Neurotoxin Treatments

Not unless that's your goal. Modern neurotoxin treatments can be tailored to your preferences.

At EM+ZEN, every treatment is customized after evaluating your facial anatomy, muscle movement, and aesthetic goals. Some patients prefer to maintain more natural movement, while others desire a smoother appearance with less animation. Our role is to listen, educate, and create a treatment plan that aligns with your vision.

Our philosophy is rooted in facial balance: we soften excessive muscle activity that contributes to a tired, stressed, or angry appearance while preserving the movements that keep your expressions natural and authentic. The best results are the ones that leave you feeling confident—and still looking like yourself.

Both are FDA-approved neurotoxins that relax targeted muscles to soften wrinkles and improve facial balance. Both are safe, effective, and deliver natural-looking results when used appropriately.

• Xeomin® is a highly purified formulation without accessory proteins—an excellent choice for long-term maintenance and for minimizing the risk of treatment resistance over time.
• Dysport® tends to spread a little more after injection, making it ideal for larger treatment areas, and many patients notice a slightly faster onset.

We don't believe one product is better than the other. The best choice depends on your anatomy, muscle strength, goals, treatment history, and the area being treated—we'll recommend the product we believe will give you the most natural, balanced result.

Results don't appear immediately—as the treated muscles gradually relax, you'll notice a smoother, more refreshed appearance.

• Dysport®: many patients begin seeing results in 2–3 days.
• Xeomin®: results typically begin within 3–5 days.

Both continue to improve over the following days, with full results usually visible around 10–14 days after treatment. If any refinements are needed, we recommend waiting until two weeks after treatment before assessing the final result.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Every person metabolizes neurotoxin at a different rate—the effect wears off gradually, not overnight. For most patients results last approximately 2–4 months.

Factors that influence duration include metabolism, muscle strength, exercise, overall health, certain medications and supplements, GLP-1 medications and significant weight loss, stress, and whether you've been treated before.

Rather than treating on a strict schedule, we recommend booking your next appointment when you notice movement returning—before the muscles regain full strength. With consistent treatment, many patients need fewer units or longer intervals over time. Our goal isn't to treat a calendar—it's to treat your face.

Little to none—most patients return to normal activities immediately. You may notice mild redness or small bumps at the injection sites (typically resolving within 15–30 minutes), minor swelling or tenderness, or occasional mild bruising.

To optimize your results after treatment:

• Remain upright for about 4 hours
• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and hot yoga until the following day
• Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas for the rest of the day

These simple precautions help minimize the already small risk of the product spreading to nearby muscles before it has fully taken effect.

There is no perfect schedule that works for everyone. We recommend treating when you notice your muscle movement returning—for many patients approximately every 3–4 months, but the ideal timing varies.

We believe in using the lowest effective dose and the longest appropriate interval between treatments. This preserves natural movement and minimizes unnecessary lifetime exposure to the medication.

As we age, goals change too: maintaining facial balance eventually involves a thoughtful combination of neurotoxins, collagen-stimulating treatments, skin rejuvenation, and strategic volume restoration. Our philosophy is simple—treat only when needed, use only what you need, and adjust as your face naturally changes over time.