Neurotoxins

Understanding Neurotoxins: How They Help Soften Lines

Neurotoxins are commonly used in aesthetic medicine to help soften facial lines and wrinkles. But how do they work, and what should you know about them?

By reducing muscle contractions, they help soften the appearance of lines on the skin above those muscles. The most commonly treated areas include the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. Some popular neurotoxin brands include Botox, Jeuveau, Xeomin, Letybo, and Dysport.

When injected, neurotoxins It blocks the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. This prevents the muscles from tightening as much, which in turn smooths and softens the lines. The effects can last up to three months, though duration varies depending on the type of treatment—for example, a lip flip may not last as long as treatments in the upper face—as well as how an individual metabolizes the neurotoxin and other personal factors.

Differences Between Some Neurotoxins

While all neurotoxins work in a similar way, there are subtle differences:

● Botox – Have been on the market the longest.

● Jeuveau – Sometimes called “Newtox”; designed specifically for cosmetic use and may be slightly more affordable.

● Xeomin – Contains no additional proteins, which can reduce the risk of antibody formation in some patients. However, the clinical significance of this is still unclear.

● Letybo – A newer option, similar to Botox, designed to soften lines with comparable results.

● Dysport – Has more spread than other neurotoxins.

In addition to softening lines, neurotoxins can be used for a variety of other cosmetic purposes, some including:

● Lip flip – a subtle lift of the upper lip for the appearance of a fuller, more defined look.

● Nefertiti neck lift – relaxing neck muscles to improve the jawline and reduce sagging.

● Bunny lines – smoothing the small lines that appear on the nose when you smile or scrunch.

Beyond cosmetic use, neurotoxins also have medical or off-label applications. Some of these include:

● Treating chronic migraines or tension headaches

● Managing excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

● Reducing muscle spasms or movement disorders

Treatments are minimally invasive and generally involve little to no downtime. Temporary side effects may include mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. This is not an all-inclusive list of side effects, and others may occur. It’s important to schedule a consultation so a nurse injector can perform a facial assessment and discuss your concerns, helping to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.