Even though aging is a privilege that brings wisdom and life experience, many of us find ourselves wishing we could reverse the physical effects time has left on our bodies—especially the lines and wrinkles on our faces.
The desire to maintain a youthful appearance has led to a booming anti-aging industry. The global anti-aging products market was valued at $55.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $108.5 billion by 2033. This is just skincare products like serums and creams. It doesn’t factor in the multi-billion dollar cosmetic surgery and procedure market, which is expected to reach 332.11 billion by 2033.
Of all the anti-aging products and procedures available, neurotoxin treatments like Botox have consistently been the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures worldwide. It’s easy to see why. Neurotoxin treatments offer a safe, non-invasive way to smooth fine lines and prevent future wrinkles, and the results last for months.
Despite their safety and popularity, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into before your neurotoxin appointment. There are many myths surrounding neurotoxin treatments that simply aren’t true. There are also a lot of things you might not be aware of that can enhance (or negatively impact) the results of your neurotoxin treatment.
Today, we’ll debunk some common Botox myths and share a few things you should know before getting neurotoxin treatments to ensure you achieve the best results possible.
What are Neurotoxin Treatments?
Neurotoxin treatments, known by their brand names Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport, are prescription injections used to smooth out lines and wrinkles.
The treatments work by temporarily relaxing the muscles at the injection site. As a result, existing fine lines and wrinkles appear smoother and less pronounced. This temporary paralysis also reduces muscle contractions, which helps prevent the formation of new wrinkles caused by repetitive facial expressions.
Beyond their well-known anti-aging benefits, neurotoxin injections are also used to help treat various medical conditions, such as TMJ, chronic migraines and excessive sweating.
15 Misconceptions About Neurotoxin Treatments
Despite being used for decades with FDA approval, proven safety, and effectiveness, there are still many misconceptions about neurotoxin treatments.
Here are some of the most common myths surrounding these popular treatments:
Misconception #1: Neurotoxin Treatments are Toxic or Dangerous
Neurotoxin treatments might sound alarming given their name has the word “toxin” in it, but the neurotoxin used in treatments like Botox, known as botulinum toxin, is FDA-approved and safe when administered by a skilled professional. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and the treatment has a strong track record for safety.
Misconception #2: All Neurotoxin Treatments are the Same
Similar, yes. Identical, no. Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport all target lines and wrinkles, but they have slightly different formulations. Each has unique benefits and might be more suitable for different needs or preferences.
- Botox: This is the most well-known and used neurotoxin.Botox is derived from botulinum toxin type A. However, unlike other neurotoxins, it has added protective proteins surrounding the active ingredient. These proteins help Botox stay effective longer in the body. It’s widely used to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, with results typically lasting 3-4 months.
- Dysport: This neurotoxin formula is also made from a botulinum toxin type A product and, like Botox, also contains protective proteins, but it has a different formulation with smaller molecules, which some studies suggest may allow it to spread more easily in larger treatment areas, like the forehead. Results also last about 3-4 months. However, some say the results appear faster than Botox.
- Xeomin: Similar to Botox, Xeomin is also made from botulinum toxin type A but is “naked,” meaning it doesn’t have the additional proteins that Botox and Dysport have. This purity can reduce the risk of resistance or allergic reactions, making it a good alternative for those who have had diminished results with Botox.
Sometimes, it takes a little trial and error before determining which neurotoxin is best for your skin and goals. If you aren’t sure where to start, an experienced injector can guide you.
Misconception #3: Only Women Get Neurotoxin Injections
Neurotoxin treatments are not only for women. The benefits of neurotoxin injections are available to anyone looking to smooth out fine lines, regardless of gender.
While most men prefer that the effects be a little more subtle, men can (and should) use neurotoxin treatments to reduce wrinkles and achieve a more youthful appearance.
It seems a lot more men are accepting the idea of using cosmetic treatments to maintain their appearance. The male demographic made up about 10% of all cosmetic neurotoxin treatments in the U.S. last year, with approximately 550,000 men receiving neurotoxin treatments in the United States.
Misconception #4: Younger People Can’t Benefit From Neurotoxin Treatments
Many assume they should wait until their late 30’s, 40’s, or even 50’s to get neurotoxin injections like Botox. However, neurotoxin treatments aren’t limited to older adults. You can (and probably should) start getting neurotoxin treatments before lines become overly pronounced.
There are many benefits to starting neurotoxin treatments at a younger age. Getting injections in your 20’s can not only help maintain smoother skin, but because these toxins limit repetitive facial expression they can also help delay the signs of aging.
Misconception #5: Neurotoxin Injections are Painful
Most people (even those who don’t like needles) find neurotoxin injections to be relatively painless, describing the feeling as very mild and manageable. The needles used are very fine, and practitioners can apply a numbing cream to minimize any discomfort.
Misconception #6: Neurotoxin Treatments “Freeze” Your Face
The idea that neurotoxin treatments “freeze” your entire face is a misconception. Yes, some facial movements will be limited, but when administered correctly, you should still be able to make natural facial expressions.
If you have any concerns that your face will look frozen or want more movement, speak up! Your injector can tailor your treatment so you have as little or as much movement as you prefer.
Misconception #7: Neurotoxin Treatments are Permanent
While they do last a long time, neurotoxin treatments are not permanent. The effects typically last between three to six months, after which you’ll need follow-up treatments to maintain the results.
