Neurotoxin injections are a powerful cosmetic solution for getting rid of wrinkles, sagging skin, and premature aging signs. Besides being the go-to anti-age treatment, they are also used for jawline contouring, treating muscle stiffness, and reducing excessive sweating.
You may be familiar with Botox, but there are other neurotoxins available on the market that are equally effective for wrinkles.
Read the following guide on neurotoxin injections to learn about the procedure, different types, and expected outcomes.
What Are Neurotoxin Injections?
Neurotoxin injections, available under the brand names Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify, contain small, diluted amounts of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Once injected into the muscle, the toxin blocks nerve signals that travel to the muscles, causing a reduction in muscle activity and smoothing the skin.
Neurotoxin injectables are not just a cosmetic staple. They can be used for medical purposes, such as muscle spasms, excessive sweating, chronic migraines, and certain neurological conditions.
Types of Neurotoxin Injections
Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau, and Daxxify are all different trade names for injectables with the same active ingredient. The differences between them lie in their molecular structures and the parts of the nerve they attach to.
This means that dosages are not equivalent across different products – so one unit of Botox is not the same as one unit of Dysport. Besides, the duration of the effects can differ across products, as well as the body’s immune response.
1. Botox
Botox injections don't need any special introduction. It has become so popular and widespread across the globe that people use the word “Botox” to talk about other brands on the market.
Common Botox treatment areas include frown lines (between the eyebrows), forehead lines, wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), and chin wrinkles.
Lines under the eye (tear through), lipstick lines, and neck wrinkles can be better treated with dermal fillers, either alone or combined with Botox.
The FDA has approved Botox for a range of cosmetic and medical conditions, including limb spasticity, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, excessive underarm sweating, and more.
Note: Learn about how many Botox units you might need for the desired treatment area.
2. Dysport
Dysport is FDA-approved for treating glabellar lines – also known as frown lines, the vertical lines between the eyebrows. It can also be used in off-label procedures to raise the eyebrows, lift the corners of the mouth, decrease chin dimples, reduce neck lines, and slim the face.
Dysport has the tendency to diffuse so the boundaries between treated and non-treated areas are not that clear. This is both a good and a bad thing. Good, because it will give you a more natural look, and bad, as it can make it easier for the toxin to spread to unwanted regions.
Note: Learn more about the differences between Dysport and Botox.
3. Xeomin
Xeomin is FDA-approved for treating moderate to severe glabellar lines – wrinkles between the eyebrows. It may be used in off-label procedures on other areas of the face, such as forehead wrinkles and lines around the eyes.
Unlike other neurotoxin injections, Xeomin contains pure Botulinum toxin without coating proteins (excipients), making it an ideal solution for people prone to allergies. This “clean” formulation minimizes the risk of developing antibodies, which can neutralize the effect of the injectable.
Note: Read our articles on Botox vs. Xeomin and Xeomin vs. Dysport.
4. Jeuveau
Jeuveau is one of the more recent members of the neurotoxin family, having gotten the green light from the FDA in February 2019. It is structurally similar to Botox and can treat moderate to severe glabellar lines.
But unlike Botox, which may be used to treat migraines and some muscle disorders, Jeuveau is used only for cosmetic purposes. This neurotoxin boasts similar results but at a lower price.
Note: Learn about the differences between Jeuveau and Botox.
5. Daxxify
Formerly known as Daxi, this injectable is the newest addition to the neurotoxin family, approved in September 2022. It contains a purified protein of botulinum toxin A and a peptide excipient that keeps the active ingredient stuck to the nerve terminal. The peptide works as a stabilizer, prolonging the wrinkle-relaxing effect.
Its innovative, peptide-powered formula is FDA-approved for glabellar lines. Daxxify’s greatest advantage over other neuromodulators is the advanced technology that produces results lasting up to 4 to 6 months.
How Do Neurotoxin Injections Work?
Once a Botulinum toxin product is injected, it stops neural signals that travel from the nerves to the muscles. Left without the instruction to move, the muscles relax, and the skin covering them softens and smooths out. After a few days, you will notice that your lines have become dramatically less visible.
It is important to emphasize that neurotoxins only work on wrinkles created by repeated muscle movements, so-called dynamic wrinkles. They don’t have any effect on wrinkles caused by sun damage or gravity (static wrinkles).
Who Is a Good Candidate for Neurotoxin Injections?
You are a good candidate for neurotoxin injections if you are a healthy adult of 18 years of age or older and meet the following criteria:
- No active allergies
- No neurological diseases
- Not pregnant
- Not breastfeeding
Always consult a doctor before the appointment to determine if neurotoxins are a safe option for you.
How to Prepare for a Neurotoxin Injection Treatment?
All neurotoxin injectables require preparation for optimal results. Follow these tips to minimize the chance of bruising or bleeding at the injection site:
- Avoid blood-thinning medication for two weeks (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, NSAIDs)
- Avoid herbal supplements (e.g., garlic, vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, St. John’s Worts, omega-3).
- Use gentle skin products with natural ingredients to prevent skin irritation.
- Avoid topical creams and serums with retinol, retin-A, or glycolic acid.
- Refrain from alcohol and smoking for at least one week before the appointment.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet and hydrate well to avoid swelling or irritation.
- Avoid strenuous activity immediately before and after the procedure.
Note: Find out more about how to prepare for Botox to prevent bruising and maximize the results.
