What is a neurotoxin?

The OG aesthetic treatment worldwide. Neurotoxin (aka ‘tox’, ‘toxin’) has numerous effects depending on which plane it is injected into. It softens lines/wrinkles, by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. It also stops sebum (oil) and sweat production. By relaxing relaxing specific muscles, neurotoxin’s can be used for therapeutic reasons as well - migraines, TMJ dysfunction, cervical dystonia, hyperhidrosis, chronic muscle pain, etc. Effects typically start to become noticeable within 3-5 days, with full results appearing within 1-2 weeks. The muscle-relaxing effects last about 3-6 months, after which the procedure can be repeated to maintain results.

Brand names of a couple common neurotoxins: Botox®, Xeomin®, Dysport®, or Nucieva®.

What is a dermal filler?

Brand names of a couple common fillers: Restylane®, Belotero®, Radiesse+®, or Juvederm®

A dermal filler is a substance injected into the skin to help fill in facial wrinkles, provide volume, and augment facial features, leading to a smoother and fuller appearance. Dermal fillers are commonly used in cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine to address signs of aging, enhance facial contours, and restore lost volume.

The two 3 main ingredients in different fillers are 1. Hyaluronic acid (reversible), 2. Calcium hydroxyapatite, and 3. Poly-L-Lactic-Acid.

Hyaluronic-based fillers are the most common and can dissolved/reversed with an injectable enzyme called hyaluronidase in the case of migration, nodules, or occlusion. If these words are new to you, make sure you read your clinic’s consent policy and ask your injector about possible side effects.

How much will your treatment cost?

The million-dollar question, and this is where consultations are SO important. On average, neurotoxin is between $9-$12 per unit.

How many units do you need?
That completely depends on where you wish to be treated, how strong your muscles contract, if there is muscle bulk, which product(s) your injector uses, your treatment history, etc.
The glabella (your 11’s) and your crow’s feet are generally the more pricey areas to treat due to the size and number of muscles involved.

Men typically required larger doses than women. Why? Because their muscles tend to be stronger than females.

Adequate dosing also affects longevity of the results. Less units = less results. It may mean that you’re sacrificing the quality of your results and duration for which you will benefit from your investment.

Dermal filler typically comes in 0.5cc/ml (“half syringe”) or 1.0cc/ml (“full syringe”). On average, the cost of a half syringe varies between $300-500 and a full syringe can be $550-900. The price can vary depending on the product, the location of the clinic, and your injector’s experience.

Will my wrinkles be worse after the toxin wears off?

No, this is a common myth. Neurotoxin is dosed based on muscle strength and bulk. Neurotoxins are metabolized through a series of biological processes involving enzymatic degradation and removal from the body. The metabolism of these neurotoxins can be complex and varies depending on the specific type of neurotoxin. Once metabolized, the muscle which was injected resumes normal contraction and strength slowly. It would seem odd if contraction returned stronger after being completely relaxed.

Does toxin actually make me look older after long-term use?

Absolutely not. The long-term use of botulinum toxin for reducing permanent wrinkles and fine lines, generally does not make you look older. In fact, it is widely used to maintain a youthful appearance. Users will still experience the natural aging process, including static wrinkles (wrinkles present without muscle movement), loss of skin elasticity, and volume loss, but these changes are typically managed alongside botulinum toxin treatments using other cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers, skin treatments, and skincare routines. This is also the importance of having an experienced injector that knows the art and science of facial relaxation.

Will neurotoxin make me look fake?

If you have a well-trained, experienced injector - nope!
In fact, even if too many units are used, you wont be able to emote. For complications related to neurotoxin treatments, its an issue of placement (injected into a muscle that isn’t the target). Inexperience can lead to diffusion (spreading) of the product from to neighbouring muscles, causing results are that less than ideal. Results usually last 3-4 months.

Will filler make me look fake?

They can, in large volumes and poor placement.
A small take-out packet of Ketchup or soya sauce is between 5-8cc. As mentioned in a previous FAQ, syringes of dermal range range from 0.5cc - 1.5 cc.

When doing filler injections for the cheeks or jawline, we typically recommend 2-6 syringes. The temple area is often one of the last areas to be treated as it requires larger volumes; namely 2-4 ml on average. Lips commonly only need 1 syringe. Lips should be low volume and numerous treatments to prevent migration.

Is it normal to be told I may need multiple syringes of filler?

YES! See above. This is why NATCH focuses on treatment plans often requiring 6 - 12 months for ideal clinical results.

What is the difference between microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) microneedling?

Since I talk a lot about my DP4 microneedling device. Let’s learn about RF microneedling.
Both procedures are appropriate for all skin types and skin tones. RF microneedling is “colour-blind” — meaning by delivering targeted heat below the skin’s surface, the pigment is protected making this procedure safer with darker skin types.

Costs. On average, $800 - $1300 per treatment. And like regular microneedling, a series of 3 treatments is recommended. If someone is offering this treatment for less than this - you should wonder why.

Contraindications to RF Microneedling:

• Patients with a pacemaker.

• Prior gold-thread skin-rejuvenation treatment.

• Keloid formation propensity.

• Skin infections.

• Pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

• Metal implants.

• Embedded electronic devices that cannot be turned off or removed.

• Nerve insensitivity.

RF Microneedling can be a high-end treatment, especially for those who are looking for improved skin laxity. However, like any new technology, experience with use is vital. Companies will train purchasers on their devices. But like anything in medicine - experience, time, and education set clinics apart. It is common for professionals to take laser-specific courses.

Can I have my insurance cover my treatments?

In a nut shell - for cosmetic reasons - no.

However, there are numerous therapeutic indications for the use of neurotoxin. There are some specific medical diagnoses that Health Canada has approved the use of neurotoxin as a treatment. Conditions such as migraines, cervical dystonia, hyperhydrosis, muscle spasms, bladder spasms, and even temporomandibular disorder. To determine if your private insurance covers toxin treatments, it's best to review your insurance policy, consult with your insurance provider, and discuss with your healthcare provider who can assist with the necessary documentation for coverage.

What is “collagen induction therapy”?

One of the pillars of NATCH’s philosophy. Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used in aesthetic medicine to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance by stimulating collagen and elastin production. Here’s a detailed overview of the procedure and its benefits. The most famous form of CIT is microneedling. As described above, the use of controlled injury to stimulate the body’s healing process increases collagen in the dermis.

Why are aesthetic treatments so expensive?

At NATCH, we really wish we could make aesthetic treatments accessible to everyone.

Aesthetic treatments tend to be expensive due to several factors. These factors encompass the cost of the products and equipment, the expertise of the practitioners, regulatory and safety requirements, and the overall market demand.

If you see cheap injectables - be warned, this is usually an attempt to bring in clients to injectors who have little to no experience. The overhead of aesthetic clinics is incredibly high - from expensive needles, cannulas, machines, education, licensing, etc.