Neurotoxin Treatments: What to Know About Botox, Dysport & DAXXIFY
If you've ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your forehead lines seem a little deeper, your “11s” between your eyebrows aren't disappearing as quickly as they used to, or your crow's feet are becoming more noticeable, you've probably heard about neurotoxin treatments.
Botox is probably the name you're most familiar with—but Botox isn't the only option.
Today, aesthetic providers can choose from several neuromodulators, including Botox®, Dysport®, and DAXXIFY®. While these products work in similar ways, they aren't identical, and the right choice can depend on your anatomy, goals, treatment area, and how long you'd like your results to last.
At Oquirrh Aesthetics in Tooele, our goal isn't to make everyone look “frozen.” It's to use neurotoxin treatments strategically to soften unwanted lines while maintaining natural facial movement and expression.
What Is a Neurotoxin?
“Neurotoxin” is the term commonly used in aesthetics for injectable medications made from botulinum toxin.
Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces the communication between a nerve and the muscle it controls. When the treated muscle contracts less strongly, the skin overlying that muscle can appear smoother.
This is particularly useful for dynamic wrinkles—lines that are caused or worsened by repeated facial movement.
Think about what happens when you repeatedly raise your eyebrows, squint, or frown. Over time, those repeated movements can contribute to lines becoming visible even when your face is relaxed.
Neurotoxin treatments temporarily reduce the muscle activity responsible for those movements, which can soften the appearance of wrinkles.
Botox, Dysport, and DAXXIFY: What's the Difference?
Botox, Dysport, and DAXXIFY are all prescription botulinum toxin products, but they have different formulations and dosing units.
Botox
BOTOX Cosmetic® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is one of the longest-established and most widely recognized cosmetic neuromodulators.
BOTOX Cosmetic is FDA-approved for temporary improvement of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and crow's feet, as well as platysma bands in the neck.
Because Botox has been used for decades, there is a tremendous amount of clinical experience with the product.
Dysport
Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) is another botulinum toxin type A product used cosmetically to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe glabellar lines—the vertical lines between the eyebrows. In clinical studies, improvement of glabellar lines was demonstrated for up to four months.
Many patients love Dysport for its natural-looking results, and some providers find that its characteristics make it particularly useful when treating larger areas.
DAXXIFY
DAXXIFY® (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) is one of the newer neuromodulators available in the United States.
What makes DAXXIFY particularly interesting is its formulation. It is the first FDA-approved neuromodulator formulated with a proprietary peptide excipient rather than the traditional protein-based stabilizing components used in many other botulinum toxin products.
DAXXIFY is FDA-approved for the temporary improvement of moderate-to-severe glabellar lines in adults. Clinical studies found that more than half of patients had no or only minor frown lines through approximately six months after treatment.
That longer duration is one of the reasons DAXXIFY has generated so much interest among both patients and aesthetic providers.
An Important Note About Units
One thing you'll notice when researching Botox, Dysport, and DAXXIFY is that the number of “units” can look very different from one product to another.
That's because their units are product-specific and are not interchangeable. A higher or lower number of units does not mean that one product is stronger or weaker.
In other words, comparing the products based solely on price per unit isn't an apples-to-apples comparison.
What Can Neurotoxin Treatments Be Used For?
One of the reasons neurotoxins are so popular is their versatility.
Forehead Lines
Horizontal forehead lines are created by movement of the frontalis muscle, particularly when we raise our eyebrows.
Strategic treatment can soften these lines while preserving an appropriate amount of eyebrow movement.
Because the forehead plays an important role in eyebrow position, this is an area where anatomy and dosing matter tremendously. Treating the forehead isn't simply a matter of putting the same number of injections in every patient.
Frown Lines or “11s”
The vertical lines between the eyebrows are called glabellar lines.
These lines are created primarily by activity of the corrugator and procerus muscles. Neurotoxin treatment temporarily decreases that muscle activity, softening the appearance of the lines.
This is also the primary cosmetic indication for DAXXIFY.
Crow's Feet
Crow's feet are the lines that develop at the outer corners of the eyes, primarily from activity of the orbicularis oculi muscle.
A carefully performed treatment can soften these lines while preserving a natural-looking smile.
BOTOX Cosmetic is FDA-approved for temporary improvement of moderate-to-severe lateral canthal lines, commonly called crow's feet.
Bunny Lines
“Bunny lines” are the small horizontal or diagonal lines that can appear along the sides of the nose when you smile or scrunch your nose.
Neurotoxin can sometimes be used to soften these lines by reducing excessive activity of the nasalis muscle.