Neurotoxin Injection Procedure
All Botulinum toxin products used for treating wrinkles and fine lines are injected in a quick and relatively painless procedure. The number of units varies depending on the skin condition, the chosen treatment area, and the desired effect.
Neurotoxin injections are administered by an authorized medical professional. You won’t need anesthesia, but your doctor or PA may apply a numbing cream to numb the treated area. They will then inject the neurotoxin. This should not cause any pain but you may feel slight discomfort or pressure from the injections.
The treatment typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes. There is no downtime for the neurotoxin injection procedure, so you can resume your normal daily activities.
If you are getting Dysport, your medical professionals are likely to advise you to “exercise” your facial muscles gently to even out the absorption of the toxin.
If you are getting Xeomin, know that it may lead to an impairment of vision or depth perception. If possible, avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activity until you know how Xeomin affects you.
Neurotoxin Injection Results
The results of all the neurotoxins are temporary. Over time, the injected neurotoxin wears off, and the muscles go back to their regular communication with the nerves. This means that the wrinkles and lines gradually reappear.
If you continue injecting every several months, your muscles may get used to being inactive, so the wrinkles become less pronounced.
- Botox – You can expect to see first results within 24 to 48 hours, with full results visible after 30 days. The effects of Botox typically last three to four months, but some patients report seeing the results for up to six months.
- Xeomin – The effects of Xeomin show up four days after the administration and last between four and six months. After that, it might be time for another round of injections.
- Dysport – The effects appear three days after the procedure and last three to four months. Patients are advised to wait for two months before seeking another round of Dysport treatment, whether it is in the same area or in another one.
- Jeuveau – Jeuveau becomes fully visible within three to five days after the procedure and typically lasts three to four months.
- Daxxify – This neurotoxin is the most durable, lasting six to nine months with proper aftercare. The first results appear within two days after the injection.
Note: Learn how fast Dysport works and how to speed up its effects.
Neurotoxin Injection Side Effects
Neurotoxins used in the beauty industry to treat wrinkles are generally safe.
Like every drug, a neurotoxin injectable may exhibit side effects, but you will minimize this risk by visiting a certified professional. It is recommended you undergo the procedure with a professional who has had experience injecting the specific neurotoxin you’re after.
Most patients who receive neurotoxin injections will experience mild and temporary side effects, such as the following:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Headache
- Bumps
More serious and possibly life-threatening side effects include:
- Allergic reactions (itching, swelling, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, shortness of breath, tiredness, weakness, or dizziness or feeling faint)
- Infection (fever, chills, cough, pain when passing urine, pain in ears or sinuses, mouth sores, wounds not healing)
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Eye irritation, eye pain, double or blurred vision
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, and breathing
- Seizures
- Heart problems
- Blood in urine
- Loss of bladder control
- Change or loss of voice
- Low mood
- Trouble speaking
- Nausea
- Bleeding (in case the doctor injects too deep and hits a blood vessel)
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Note: Check out our post about Botox side effects and learn proper Botox aftercare to prevent unwanted results such as bumps, droopy eyelids, or bruising.
Should Anyone Avoid Neurotoxin Injections?
Some conditions will disqualify you from getting an injection.
You should not get neurotoxin injections if you:
- Plan on getting pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are allergic to Botulinum toxin, have had an allergic reaction to other Botulinum toxin products, or are allergic to any of the other ingredients in the product.
- Are older than 65.
- Have a neuromuscular disease.
- Have an infection at the injection site.
- Have skin problems.
- Have deep facial scars.
- Have very thick facial skin.
If any of the above apply to you, please talk to your medical professional to determine whether you are a candidate.
Furthermore, you should tell your medical professional if you have a history of one of these medical conditions:
- Breathing problems
- Swallowing problems
- Bleeding problems
- Facial muscle weakness (drooping eyelids, trouble raising your eyebrows, etc.)
- Heart disease
- Seizure disorder
- Diabetes
- Face surgery
- Fluid in your lungs
- A change in how your face typically looks
If you want to get neurotoxin injections, be upfront with your medical professional about your medical history and all the medications you are taking. Additionally, if you have had Botulinum toxin injections in the past in the last 4 months, let your medical professional know.
You should also not start any new medication without telling your doctor that you have had Botulinum toxin product injections.
Neurotoxin Injections Cost
Neurotoxin injections are typically supplied in 50 units or 100 units per vial, and the average cost is $15 to $30 per unit. Your provider will choose the package depending on the desired dosage for your aesthetic goals.
Here at Vibrant Skin Bar, you can get the following:
Each price is calculated per number of units (e.g., 20, 30, 40, and more). Reach out to our certified neurotoxin providers for more information.
Which Neurotoxin Injection Should You Choose?
Botox is the go-to solution if you are looking for a broad-spectrum treatment for wrinkle reduction.
If you are only interested in correcting your glabellar lines, consider Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin.
If you prefer fewer touch-up appointments, then Daxxify’s long-lasting formula may be the one for you.
A licensed, toxin-certified provider will be able to determine the optimal injectable based on your preferences, skin type, and severity of symptoms.
Conclusion
All the neurotoxin injections listed provide dramatic yet natural-looking results. If you are looking to smooth out premature wrinkles and achieve a more youthful look, one of these botulinum toxin solutions can come to the rescue.
Contact our skin specialists at Vibrant Skin Bar for more information.
