Tired of Wrinkles? Here's How Neurotoxins Can Help

It happens to everyone at some point. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror or zoom in on a selfie and notice creases, lines, and folds forming all over your face. 

While there are a lot of benefits to aging, the skin changes are not on that list. 

But don’t panic. Noticing your first wrinkles may feel like the dominoes have already started to fall on your youth, but there’s hope in treatment.

One of the most popular approaches to wrinkle reduction is the use of neurotoxins (you know them by their brand names like Botox® and Jeuveau®). They don’t freeze your face or change who you are. They simply help soften the movements that deepen wrinkles over time.

Kathleen J. Smith, MD, and our team at Dermatology Specialists of Atlanta are here with a comprehensive guide to the industry’s No. 1 wrinkle-fighting tool, so you know what to expect. 

Why wrinkles form in the first place

There are two main types of wrinkles: static and dynamic. Dynamic wrinkles show up when you contract the muscles in your face and stem from repeated facial expressions over many years. Static wrinkles appear even when your face is at rest and result from factors such as decreased skin elasticity, collagen depletion, and sun damage.

Neurotoxins address dynamic wrinkles by relaxing overused muscles, allowing the skin to smooth out. Over time, this can even train your face to make fewer wrinkle-forming movements.

A note on fillers

Want to tackle those static wrinkles? Pair neurotoxin injections with fillers. Fillers gently plump your sunken features, reducing the appearance of crepey, tired skin.

Let’s talk about neurotoxins

“Neurotoxins” doesn’t sound like something you want to deliberately inject into your face, but don’t let the name scare you away. 

Neurotoxins are (safe) injectable treatments that temporarily relax specific muscles in your face, preventing contractions that make wrinkles appear. When your muscles are unable to move, the skin above them stays smoother.

We use neurotoxins to reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles and fine lines in the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes, where repetitive movements are most frequent. 

Most people think that neurotoxins are a treatment you get in your 30s and 40s when wrinkles start to appear, but you can also get preventive treatment before wrinkles appear. If you’re in your 20s and wrinkles haven’t appeared yet, come talk to us about a series of preventive injections.

What treatment feels like

One of the biggest surprises for first-time patients is how quick and simple the appointment is, with treatment usually taking just a few minutes. The injections use tiny needles, and most people describe the sensation as a quick pinch.

There’s little to no downtime, so you can return to normal activities the same day, though we may recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for a short period.

Results develop gradually over several days, with full effects appearing within about two weeks, and typically last three to four months. Regular treatments can help maintain smoother skin and prevent deeper wrinkles from forming.

Speaking of results

One of the most common concerns is whether or not the results will look natural, and it’s a valid one. When neurotoxins are used thoughtfully (and administered by an expert), the goal is not to erase expression. It’s to soften the lines that make you look tired or tense.

A skilled dermatologist like Dr. Smith focuses on balance and subtlety. You’ll still look like yourself, just more refreshed.

Are you a candidate?

Neurotoxins work well for a wide range of adults. Some people start treatment when lines are just beginning to form. Others wait until wrinkles are more established. Both approaches can be effective.

Neurotoxins are best for:

• Smoothing forehead lines and frown lines
• Softening crow’s feet
• Preventing wrinkles from deepening

Dr. Smith assesses your facial anatomy and movement patterns to determine the right approach for you.

A small treatment with a big impact

Neurotoxins aren’t about changing your face. They’re designed to help your skin reflect how you feel inside. If wrinkles are distracting you or making you look more tired than you are, this treatment offers a simple, effective solution.

A consultation with our expert dermatologist is the best way to explore whether neurotoxins are right for you and how they can fit into a long-term skin health plan. Call or click to schedule a consultation with the team at our Decatur, Georgia, office today.