What Are Neurotoxin Injections?

Neurotoxin injections, also known as neuromodulator injections, are a popular cosmetic procedure that involves using botulinum toxin to relax specific facial muscles. This helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily blocking nerve signals to these muscles. By softening facial expressions and preventing repetitive muscle contractions, such as frowning, squinting, and smiling, neurotoxin injections can effectively smooth out the skin and provide a more youthful appearance.

Neurotoxin injectables are derived from botulinum toxin, a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The protein in approved injections does not result in botulism. The following are examples of neurotoxin injectables:

Botox Cosmetic®
Dysport®
Xeomin®
Jeuveau®
Daxxify®

How Do I Know Which One Is Best For Me?

Certain neuromodulators are more suitable for specific facial areas. For instance, the smaller molecules of Dysport allow it to cover a broader area, which is perfect for treating larger regions such as the forehead.

Some neuromodulators include additives, whereas others do not. For instance, Botox is made up of a complex protein mixture, in contrast to Xeomin, which is additive-free.

Also, certain neuromodulators yield faster results compared to others. For instance, Dysport may present visible effects within 24 to 72 hours, whereas Botox and Xeomin might require 3 to 7 days to show results.

What is Botox?

Botox is the most well-known in the family of neuromodulators. BOTOX® Cosmetic is the first and only treatment that is FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow's feet and forehead lines

Botox®, also known as onabotulinumtoxinA, is produced by the Irish pharmaceutical company Allergan. It dominates approximately 80 percent of the market for botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections. Allergan's formulation includes a 900 kDa molecular weight toxin paired with protective proteins, which may trigger antibody resistance in some patients, diminishing treatment efficacy over time. Botox® also contains inactive ingredients such as human albumin and sodium chloride. Additionally, a therapeutic form of Botox® is available for treating various medical conditions, including migraines, hyperhidrosis, and eye spasms.

What is Xeomin?

Xeomin® received FDA approval in July 2011 for treating frown lines. It is also approved for correcting muscle spasticity and excessive drooling.

Xeomin®, produced by Merz and also known as incobotulinumtoxinA, stands out because it does not contain complexing proteins with BoNT-A, only including human albumin and sucrose as inactive ingredients. This formulation allows for storage at room temperature, potentially offering a more comfortable injection experience. The cost of Xeomin® is comparable to that of Botox® and Dysport®, yet it may require fewer units to achieve similar results. Additionally, patients who have developed resistance to Botox® and Dysport® might benefit from Xeomin® due to its pure BoNT-A composition.

What is Dysport?

Dysport® received its initial FDA approval for the treatment of frown lines in April 2009 and, similar to Botox®, it is also utilized for its therapeutic benefits in alleviating muscle spasticity.

Dysport®, a Medicis Pharmaceutical product also known as abobotulinumtoxinA, has a slightly lower potency than Botox® due to differences in molecular weight. Both contain 150 kDa of BoNT-A, but Dysport®'s protective proteins vary in weight, unlike Botox®'s uniform proteins. This variance results in Dysport®'s greater diffusion rate, which is beneficial for treating larger areas such as the forehead, although it may require more product to be effective. The cost of Dysport® is generally similar to that of Botox®. Both are made with human albumin; however, Dysport® also includes lactose and cow’s milk protein, which makes it inappropriate for individuals with milk allergies.

Before and After: See the Difference

Lip Flips

What are they?

A lip flip is a cosmetic technique that employs Botox or similar neuromodulators to enhance the fullness and visibility of the upper lip without filler.

Botox causes the muscles around the upper lip to relax, resulting in an upward 'flip' that makes the lip appear fuller, typically within a maximum of two weeks.

Lip flips offer numerous advantages, such as:

Reduced gum exposure: This is advantageous for individuals whose gums are prominently visible when they smile.
Smoker's lines reduction: Assists in diminishing the lines that form around the lips.
Zero downtime: The process is swift and necessitates no recovery period.