12 Actionable Botulinum Toxin Tips That Work Like a Charm

Botulinum Toxin Type A

Gravity and overactive muscles in your face cause you to show your age prematurely. Wrinkle relaxers like Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Xeomin, and Daxi temporarily relax the muscles you use to frown, squint, raise your eyebrows, and smile. Neurotoxins injected into muscles allow the creases to fade over time. One good hint: Using neuromodulators or wrinkle relaxers before deep creases form can be an effective way of helping you keep your youthful looks.

Neuromodulators or neurotoxins are known as botulinum type A injections and relax the skin by restricting facial muscles from contracting. When facial muscles are relaxed, wrinkles can be reduced, oil production is decreased, and facial contouring comes into play to give you a younger and more refreshed appearance. Using neuromodulators allows you to have natural expressions and movement, plus you will have a more relaxed and smoother face after treatment.

Strong facial muscles used to make facial expressions tend to crease the skin over time, prematurely showing signs of aging.  Wrinkle relaxers like Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Xeomin, and Daxi temporarily relax and soften the muscles of the face used to make expressions.  They are primarily comprised of botulinum toxin type A, which is produced by a common bacterium.  They are injected strategically into the muscles, which temporarily disconnects the nerve communication.  While temporarily disconnected, the skin has time to relax and rejuvenate, softening the fine lines and wrinkles caused by muscle movement.

These products are not one-size-fits-all.  There are five different products to choose from.  They all share a common active ingredient, but the way they are formulated and the way they act within the body is different.  In our consultation, we will discuss the different options and determine which is the best option to achieve your goals.  Additionally, the dosing and placement of these products change the effect.  Some individuals prefer a preserved natural movement while others prefer little to no movement.  This will also be addressed in our detailed consultation so we can perfectly achieve your desired look.  Take a look at our PREPARE page for what to expect and avoid before your treatment.

These products also have other benefits.  They can reduce oil production and acne, decrease sweating, improve overall skin appearance, prevent and treat headaches, improve muscle tension or spasms, and many more.

Tip 1:  Using neuromodulators before deep creases develop can be effective in preventing lines and wrinkles from worsening.

Tip 2:  There are many nicknames for this treatment including meso-tox, micro-tox, bro-tox, baby Botox, Botox sprinkle, etc.  They all mean the same thing, but the differences are in the hands of the injector.  We will determine together what is necessary for you to achieve your goals!

Results

The results develop slowly over the first two weeks after treatment.  Most people are at maximum effect between 14 and 30 days.  Once the maximum effect is reached, the skin will begin to soften, and the lines will slowly disappear.  These results will gradually soften and wear off over the next 2 to 3 months.  Many things affect the longevity of the result including the strength of the treatment, exercise habits, metabolism, etc.  Most people return for maintenance treatment 3 to 4 times per year or roughly every 3 to 4 months.

Side Effects & Recovery

The most common side effects of neuromodulator treatment are swelling or bruising. These are rare but possible and it is wise to plan your appointment accordingly. Most often the swelling resolves within 15 minutes. Bruising can last several days. It is also important to note that not all of the muscles respond at the same time, thus asymmetries can develop during the first 2 weeks. We ask our clients to return for a complimentary 2-week follow-up evaluation to be sure everything has settled in perfectly. Minor tweaks may be necessary at that appointment.

Botox

Botox, also called onabotulinumtoxinA, is manufactured by Allergan Aesthetics and was FDA approved for cosmetic use in 2002.  It is known to be the most precise and stiffest of the products.  It will start to take effect about 7 to 10 days after injection and will last about 3 to 4 months.  This is our favorite choice for strong muscles like the “11 lines” or teeth-grinding!  Allergan has a helpful rewards program and an iPhone app called Brilliant Distinctions.  Each time you choose their products for treatment you earn points and discounts at your next treatment.

Dysport

Dysport, also called abobotulinumtoxinA, is manufactured by Galderma and was used for many years overseas before earning FDA approval in the US in 2009.  It is a smaller molecule and spreads a bit thinner after injection, giving it a softer, more natural look.  The effect will start to develop after 2 to 4 days and will last about 3 to 4 months.  Galderma has a great rewards program for Dysport users called Aspire Rewards.  Sign up before your appointment and earn points toward your next treatment!

Xeomin

Xeomin, also called incobotulinumtoxinA, is manufactured by Merz Aesthetics and earned FDA approval in 2010.  The formulation is unique in that it is highly purified with no unnecessary proteins or ingredients.  There is some evidence that suggests this product may be less likely to cause an immune response in the human body.  After injection, the effect will develop in 2 to 4 days and last 3 to 4 months.

Jeuveau

Jeuveau, also called prabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs, was originally a Korean product, now manufactured in the US by Evolus.  It earned FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2019 and was specifically designed for cosmetic-only use.  You may remember the marketing campaign #NewTox.  This product is remarkably similar to Botox in many ways.  The treatment will take effect in the first week and will likely last 3 to 4 months.  Evolus launched a discount program called Evolus Rewards.  Sign up before your appointment and get an instant $40 coupon!

Daxi

Daxi, also called daxibotulinumtoxinA is manufactured by Revance.  This product has not yet earned FDA approval, but will likely launch in early 2021.  This product is also a purified toxin with a unique formula and a trademarked peptide that is different than the other four products.  Early studies have demonstrated evidence that this product may be longer-lasting, up to 6 months. Stay tuned for the launch of this product at our clinic!

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