People tend to confuse the difference between neurotoxins and fillers. Both are two different types of injectables that enhance the appearance of your skin, however, the main difference is that neurotoxins reduce fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing the underlying muscles while fillers on the other hand fill in wrinkles.
Neurotoxins, more commonly known as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are injectables that people like to call ‘wrinkle-relaxers’. The more appropriate definition is that they are injectable solutions that prevent lines and wrinkles from forming by temporarily blocking the nerve receptors in the muscle. Neurotoxins can also be used to treat a variety of issues like muscle stiffness, spasms, excessive sweating, migraines, and overactive bladder. It’s best to have a qualified injector assess which neurotoxin treatment is best for your needs.
What is the difference between Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin?
These neurotoxins are a quick and easy way to maintain a more youthful look. All three work by blocking the neurotransmitters to the muscles, allowing them to relax and smoothen the skin.
Neurotoxins have been a game changer in the world of aesthetics and are an incredible treatment for anyone who wants to reduce wrinkles for a more youthful appearance. All three of these neurotoxins are injectable forms of the Botulinum toxin and it is used cosmetically to reduce the appearance of unwanted wrinkles on the upper face.
The biggest difference between Dysport, Botox, and Xeomin seems to be their molecular weight, which affects dispersion once injected, the additives (proteins) in each injectable, and how quickly the results begin to take effect.
In general, results will vary for each patient so a clinical assessment to determine the best option is recommended.
These products work well to relax frown lines, horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet. They may also be used to slim the jawline, reduce smoker’s lines, dimpling chin, and neck bands. Most procedures are 10-15 minutes with minimal downtime. While these treatments are relatively quick, at JC Aesthetics, we work to ensure that they are safe and effective and recommend a follow-up appointment at two weeks for any dosage adjustments. For a better understanding of each neurotoxin, I’ll break them down one by one but first, let’s take a look at the latest addition to the neurotoxin family, DAXXIFY.
The new long-lasting Botox alternative: DAXXIFY
A new injectable drug called Daxxify, recently approved by FDA is the latest wrinkle-reducer on the market with effects that are suggested to last longer than other neuromodulators.
The gist: Instead of scheduling injections three or four times a year for maintenance, people who opt for Daxxify may only need two treatments a year, depending on their personal results.
According to Revance Therapeutics, the company behind the drug, Daxxify (DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) is an aesthetic injection for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines (also known as glabellar lines) in adults. It is the first and only peptide-powered, FDA-approved frown line treatment with a median duration of 6 months and up to 9 months for some patients.
As for when it’ll become available, early in 2023. Bottom line: Daxxify isn’t necessarily better than Botox—it’s simply another exciting option. Everyone has different results and experiences with injectables, and you may find that you prefer one over the other.
Stay tuned, we will be following closely and provide more information in the coming months.
Everything you need to know about Botox
If we dig a bit deeper into the history of Botox, it was originally FDA-approved in 1989 for the treatment of blepharospasm and other eye muscle problems. In 2002, the FDA approved the use of Botox for cosmetic treatments for moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. It was approved by the FDA for the treatment of wrinkles around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet) in 2013. In 2017, Botox Cosmetics received its third indication, forehead lines. It is the only neuromodulator approved for all three areas of the upper face.
Botox Cosmetic is an injectable wrinkle muscle relaxer. It uses botulinum toxin type A, specifically OnabotulinumtoxinA, to temporarily relax the muscle. This reduces the appearance of facial wrinkles. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that is considered safe and effective.
How long is the Botox treatment and how soon will you see results?
When injected properly by a qualified injector, you can expect to see results as early as three to four days after treatment. You can see the maximum results of your treatment anywhere from ten to fourteen days after treatment. While the results vary based on factors such as the area treated and frequency of injection, results generally last 3-4months.
What areas can you treat with Botox?
Cosmetically, the injectable can be used in the following areas:
- the area between the eyebrows (glabellar region)
- around the eyes, commonly known as crow’s feet lines
- forehead lines
- Jawline slimming
- Neck bands
- Chin dimpling
Botox also received FDA approval to treat various medical problems, including:
- overactive bladder
- lower limb spasticity
- chronic migraines
- excessive underarm sweating
What should you avoid after being treated with Botox?
There is minimal downtime after treatment and you will be able to resume normal activities immediately in most cases. However, you should avoid massaging and rubbing the treatment area, and avoid applying any pressure to it. Sometimes these actions can cause the neurotoxin to spread to other areas of the body which will negatively affect your results. Also, avoid exercises like bending over or even lying down for about three to four hours.
Microtox®️- also known as “Instant Botox”
Microtox®️ is a novel way to administer Botox into the face and skin. This technique uses multiple tiny injections just below the surface of the skin, resulting in many benefits and great results. Instead of injecting the product—whether Botox—into the muscle itself, Microtox®️ injections are done just beneath the surface of the skin.
