Considerations on Using Neurotoxins

Many patients have questions about the different names that they hear when referring to neurotoxins.  Unlike fillers, neurotoxins are used to paralyze facial muscles and help prevent the formation of wrinkles caused by expressions.  If your toxin is injected properly, patients will still be able to move their face and will not have the often joked about “frozen surprise” expression.

Overall Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are very similar. All are a type of botulinum type A used to relax the muscles that cause frown lines and other over active muscles of the face, like forehead lines and crows feet.  It is like comparing brands of ranch dressing.  Some may prefer one type but one isn’t better or worse than the other, it is a matter of personal preference.

Competition in the neurotoxin market allows consumers to have a choice and helps stabilize pricing.  All of the products are FDA-approved for the treatment of wrinkles.  All have been in used for years and have a high safety profile. Differences in price are due to difference in price from the suppliers.  Each company runs difference promotions and offers that may benefit patients but overall, price is not an indicator of quality.

We do live in a society of brand recognition, and as Botox has been available for much longer in the US, many people are more comfortable using what they know. Allergan, the parent company of Botox, has also spent thousands more in direct-to-consumer advertising with everything from TV commercials to print ads in major magazines.

The most important thing when choosing a toxin is to consider WHO is injecting your product.  Bad results are not from bad product but typically for improper injection. Our office offers a free two weeks touch up with all toxins so that we can err on the side of less and add more after the product has taken full effect.  If patients are over corrected, the only solution is to wait 3-6 months until the effects wear off.  If you have questions about neurotoxins and the results that can be achieved from this product, please call the office to schedule a free cosmetic consultation.