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Neurotoxins
Charlotte's Most Trusted Plastic Surgeon
— delivering confidence through precision and care.
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Natural Movement, Fewer Lines
If you’ve started noticing lines that weren’t there a few years ago, or you’d like to get ahead of them before they settle in, neurotoxins are one of the most well-studied options available. At May Plastic Surgery, we offer two different types of neurotoxins, Botox® and Dysport®, performed by our experienced aesthetic providers to help soften lines while keeping your expressions natural.
Topical or none
20-30 minutes
Minimal
What Are Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins are injectable treatments that smooth away expression lines. Botox and Dysport, the two options at May Plastic Surgery, are both purified forms of botulinum toxin type A that work by blocking the nerve signal that tells a muscle to contract.
These muscle contractions are what create wrinkles in the first place. Every time you smile, squint or raise your eyebrows, the skin folds as the muscle below it contracts. Over time, repeated facial movements cause crow’s feet and frown lines to appear and eventually deepen. Neurotoxins interrupt that cycle, allowing the overlying skin to stay smooth.
- Dr. Brian May
Botox vs. Dysport: What’s the Difference?
Botox and Dysport are two of the most popular neurotoxins available. While they are made with the same active ingredient and share many similarities, they differ in spread and onset.
Neither is inherently “better,” but some patients might prefer one product over the other depending on their goals. Our providers draw on their experience as injectors to help determine whether Botox or Dysport is the right choice based on the treatment area and your anatomy.
What Can Neurotoxins Address?
Neurotoxins are used for dynamic wrinkles rather than static wrinkles. Some of the most commonly treated areas include:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines between the brows
- Crow’s feet around the eyes
- Platysma lines
Neurotoxins can also be used off-label for other indications, like a brow lift, slimming the jawline, smoothing chin dimples or treating bunny lines around the nose. During your consultation, our team will let you know what is feasible based on your concerns.
The Art & Science of Aesthetic Treatments With Dr. May
At May Plastic Surgery, we believe the best treatment plan isn't necessarily the most complex one. It's the right one for you. That’s why every recommendation begins with understanding your goals and creating a plan that fits your anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term vision.
Our philosophy is rooted in comprehensive aesthetic care. Rather than viewing surgical and nonsurgical treatments as separate paths, we see them as complementary tools that work together to achieve natural, lasting results. Sometimes surgery is the best option. Sometimes filler, Sculptra or a series of laser treatments is all that's needed. More often, the best results come from thoughtfully combining multiple approaches over time.
- Dr. Brian May
Procedure Details
Neurotoxin treatments at May Plastic Surgery are designed to be easy and convenient, with most appointments wrapping up in 30 minutes or less.
When you arrive at our Southpark office off Fairview Road in Charlotte, NC, your provider will review your treatment plan and map your injection points before administering small amounts of Botox or Dysport along the targeted muscles. You may feel a small pinch, but most patients describe the sensation as tolerable, and each injection takes just a few seconds to perform.
Throughout treatment, we are very deliberate with how much neurotoxin we place, and where. The most natural-looking results come from using the right amount for your anatomy without over- or underdosing. Using too much can create a stiff look, while too little can create an underbalanced result that fades too quickly. Our approach is designed to minimize expression lines, preserve your unique expressions and deliver results that last as expected.
Neurotoxin Recovery & Results: What to Expect After Treatment?
There is very little downtime after a neurotoxin treatment. Afterward, you’re free to go home or back to work and resume all normal activities.
You may notice some redness or bumps at the injection sites that will fade in a couple of hours. Make sure to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas for around 24 hours, and stay upright for a few hours to prevent the neurotoxin from spreading to nearby muscles. Exercising too hard is also discouraged for the rest of the day.
You will start to see results from Botox within three to five days. The results should be fully visible after about two weeks. Dysport often starts working a little sooner for some patients, taking effect after two to three days. Results generally last for three to four months, though this can be different for everyone.
Pairing Neurotoxins With Other Treatments
Botox and Dysport soften dynamic lines, but they don't address volume loss, skin laxity, or texture, so they're often paired with complementary treatments. At May Plastic Surgery, our providers frequently combine neurotoxin with hyaluronic acid fillers for lines that are visible when the face is at rest, biostimulators for gradual collagen support and medical-grade skincare for daily maintenance between appointments.
During your consultation, our team can create a personalized treatment plan with a sequence that fits your goals and timeline.
Inside the Consultation Room With
Dr. Brian May
Adjunct Procedures:
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Why Charlotte Patients Choose May Plastic Surgery
Charlotte patients choose May Plastic Surgery because our aesthetic providers share a common philosophy: natural results, honest recommendations, and treatments tailored to the individual. Backed by the surgical expertise of Dr. Brian May, our team approaches every injection with an understanding of facial anatomy, balance, and long-term aesthetic outcomes.
Neurotoxin FAQs
No, not when it's dosed correctly. The frozen, overdone look patients worry about is almost always the result of overdosing or imprecise placement, not a property of the medication itself. Used at the right amount for a given patient's muscle strength, Botox and Dysport soften a line while leaving the surrounding muscles free to move normally, so the face still expresses surprise, happiness, or concern the way it always has.
The May Plastic Surgery team is deliberate about dosing for exactly this reason. Too much product in the wrong spot creates stiffness; too little fades within weeks and leaves the result underwhelming. The goal for every patient is the same: enough relaxation to smooth the line, not so much that the muscle stops working.
It depends. Botox and Dysport have different dosing guidelines due to the way each product is formulated. Unit count also depends on factors like muscle strength, the area being treated and your goals. Forehead and frown lines, for example, typically require more units than crow’s feet, and men typically need higher doses than women to achieve the same effects.
Yes. Botox and Dysport are backed by decades of clinical use and have well-established safety profiles for repeated treatment. Neurotoxins can actually become more effective with regular use, as the treated muscles lose some of their strength and bulk. Over time, you may need fewer units to achieve your goals and start to notice longer-lasting results.
Absolutely, and many patients do. Some start out with Botox, evaluate how their muscles responded, and try Dysport next time, and vice versa. Because they share the same active ingredient, you can switch to one or the other at later appointments if you find that you prefer a different onset speed or feel.
Botox and Dysport last, on average, three to four months, but there are a few steps you can take to help prolong the effects:
- Schedule your next appointment before full muscle activity returns
- Keep your skin protected from the sun
- Avoid intense workouts and saunas for 24-28 hours after treatment
- Consider taking a zinc supplement
- Limit alcohol and avoid nicotine use
Request Your Consultation
At May Plastic Surgery, we want to provide a place where you always feel at home when you come in for your aesthetic treatments. Our team spends time with you at each appointment, getting to know your concerns and developing a treatment plan that’s right for you. If you want to learn more about our neurotoxin treatments in Charlotte, NC, get in touch with us at 704-200-2493 or reach out online.
Let's Connect
We are here to help. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to schedule, our team is here to answer your questions about procedures, recovery, and next steps — and to personally guide you every step of the way.