This is a commonly performed aesthetic treatment, although it is not one of the FDA-approved cosmetic indications for Botox, Dysport, or DAXXIFY.
Lip Flip
A lip flip uses a small amount of neurotoxin around the upper lip to relax the muscles that pull the lip inward.
The result can be a subtle increase in the appearance of the upper lip, particularly when smiling, without adding volume the way dermal filler does.
A lip flip is generally much more subtle than lip filler and is not a replacement for filler when someone is looking for significant volume.
Chin Dimpling
Some people develop a pebbled or dimpled appearance of the chin when they talk, smile, or purse their lips.
This can be related to activity of the mentalis muscle. Strategic neurotoxin treatment may soften the appearance of chin dimpling and create a smoother-looking chin.
Downturned Corners of the Mouth
Neurotoxin can sometimes be used to reduce the downward pull of the depressor anguli oris muscles, potentially creating a subtle improvement in the appearance of downturned mouth corners.
This treatment requires a very precise approach because the muscles around the mouth are involved in many important facial expressions.
Masseter Treatment
The masseter muscles are the powerful muscles we use for chewing.
For appropriate candidates, neurotoxin can be injected into the masseters to reduce muscle bulk over time, which may create a slimmer or less square appearance of the lower face.
Masseter treatment can also be used for therapeutic purposes in certain circumstances, but treatment goals and dosing are different from cosmetic facial-line treatment.
Neck and Platysma Bands
Neurotoxin can also be used to treat visible platysma bands and certain patterns of neck muscle activity.
BOTOX Cosmetic is FDA-approved for temporary improvement of moderate-to-severe platysma bands in adults.
Because the neck contains important muscles involved in swallowing and other functions, this is an area where appropriate patient selection and knowledge of anatomy are particularly important.
Excessive Sweating
Botulinum toxin can also be used therapeutically to treat hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, in areas such as the underarms.
The goal isn't cosmetic wrinkle reduction in this case. Instead, the toxin temporarily reduces the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands.
How Long Does Neurotoxin Last?
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“How long will my Botox last?”
The answer isn't exactly the same for everyone—or every product.
Results can vary based on the product used, treatment area, dose, individual metabolism, muscle strength, and how frequently someone has been treated.
Many cosmetic neurotoxin treatments are repeated approximately every three to four months, although some patients experience longer-lasting results.
DAXXIFY is particularly notable for its duration. In clinical studies of glabellar lines, more than half of treated patients maintained no or only minor lines through six months.
That doesn't mean every DAXXIFY patient will get six months of results, however. Individual results vary.
When Will I See Results?
Neurotoxins aren't instant.
Most patients begin noticing changes within several days, with results continuing to develop over the following couple of weeks.
DAXXIFY has demonstrated an onset as early as day one, with most patients seeing onset within approximately two days in clinical trial data.
Your provider will typically recommend allowing adequate time for the treatment to fully settle before deciding whether a touch-up or adjustment is appropriate.
Will Neurotoxin Make Me Look Frozen?
Not necessarily—and this is one of the biggest misconceptions about Botox and other neurotoxins.
A good neurotoxin treatment shouldn't necessarily eliminate every facial expression.
The goal is to reduce unwanted muscle activity, not necessarily to eliminate movement altogether.
At Oquirrh Aesthetics, we believe facial aesthetics should still look like you. Your treatment can be customized based on how much movement you naturally have, how strongly your muscles contract, the lines you're trying to address, and how subtle or noticeable you'd like your result to be.
What Happens During a Neurotoxin Appointment?
Your appointment begins with an assessment rather than immediately reaching for a syringe.
Your injector will evaluate your facial movement, muscle activity, existing lines, facial symmetry, and overall goals.
We'll discuss which areas may benefit from treatment and whether neurotoxin is actually the best option.
The injections themselves are performed with a very small needle and typically take only a few minutes.
Some patients experience a brief pinch or pressure with each injection, but treatment is generally quick and well tolerated.
Are Neurotoxin Treatments Safe?
When administered appropriately by a qualified medical professional, botulinum toxin products have a long history of use.
However, they are still prescription medications and aren't appropriate for everyone.
Temporary effects such as redness, tenderness, swelling, bruising, headache, or localized muscle weakness can occur. More significant effects, including eyelid or eyebrow drooping, can occur depending on the treatment area and individual anatomy.
Botulinum toxin products also carry important warnings regarding the potential spread of toxin effects, including difficulty swallowing or breathing. These effects are uncommon with cosmetic treatment but are important risks to understand.
This is one reason choosing an experienced medical injector is so important.
So Which Neurotoxin Is Right for You?
