Botulinum Toxin Options

We’ve all heard of Botox, right?! While Botox has been around for a very long time, it has become wildly more popular in recent years. I think that may be due to a couple of different reasons. Facial injectables are more openly discussed these days, people are receiving treatment at younger ages, and there are many more uses for them these days. In addition to the ever-evolving treatment options and areas, new brands of neurotoxin are constantly hitting the market. Many people refer to neurotoxin as “Botox,” which is actually the brand name of Allergan’s neurotoxin product.  I like to think of it as the Kleenex of facial tissues.  While Botox has probably been the most well known and most popular brand for many years, there are others that are now just as frequently and effectively used.  Among the brands on the market in the United States are Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau. While many providers and patients have their product preferences, all brands have their pros and cons. Regardless of the brand, neurotoxin used in the facial aesthetics industry is botulinum toxin A. This toxin acts by blocking the release of acetylcholine, in turn weakening or paralyzing the muscles, which greatly helps reduce facial wrinkles and myofascial pain. Botulinum toxin A is often simply referred to as a “wrinkle relaxer,” the science and mechanism of action behind neurotoxin is a bit more extensive. But boy, does it do the trick! Thank goodness for the magic potion that keeps us aging gracefully, one needle stick at a time.