ABOUT THERAPEUTIC NEUROTOXIN TREATMENTS
Neurotoxins such as Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® are FDA-approved medications that work by temporarily relaxing targeted muscles or glands to reduce tension, spasms, pain, or overactivity.
These treatments are commonly used for:
- TMJ disorders and jaw clenching (bruxism)
- Chronic migraines and tension headaches
- Trapezius or neck pain and muscle tightness
- Shoulder and back tension
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of underarms, palms, or scalp
- Facial pain, eye twitching, or muscle spasm
The goal is to provide functional relief and improved quality of life while maintaining natural movement and expression.
PRE-TREATMENT CARE
1 Week Before Treatment
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, unless prescribed, to reduce risk of bruising:
- Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), ginkgo biloba, garlic, flaxseed oil, fish oil, Vitamin E, and other essential fatty acids.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24–48 hours before treatment.
- Do not receive other medical injections, dental procedures, or laser treatments in the target area within 1 week of your neurotoxin session.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an active infection, inform your provider — treatment will need to be postponed.
- Stay well hydrated and ensure you have eaten a small meal before your appointment to prevent lightheadedness.
- If being treated for migraines or hyperhidrosis, wear loose-fitting clothing to access treatment areas comfortably.
Day of Treatment
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, lotion, deodorant, or creams on the area to be treated.
- Avoid strenuous activity right before your session.
- Inform your provider if:
- You have had recent illness, fever, or antibiotic use.
- You have received previous neurotoxin injections within the last 3 months.
- You have a history of neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome).
POST-TREATMENT CARE
Immediately After Treatment
- Mild tenderness, swelling, or small red bumps may occur at injection sites — this typically resolves within 30–60 minutes.
- Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated area for at least 4 hours to prevent product migration.
- Avoid lying flat or bending forward for 4 hours after treatment.
- Do not apply heat, ice, or pressure directly to the area.
- You may experience temporary weakness, soreness, or heaviness in the treated muscles — this is normal and will resolve as your body adjusts.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, or hot showers for 24 hours.
First 24–48 Hours
- Avoid:
- Massage, chiropractic adjustments, or physical therapy on treated areas.
- Tight clothing, headwear, or straps pressing on injection sites.
- Alcohol and caffeine, which may increase swelling.
- You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) if mild soreness occurs; avoid NSAIDs unless prescribed.
- Stay hydrated and rest as needed.
For TMJ / Bruxism Treatments
- Avoid excessive chewing (e.g., gum, hard foods) for 24 hours.
- Some mild muscle weakness or fatigue while chewing may occur temporarily.
- Relief from jaw tension and headaches typically begins within 5–10 days and continues to improve over 2 weeks.
For Chronic Migraine Treatments
- You may experience temporary pressure or mild headache at injection sites.
- Relief typically begins within 7–14 days, with progressive reduction in migraine frequency and intensity.
- Keep a headache log to track improvement and duration of results.
For Trapezius / Neck Muscle Treatments
- Mild soreness or stiffness is normal for 1–3 days.
- Avoid strenuous upper body exercise for 24 hours.
- Use gentle stretching or light massage (after 48 hours) if approved by your provider.
- Patients typically experience improved posture and relief of shoulder/neck tension within 7–10 days.
For Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
- Avoid applying deodorant or antiperspirant for 24 hours post-treatment.
- Do not shave or apply fragrance in the treated area for 48 hours.
- Avoid intense exercise or heat exposure for 24–48 hours.
- Results begin to appear in 5–7 days, with full effect at 2–3 weeks.
- The area will remain dry for an average of 4–6 months before retreatment may be needed.
RESULTS AND FOLLOW-UP
- Results vary depending on the treated area and individual response:
- TMJ / Migraine / Trapezius: improvement typically begins in 5–14 days.
- Hyperhidrosis: dryness begins within 1–2 weeks.
- Maximum benefit occurs by 2–3 weeks post-treatment.
- Effects last an average of 3–6 months, after which retreatment may be recommended.
- Repeated treatments may provide longer-lasting relief as muscles or glands adapt to relaxation.
WHEN TO CALL OUR OFFICE
Contact Specialty Wellness & MedSpa immediately at 469-442-4442 if you experience:
- Severe pain, redness, or swelling that worsens after 48 hours
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing
- Generalized muscle weakness or drooping that spreads beyond the treated area
- Signs of infection (warmth, discharge, or fever)
Have Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Specialty Wellness & MedSpa at 469-442-4442.
Our experienced team is here to ensure your comfort, safety, and successful results from your therapeutic neurotoxin treatment.
