What Are Botulinum Toxins?

You have probably heard the word BOTOX®and maybe you have wondered what it is. BOTOX® and other neurotoxins such as JEUVEAU™, DAXXIFY®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® are all botulinum A toxins, which act with a paralyzing effect on the muscle. They are also known as neurotoxins or neuromodulators. This muscle paralysis stops movement that causes dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles which happen with motion) which turn into static lines (lines that stay even at rest). Repeated treatement with neurotoxin in correct dosages can even help smooth out static lines over time.

There are different neurotoxins available under FDA approval, but each has one thing in common, they are all types clostridium botulinum A toxins. Because these medications work by paralyzing muscles they can be dangerous, you should always make sure that the medication you receive is from a manufacturer and administered by someone who is trained to use them safely. Never let someone inject you if you do not feel comfortable or have more questions.

What is the Difference Between the Different Types of Neurotoxins?

Each neurotoxin here is FDA approved. Some are considered “on-label" for treating different areas of the face. Each is a boutulinum A toxin, but some may affect different people differently or have better or worse effect and/or longevity. They may have different filtering or cleaning techniques associated with them which can affect the purity of the molecule. Some people may build resistance to certain strains and different ones can be rotated to help prevent this.

It can be a little trial and error for some people to find the thing that works best for them, and this is why it is nice to have options.

What Is Important When Choosing an Injector?

Ultimately, it is important to have somone you feel comfortable and confident with inject your neurotoxin. It is important that your injector understands where the muscles are in the face and neck and how they interact with each other. An educated injector is less likely to have side effects such as a dropped brow (ptosis), spock brow, dropped lip, blurred vision, etc, but sometimes these things can happen, even with the best in the world!

Be patient while your injector learns your face and musculature, don't rush things. You can always get more toxin in, but you can't take it out!

Your injector should be open and honest and also aware of the limitations of neurotoxins, they can do amazing things (a toxin face lift is an actual thing!), but they can't fix everything and can even make things worse if done inappropriately.

You should always feel comfortable to ask questions!