Neurotoxin Injection
Fine lines and forehead creases have a way of making your face look more tired or tense than you actually feel. Neurotoxin injections are a fast, proven, non-surgical way to address them — smoothing expression lines at the source without recovery time or downtime. At Harmony Cosmetic Dentistry and Implants in Charlotte, NC, these treatments are performed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons who bring a level of anatomical precision that most aesthetic injectors simply do not have.
Dr. Riddhi Patel and Dr. Ramon Peleaux are both board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons at the Charlotte location. Dr. Patel is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and holds membership in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the South Carolina Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and both the North Carolina and South Carolina Dental Societies. Dr. Patel was also featured in Incisal Edge Magazine’s 40 Under 40. Neurotoxin injections are available as part of our full suite of Charlotte oral surgery services, and can be combined with other treatments at the same visit.
What Neurotoxin Injections Do
Neurotoxins are FDA-approved injectable medications that temporarily relax specific facial muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles — the lines formed by repeated movement like squinting, frowning, or raising your brows. Common formulations include Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin. Each works by interrupting the nerve signal that tells a targeted muscle to contract. The skin above that muscle smooths out, and natural facial expressions remain intact when the treatment is placed correctly.
The FDA prescribing information for onabotulinumtoxinA confirms that these products have an established safety record when administered by trained medical professionals at recommended doses. Most patients see full results within four to ten days, with improvements lasting four to six months. Regular maintenance appointments can help sustain results over time.
Treatment Areas at Our Charlotte Office
Dr. Patel and Dr. Peleaux use strategically placed injections to address a range of cosmetic concerns. Every treatment plan is customized to your facial structure, muscle activity, and goals — no two treatment maps are the same.
What to Expect at Your Charlotte Appointment
Appointments begin with a one-on-one consultation. The treating surgeon reviews your concerns, assesses your facial muscle activity and structure, and maps the areas to be treated based on your individual goals. Because Dr. Patel and Dr. Peleaux are oral and maxillofacial surgeons, they bring clinical knowledge of nerve pathways, tissue planes, and muscle anatomy that extends well beyond what most aesthetic injectors receive in training.
Why Surgical Training Makes a Difference
Most aesthetic injectors have cosmetic training. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons train for years inside the operating room with a comprehensive understanding of the facial complex — muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and tissue planes — before they ever treat a cosmetic patient. At Harmony’s Charlotte office, that foundation is what separates our approach from a high-volume injection clinic. Results look refreshed and natural, not overdone.
Our Charlotte practice is not a DSO. Every patient works directly with the same surgeon at each visit. We accept major insurance plans including Delta Dental, Ameritas, Aetna, Guardian, Principal, MetLife, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Concordia, United Healthcare, and HSA/FSA funds. Patients interested in combining cosmetic care with oral surgery can discuss sedation options at the consultation. You can also learn more about our Charlotte dental implant services or visit the Meet Dr. Patel page before your first appointment.
Preparing for Your Neurotoxin Appointment
A few simple steps before your appointment can help minimize bruising and support the best possible outcome.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications for two weeks prior, including Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, NSAIDs, Ibuprofen, Vioxx, and supplements such as St. John’s Wort, Ginkgo Biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E.
- If you are on a medically indicated blood thinner, stay on it but let your provider know ahead of time or on the day of the procedure.
- Do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before your appointment.
- Arrive with a clean face — please wash your face before coming in.
- If you have previously had facial cold sores, let your provider know. Needle punctures can occasionally trigger an outbreak; starting antiviral medication three days before your appointment may help prevent this.
- Do not use neurotoxin if you are pregnant, allergic to any of the ingredients, or have a neurological disorder.
- If you have a special event coming up, schedule your appointment at least two weeks in advance to allow for any minor bruising to resolve.
Preparing for Dermal Filler Treatment
If you are scheduling a dermal filler appointment, the following guidelines can help you get the most from your treatment.
- You should be in good overall health. A complete medical and dental history is reviewed before treatment.
- If you develop a cold sore, blemish, or rash before your appointment, please reschedule.
- Schedule at least two weeks before any special event or vacation.
- Let us know if you are prone to cold sores — a pre-treatment medication may help prevent them after injections.
- Avoid Aspirin, Motrin, Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and other essential fatty acids for at least five days before and after treatment.
- Discontinue Retin-A two days before and two days after treatment.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, high-sodium foods, high-sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, and cigarettes for 24 to 48 hours before and after your treatment.
After Your Neurotoxin Injections
Following these guidelines after treatment helps prevent side effects and supports the best results.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and vigorous physical activity for three to four hours after treatment. Increased circulation in that timeframe can affect how the neurotoxin settles.