There isn't one product that is universally “best.”
Botox, Dysport, and DAXXIFY can all be excellent options, and the best choice depends on the individual.
At Oquirrh Aesthetics, we consider factors such as:
Your facial anatomy
Muscle strength and movement
The areas you'd like to treat
Your desired degree of movement
Your previous experience with neurotoxins
How long you'd like your results to last
Your overall aesthetic goals
The goal isn't to make you look different. It's to help you look refreshed, rested, and like yourself.
Ready to Explore Neurotoxin Treatment?
Whether you're completely new to Botox or you've been receiving neurotoxin treatments for years, a personalized consultation can help determine which approach makes the most sense for you.
At Oquirrh Aesthetics in Tooele, Utah, we offer personalized aesthetic treatments designed around your features—not a one-size-fits-all treatment map.
Enhancing beauty. Never changing you.
Contact Oquirrh Aesthetics to schedule your consultation and learn whether Botox, Dysport, DAXXIFY, or another treatment option is the right fit for you.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Neurotoxin treatments are prescription treatments and should be performed by a qualified medical professional following an appropriate evaluation. Specific indications, treatment areas, dosing, results, and risks vary by product and patient.
Botox is probably the name you're most familiar with—but Botox isn't the only option.
Today, aesthetic providers can choose from several neuromodulators, including Botox®, Dysport®, and DAXXIFY®. While these products work in similar ways, they aren't identical, and the right choice can depend on your anatomy, goals, treatment area, and how long you'd like your results to last.
At Oquirrh Aesthetics in Tooele, our goal isn't to make everyone look “frozen.” It's to use neurotoxin treatments strategically to soften unwanted lines while maintaining natural facial movement and expression.
What Is a Neurotoxin?
“Neurotoxin” is the term commonly used in aesthetics for injectable medications made from botulinum toxin.
Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces the communication between a nerve and the muscle it controls. When the treated muscle contracts less strongly, the skin overlying that muscle can appear smoother.
This is particularly useful for dynamic wrinkles—lines that are caused or worsened by repeated facial movement.
Think about what happens when you repeatedly raise your eyebrows, squint, or frown. Over time, those repeated movements can contribute to lines becoming visible even when your face is relaxed.
Neurotoxin treatments temporarily reduce the muscle activity responsible for those movements, which can soften the appearance of wrinkles.
Botox, Dysport, and DAXXIFY: What's the Difference?
Botox, Dysport, and DAXXIFY are all prescription botulinum toxin products, but they have different formulations and dosing units.
Botox
BOTOX Cosmetic® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is one of the longest-established and most widely recognized cosmetic neuromodulators.
BOTOX Cosmetic is FDA-approved for temporary improvement of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and crow's feet, as well as platysma bands in the neck.
Because Botox has been used for decades, there is a tremendous amount of clinical experience with the product.
Dysport
Dysport® (abobotulinumtoxinA) is another botulinum toxin type A product used cosmetically to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe glabellar lines—the vertical lines between the eyebrows. In clinical studies, improvement of glabellar lines was demonstrated for up to four months.
Many patients love Dysport for its natural-looking results, and some providers find that its characteristics make it particularly useful when treating larger areas.
DAXXIFY
DAXXIFY® (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) is one of the newer neuromodulators available in the United States.
What makes DAXXIFY particularly interesting is its formulation. It is the first FDA-approved neuromodulator formulated with a proprietary peptide excipient rather than the traditional protein-based stabilizing components used in many other botulinum toxin products.
DAXXIFY is FDA-approved for the temporary improvement of moderate-to-severe glabellar lines in adults. Clinical studies found that more than half of patients had no or only minor frown lines through approximately six months after treatment.
That longer duration is one of the reasons DAXXIFY has generated so much interest among both patients and aesthetic providers.
An Important Note About Units
One thing you'll notice when researching Botox, Dysport, and DAXXIFY is that the number of “units” can look very different from one product to another.
That's because their units are product-specific and are not interchangeable. A higher or lower number of units does not mean that one product is stronger or weaker.
In other words, comparing the products based solely on price per unit isn't an apples-to-apples comparison.
What Can Neurotoxin Treatments Be Used For?
One of the reasons neurotoxins are so popular is their versatility.
Forehead Lines
Horizontal forehead lines are created by movement of the frontalis muscle, particularly when we raise our eyebrows.
Strategic treatment can soften these lines while preserving an appropriate amount of eyebrow movement.
Because the forehead plays an important role in eyebrow position, this is an area where anatomy and dosing matter tremendously. Treating the forehead isn't simply a matter of putting the same number of injections in every patient.