Microtox®️is an innovative use for Botox cosmetics to accelerate the effects, producing an instant tightening and lifting result. This technique allows the muscles to respond quickly with a “shrink wrap” effect. It works well for the following:
- Instant slimming of the jawline thus reducing jowls
- Softening crow’s feet and opening up the eyes
- Cheek crepiness
- Undereye crepiness
- Facial tightening- decreasing pore size
- Facial flushing
- Recontours and slims nose
- Neck and Decolletage tightening
Everything you need to know about Dysport
Dysport is an FDA-approved injectable neurotoxin used to temporarily reduce the appearance of lines that affect the glabella, the area between your eyebrows. These lines extend upward between the eyebrows toward the forehead. Glabella lines are especially noticeable when you frown or squint. Over time, glabella lines can become more prominent during times of relaxation, too.
How long is the Dysport treatment and how soon will you see results?
Similar to other neurotoxin procedures, Dysport is a quick 10-to 20-minute treatment. Dysport injections may help improve the appearance of your frown lines and wrinkles for up to 4 months and improvement can be seen in just 2–3 days after treatment.
What areas can you treat with Dysport?
- Frown lines between the eyebrows (commonly known as 11s)
- Lines on the forehead
- Lines around the eyes
At JC Aesthetics we will design a treatment plan specifically for your needs and individual goals.
What should you avoid after being treated with Dysport?
Although there is no required downtime after Dysport treatments, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours following treatment. We also recommend avoiding makeup application until the following day post-treatment.
Everything you need to know about Xeomin
Botox has the advantage of being around longer, making it a trusted brand. This means that most patients interested in injectables would opt for Botox. However, Xeomin is an alternative options at reducing wrinkles in areas like the eyebrows, the forehead, and around the eyes.
Xeomin is FDA approved to treat brow wrinkles. . Although introduced in the US in 2013, Xeomin has been used in the US as long as Dysport. . The active ingredient, botulinum toxin, is exactly the same as in Botox and Dysport, however, there are no stabilizing protein molecules surrounding the toxin.
How long is the Xeomin treatment and how soon will you see results?
Usually about 3 to 4 days after the injection you can see the disappearance of your frown line or wrinkles. It generally takes about a week to 30 days for you to see the final results. The results will last about 3 months, which in some people it will be more or less. This injection is actually a diverse cosmetic treatment and is appropriate for mild, moderate, and severe skin concerns. Wrinkles, which are caused by a combination of bunched facial muscles and skin laxity caused by aging, can be smoothed out with this neurotoxin injection.
What areas can you treat with Xeomin?
This treatment is commonly used to treat fine lines and wrinkles on many areas of the face, including the:
- Forehead
- Between eyebrows
- Expression lines, such as crow’s feet and laugh lines
- Corners of the mouth
- Chin
What should you avoid after being treated with Xeomin?
Xeomin injections are a safe and uncomplicated method that if not taken care of properly; the longevity of this operation is reduced and the desired and expected results may not be seen. In general, the day you inject Xeomin, it is best to avoid touching, rubbing, or physically squeezing the injected area for up to four hours
Xeomin injections do not require recovery time. Therefore, you do not have to leave your place of work or study. You can resume your normal activities immediately after the injection.
If you have had Xeomin injections on your face, do not apply makeup for 24 hours. Using makeup, the skin is rubbed and potentially dispersed with toxins.
How long does it take to see results from Dysport, Botox, and Xeomin?
The major difference between Dysport, Botox, and Xeomin is the onset of results. To compare, the onset of the results for each neurotoxin injectable would be:
- Dysport: 24-48 hours
- Botox: 24-48 hours
- Xeomin: 3-4 days
Since the onset of results just describes when you will start to see the results, keep in mind that for all three neurotoxin injectables, you will see full results in two weeks. However, with all of these options, your results will last 3 to 4months depending on your metabolism and dosage during treatment.
When should you consider Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins can be used as a preventative measure by people in their early 20s to minimize the chance of lines and wrinkles from being “etched” into their skin. If the muscles are treated before fine lines and wrinkles are visible, you will prevent the wear that causes the lines to form in the first place.
Corrective treatments are recommended for people experiencing moderate to severe lines. Repeat treatments every 3 months are ideal in these cases to soften these lines as and achieve the best long-term results possible.
In general, how much do neurotoxins cost?
Neurotoxin pricing will vary on the experience and expertise of the injector. Most treatments will range from $300-$800 per treatment depending on your clinical assessment and aesthetic needs. For this reason, it’s important to find an experienced injector and consistently return to establish a regimen and maintain optimal results. The number of recommended units can vary from patient to patient and depends on each individual’s needs, goals, and facial anatomy.
Schedule a Neurotoxin Consultation for Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin Treatment in Atlanta Georgia
If you are considering a neurotoxin treatment in or near Atlanta Georgia, please schedule a comprehensive consultation with Jennifer Cobbs a board-certified physician assistant with over 17 years of experience. She strives to provide natural-looking results through a detailed consultative process in order to learn your goals and find the best treatment plan for you.
At JC Aesthetics LLC, we believe that you are exceptional! Our aesthetic medical treatments are uniquely designed to address your needs. Through proper evaluation and customized treatment plans, we strive to provide the safest outcomes and natural-looking results. Schedule your appointment today to get started.