- Do not massage, rub, or press on the treated area for three to four hours. This also means no facial treatments, peels, or microdermabrasion immediately after — those should be done before the neurotoxin if scheduled the same day.
- Contract and relax the treated muscles every few minutes for the first hour to help the neurotoxin bind to the localized area.
Do not lie down for four hours following your treatment.
- If you reapply makeup, do so gently over the treated areas.
- Do not wear a hat or visor for four hours after treatment if the forehead was treated.
- Avoid saunas, hot tubs, and heavy exercise for 24 hours.
- It can take two to ten days to see full results. If you feel the desired effect was not achieved, contact our office no sooner than two weeks after treatment — give the neurotoxin time to fully take effect before reassessing.
Contact Our Charlotte Office Right Away If You Notice
- Severe or increasing pain
- Fever or chills
- Discolored blotches in areas that were not injected
- Blanching of injected areas
- Areas that appear red or feel hot to the touch
- Scabbing at the injection site
After Dermal Filler Treatment
Do not touch, press, rub, or manipulate the treated areas for the rest of the day. Avoid kissing and puckering movements for the remainder of the day, as these can shift the filler material.
Avoid Aspirin, Motrin, Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and other essential fatty acids for at least three days after treatment.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, high-sodium foods, high-sugar foods, refined carbohydrates, spicy foods, and cigarettes for 24 to 48 hours after your treatment.
Avoid vigorous exercise and sun or heat exposure for three days after treatment.
Discontinue Retin-A two days after treatment. Avoid makeup until the next day to reduce the risk of irritation.
- Some asymmetry in healing between sides is normal.
- Expect some bruising and swelling around the injected areas. Apply ice at ten-minute intervals during the first hour after treatment.
- Wait two weeks before any additional enhancements.
After Microneedling
After microneedling, skin will be red and flushed — similar to a moderate sunburn. Redness should be significantly reduced within 24 to 48 hours. You may also experience some swelling, tightness, or sensitivity. Healing typically takes five to seven days depending on the extent of your treatment. Wash your face with cool water and a gentle cleanser, and apply a mineral-based SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- Use gentle products only. Avoid Vitamin A products, exfoliating agents, and harsh chemicals for at least seven days. No chemical peels for 14 days after treatment.
- Pain management. Ice packs and Tylenol may be used if needed. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin or Ibuprofen, which can reduce the inflammatory benefits of microneedling.
- No direct sun exposure for at least 14 days, ideally 30. Avoid tanning beds and self-tanning products during this period.
- Do not pick or exfoliate any flaking skin or scabs.
- Shaving: wait at least three days, or longer if skin is still irritated.
- Exercise and heat: avoid sweating, jacuzzis, saunas, and steam baths until skin irritation resolves — typically three to seven days.
After PRF Treatment
Please read and follow these instructions before and after your PRF treatment.
- If you have an active cold sore or fever blister, treatment must be delayed.
- Do not touch, press, rub, or manipulate the treated areas for 24 hours after treatment.
- Avoid NSAIDs, Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and other essential fatty acids for two weeks prior to and three weeks after your treatment.
- If you feel discomfort, Tylenol or other acetaminophen products are acceptable. Do not wash the treated area or shower for 12 hours after treatment.
- Use cold packs for 20 minutes every two hours on the day of treatment, and every three to four hours the following day. Then discontinue icing.
- Do not use lotions, creams, or makeup for at least 24 hours after treatment.
- Avoid vigorous exercise and sun or heat exposure for five days post-treatment.
- Minimize alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes for two days before and after treatment.
- Maintain a healthy diet and drink four to six large glasses of water on the day of treatment, continuing through the first week after.
It is normal to experience bruising, redness, itching, soreness, and swelling that may last three to ten days following your procedure.
Please contact our Charlotte office if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment or aftercare.
Membership Program
Harmony wellness membership for neurotoxin
20 units for $160
30 units for $240
40 units for $320
50 units for $400
Join Harmony Wellness today for just $19.99/month
Dr Patel is a board certified oral and Maxillofacial surgeon with in depth knowledge on facial anatomy.
We charge $12 per unit for non-members.
Memberships are just $19.99/month
Dr. Patel is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon committed to delivering precise, detail-oriented care at every visit. From your first consultation through your follow-up appointments, you work with the same surgeon every time. Schedule a neurotoxin consultation at our Charlotte office and find out what surgical-level precision can do for your results. Request an appointment online or call us at (980) 224-7737.
Ready to Get Started?
Dr. Patel and Dr. Peleaux are board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons committed to delivering precise, detail-oriented care at every visit. From your first consultation through your follow-up appointments, you work with the same surgeon every time. Schedule a neurotoxin consultation at our Charlotte office and find out what surgical-level precision can do for your results. Request an appointment online or call us at (980) 224-7737.