Frown Lines or “11s”
The vertical lines between the eyebrows are called glabellar lines.
These lines are created primarily by activity of the corrugator and procerus muscles. Neurotoxin treatment temporarily decreases that muscle activity, softening the appearance of the lines.
This is also the primary cosmetic indication for DAXXIFY.
Crow's Feet
Crow's feet are the lines that develop at the outer corners of the eyes, primarily from activity of the orbicularis oculi muscle.
A carefully performed treatment can soften these lines while preserving a natural-looking smile.
BOTOX Cosmetic is FDA-approved for temporary improvement of moderate-to-severe lateral canthal lines, commonly called crow's feet.
Bunny Lines
“Bunny lines” are the small horizontal or diagonal lines that can appear along the sides of the nose when you smile or scrunch your nose.
Neurotoxin can sometimes be used to soften these lines by reducing excessive activity of the nasalis muscle.
This is a commonly performed aesthetic treatment, although it is not one of the FDA-approved cosmetic indications for Botox, Dysport, or DAXXIFY.
Lip Flip
A lip flip uses a small amount of neurotoxin around the upper lip to relax the muscles that pull the lip inward.
The result can be a subtle increase in the appearance of the upper lip, particularly when smiling, without adding volume the way dermal filler does.
A lip flip is generally much more subtle than lip filler and is not a replacement for filler when someone is looking for significant volume.
Chin Dimpling
Some people develop a pebbled or dimpled appearance of the chin when they talk, smile, or purse their lips.
This can be related to activity of the mentalis muscle. Strategic neurotoxin treatment may soften the appearance of chin dimpling and create a smoother-looking chin.
Downturned Corners of the Mouth
Neurotoxin can sometimes be used to reduce the downward pull of the depressor anguli oris muscles, potentially creating a subtle improvement in the appearance of downturned mouth corners.
This treatment requires a very precise approach because the muscles around the mouth are involved in many important facial expressions.
Masseter Treatment
The masseter muscles are the powerful muscles we use for chewing.
For appropriate candidates, neurotoxin can be injected into the masseters to reduce muscle bulk over time, which may create a slimmer or less square appearance of the lower face.
Masseter treatment can also be used for therapeutic purposes in certain circumstances, but treatment goals and dosing are different from cosmetic facial-line treatment.
Neck and Platysma Bands
Neurotoxin can also be used to treat visible platysma bands and certain patterns of neck muscle activity.
BOTOX Cosmetic is FDA-approved for temporary improvement of moderate-to-severe platysma bands in adults.
Because the neck contains important muscles involved in swallowing and other functions, this is an area where appropriate patient selection and knowledge of anatomy are particularly important.
Excessive Sweating
Botulinum toxin can also be used therapeutically to treat hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, in areas such as the underarms.
The goal isn't cosmetic wrinkle reduction in this case. Instead, the toxin temporarily reduces the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands.
How Long Does Neurotoxin Last?
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“How long will my Botox last?”
The answer isn't exactly the same for everyone—or every product.
Results can vary based on the product used, treatment area, dose, individual metabolism, muscle strength, and how frequently someone has been treated.
Many cosmetic neurotoxin treatments are repeated approximately every three to four months, although some patients experience longer-lasting results.
DAXXIFY is particularly notable for its duration. In clinical studies of glabellar lines, more than half of treated patients maintained no or only minor lines through six months.
That doesn't mean every DAXXIFY patient will get six months of results, however. Individual results vary.
When Will I See Results?
Neurotoxins aren't instant.
Most patients begin noticing changes within several days, with results continuing to develop over the following couple of weeks.
DAXXIFY has demonstrated an onset as early as day one, with most patients seeing onset within approximately two days in clinical trial data.
Your provider will typically recommend allowing adequate time for the treatment to fully settle before deciding whether a touch-up or adjustment is appropriate.
Will Neurotoxin Make Me Look Frozen?
Not necessarily—and this is one of the biggest misconceptions about Botox and other neurotoxins.
A good neurotoxin treatment shouldn't necessarily eliminate every facial expression.
The goal is to reduce unwanted muscle activity, not necessarily to eliminate movement altogether.
At Oquirrh Aesthetics, we believe facial aesthetics should still look like you. Your treatment can be customized based on how much movement you naturally have, how strongly your muscles contract, the lines you're trying to address, and how subtle or noticeable you'd like your result to be.
What Happens During a Neurotoxin Appointment?
Your appointment begins with an assessment rather than immediately reaching for a syringe.
Your injector will evaluate your facial movement, muscle activity, existing lines, facial symmetry, and overall goals.
