation, we’ll discuss which of these options would work best for you. We may also use different products for separate areas of your face.

Botox Cosmetic

As the original injectable neurotoxin, Botox is approved for the most uses. Since Botox doesn’t migrate very much beneath the skin, it’s the most effective treatment for small areas, such as around the eyes, and muscles that move a lot, such as those around the mouth. The full results appear after approximately 2 weeks. Botox lasts from 4–6 months, but becomes more effective and long-lasting once you’ve undergone multiple sessions and your muscles have adjusted to moving less. 

Dysport

Dysport can treat the same concerns as Botox; however, it offers slightly different advantages. The Dysport formula naturally migrates to a wider area beneath the skin, making it practical for larger areas such as the forehead. In addition, Dysport has a more immediate effect than Botox, with results appearing after only 24 hours and is FDA-approved to last for 4 months, although it can last as long as 6.

Jeuveau

Jeuveau is an updated version of the original formula used in Botox Cosmetic. It is currently approved for forehead and frown lines. It’s less expensive than Botox, so it’s sometimes recommended for people who are new to neurotoxin injections. Jeuveau results fully appear after 4 days and last 5–6 months, making it one of the longer-lasting neurotoxins available.

Xeomin

Xeomin has the same active ingredient as Botox but contains no additives, garnering it the name of “naked Botox.” The lack of additives reduces the (already low) risk of allergic reaction to the injection. 

Additionally, people who receive Botox for prolonged periods sometimes become desensitized to it, meaning they need more product to achieve the same results. It’s suggested that Xeomin’s formula prevents this desensitization from occurring. 

Xeomin is approved to treat most of the same cosmetic and medical concerns as Botox. The full results of Xeomin take up to a month to appear and last for 3–4 months.

How Much Does Botox Cost?

Botox and other neurotoxins are priced by the vial, meaning the cost of your session depends on how much Botox we need to use. To find out our rates, please give us a call.

Botox FAQ

What are the risks of neurotoxin injections?

Neurotoxin injections have been used for more than 30 years and are considered very safe. The most common side effects are temporary eyelid drooping, a crooked smile, pain or bruising at the injection site and eye dryness or excessive tearing. It is extremely rare for the toxin to spread to other areas of the body, but if you experience muscle weakness or trouble speaking, swallowing or breathing, or have issues with your vision after receiving Botox, contact your doctor immediately.

What does a Botox injection feel like?

Most people report that neurotoxin injections feel like a slight pinch. This is because they’re administered with tiny needles, so any pain is minimal. Depending on how many areas you’re having treated, you may receive up to 10 injections per side of the face. If you experience any discomfort, you can ice the treated area after your session.

How do I prepare for a Botox session?

A week before your appointment, stop using any blood thinners, NSAIDs or muscle relaxants, all of which can cause bleeding. For 48 hours before your session, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, both of which increase your risk of bruising. Other than that, all you need to do is show up to your session with clean skin.

When should I start getting Botox?

There’s no right or wrong age to start getting Botox. However, older adults may find Botox isn’t very effective on deep, pronounced wrinkles. Most of our Botox clients start receiving treatments in their 30s or 40s, when visible wrinkles usually begin to appear, but some people as young as their early 20s get Botox as a preventative measure.

How often should I get Botox?

Once the injection has worn off and you can see wrinkling again in the treated area, you’re usually eligible for another session. However, neurotoxin injections should be at least 3 months apart.