We'll discuss which areas may benefit from treatment and whether neurotoxin is actually the best option.
The injections themselves are performed with a very small needle and typically take only a few minutes.
Some patients experience a brief pinch or pressure with each injection, but treatment is generally quick and well tolerated.
Are Neurotoxin Treatments Safe?
When administered appropriately by a qualified medical professional, botulinum toxin products have a long history of use.
However, they are still prescription medications and aren't appropriate for everyone.
Temporary effects such as redness, tenderness, swelling, bruising, headache, or localized muscle weakness can occur. More significant effects, including eyelid or eyebrow drooping, can occur depending on the treatment area and individual anatomy.
Botulinum toxin products also carry important warnings regarding the potential spread of toxin effects, including difficulty swallowing or breathing. These effects are uncommon with cosmetic treatment but are important risks to understand.
This is one reason choosing an experienced medical injector is so important.
So Which Neurotoxin Is Right for You?
There isn't one product that is universally “best.”
Botox, Dysport, and DAXXIFY can all be excellent options, and the best choice depends on the individual.
At Oquirrh Aesthetics, we consider factors such as:
Your facial anatomy
Muscle strength and movement
The areas you'd like to treat
Your desired degree of movement
Your previous experience with neurotoxins
How long you'd like your results to last
Your overall aesthetic goals
The goal isn't to make you look different. It's to help you look refreshed, rested, and like yourself.
Ready to Explore Neurotoxin Treatment?
Whether you're completely new to Botox or you've been receiving neurotoxin treatments for years, a personalized consultation can help determine which approach makes the most sense for you.
At Oquirrh Aesthetics in Tooele, Utah, we offer personalized aesthetic treatments designed around your features—not a one-size-fits-all treatment map.
Enhancing beauty. Never changing you.
Contact Oquirrh Aesthetics to schedule your consultation and learn whether Botox, Dysport, DAXXIFY, or another treatment option is the right fit for you.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Neurotoxin treatments are prescription treatments and should be performed by a qualified medical professional following an appropriate evaluation. Specific indications, treatment areas, dosing, results, and risks vary by product and patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need Botox?Many patients return for treatment approximately every three to four months, although individual results vary.
Is Dysport the same as Botox?No. Both are botulinum toxin type A products, but they have different formulations and dosing units. Their units cannot be directly converted from one product to another.
Is DAXXIFY better than Botox?Not necessarily. DAXXIFY has a different formulation and may provide longer-lasting results for some patients, but the best neuromodulator depends on your individual anatomy, goals, and treatment area.
How long does DAXXIFY last?In clinical studies for glabellar lines, more than half of patients had no or only minor frown lines through approximately six months. Individual results vary.
Can Botox get rid of wrinkles permanently?No. Neurotoxin temporarily reduces muscle activity. Once its effects wear off, muscle movement gradually returns and lines may become more noticeable again.
Does Botox prevent wrinkles?Reducing repetitive muscle movement may help limit the formation or deepening of some expression lines over time, but neurotoxin does not stop the normal aging process or replace good skincare and sun protection.
Can I still move my face after Botox?Yes. Treatment can be customized to preserve varying degrees of natural movement. Your injector should discuss your desired result before treatment.
What's the difference between neurotoxin and filler?Neurotoxins primarily work by temporarily reducing muscle activity. Dermal fillers add volume or provide structural support. They address different concerns and are sometimes used together as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Is Dysport the same as Botox?No. Both are botulinum toxin type A products, but they have different formulations and dosing units. Their units cannot be directly converted from one product to another.
Is DAXXIFY better than Botox?Not necessarily. DAXXIFY has a different formulation and may provide longer-lasting results for some patients, but the best neuromodulator depends on your individual anatomy, goals, and treatment area.
How long does DAXXIFY last?In clinical studies for glabellar lines, more than half of patients had no or only minor frown lines through approximately six months. Individual results vary.
Can Botox get rid of wrinkles permanently?No. Neurotoxin temporarily reduces muscle activity. Once its effects wear off, muscle movement gradually returns and lines may become more noticeable again.
Does Botox prevent wrinkles?Reducing repetitive muscle movement may help limit the formation or deepening of some expression lines over time, but neurotoxin does not stop the normal aging process or replace good skincare and sun protection.
Can I still move my face after Botox?Yes. Treatment can be customized to preserve varying degrees of natural movement. Your injector should discuss your desired result before treatment.
What's the difference between neurotoxin and filler?Neurotoxins primarily work by temporarily reducing muscle activity. Dermal fillers add volume or provide structural support. They address different concerns and are sometimes used together as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.