Misconception #8: Neurotoxin Treatments Become Less Effective if Used Frequently
Frequent use of neurotoxin treatments does not necessarily make them less effective. In fact, regular treatments can help achieve and maintain smoother skin. Many people find they need less product the more frequently they get neurotoxin injections.
Misconception #9: Wrinkles Become Worse If You Stop Getting Neurotoxin Treatments
If you stop neurotoxin treatments, your wrinkles don’t become any worse than they were before treatment. As the effects of your neurotoxin treatment wear off, your muscles gradually return to their normal function, revealing the wrinkles that were present before you started getting neurotoxin treatments.
Misconception #10: Neurotoxin Injections Only Work for Wrinkles
Neurotoxin injections are not only for wrinkles. They also treat various medical conditions, such as TMJ, chronic migraines, excessive sweating, and muscle spasticity.
Misconception #11: Neurotoxin Treatments Provide Instant Results
While neurotoxin treatments start working right away, it takes several days to see the full results. Typically, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the effects to fully develop and for wrinkles to appear smoother.
Misconception #12: All Estheticians Can Administer Neurotoxin Injections
In most states, estheticians are not legally qualified to perform neurotoxin injections. These treatments are typically administered only by trained and licensed medical professionals such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors.
In states where estheticians are allowed to administer neurotoxins, they must undergo specialized training and work under the supervision of a licensed medical professional.
Misconception #13: Neurotoxin Injections are the Same as Dermal Fillers
Neurotoxin injections and dermal fillers are not the same and serve different purposes. Neurotoxins relax muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while dermal fillers add volume to smooth out lines and enhance facial contours.
While they can complement each other, they target different concerns. For example, dermal fillers are the appropriate choice if you want fuller lips or a more defined jawline. If your concern is forehead lines or crow’s feet, neurotoxin injections are more effective at smoothing those areas.
Misconception #14: Neurotoxin Treatments are Expensive
The cost of neurotoxin treatments varies based on factors like the treatment area, the practitioner’s expertise, and your location. On average, you can expect to spend around $10 to $20 per unit. The number of units needed depends on the treatment area and your desired level of muscle movement. Most people require between 20 and 60 units per treatment.
While less expensive anti-aging products are available, they typically don’t offer the same effectiveness or long-lasting results as neurotoxin treatments. Although neurotoxin injections might seem pricey upfront, they usually only need to be repeated a few times a year, making them a worthwhile investment for long-term anti-aging.
Misconception #15: Expect Bruising and Swelling After Neurotoxin Injections
Bruising and swelling are actually rare, especially if you follow all pre- and post-treatment instructions. If you do have any bruising or swelling, it is typically very minor and resolves quickly.
If you’re prone to bruising, you can take over-the-counter supplements like Arnica 2–4 days before your appointment.
Tips for the Best Neurotoxin Experience
While there is a lot of misinformation out there about neurotoxin treatments, there are some things you should and shouldn’t do to ensure the best neurotoxin experience.
These tips will help you get the most out of your neurotoxin treatments, ensuring you achieve safe, effective, and long-lasting results.
Have Realistic Expectations
Neurotoxin treatments can work wonders for smoothing out lines and wrinkles, but they can’t completely erase deep-set wrinkles, tighten loose skin, or stop aging altogether. To achieve your aesthetic goals, you might need other cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers, lasers, facials, or even plastic surgery.
Choose a Qualified and Experienced Injector
The person administering your neurotoxin injections matters—a lot. Make sure you choose a qualified and experienced medical professional. Their expertise can make a significant difference in achieving the safest and most effective results.
Book a Consultation
If you’ve never had a neurotoxin treatment or haven’t been satisfied with the results of previous injections, you should book a consultation with a new injector before scheduling your treatment.
This is your chance to discuss your concerns and goals, ask questions, and get a better understanding of exactly how many units you will need to reach your desired results.
Check Your Medications and Supplements
Some medications and supplements can increase the risk of bruising or affect the outcome of your treatment. Before your appointment, inform your injector about any medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you take. They will likely advise you to stop taking certain medications and supplements temporarily to minimize potential side effects.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol can thin your blood and increase the likelihood of bruising, so it’s best to avoid it for at least 24 hours before and after your treatment.
Stay Hydrated
Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Drinking plenty of water before and after your treatment can help your skin recover more quickly. Plus, staying hydrated supports overall skin health, which complements the effects of your neurotoxin treatment.
Stay Upright
It’s important to avoid lying down for at least 4 hours after treatment, so don’t plan on taking a nap or heading straight to bed after your neurotoxin appointment. Staying upright helps prevent the product from migrating to unintended areas of your face, ensuring that it works exactly where it’s supposed to.
Don’t Touch
You should avoid touching, rubbing, and especially massaging or applying direct pressure to the treated areas for at least 24 hours after your injections. This helps to keep the neurotoxin in place and reduces the risk of spreading it to other areas, which could lead to unintended results.
Take a Rest Day from Exercise
Exercise increases blood flow, which could cause the neurotoxin to move away from the injection site. You can workout before your treatment, but to ensure the best results, you should avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours following treatment.
Stay Consistent
Consistency is key with neurotoxin treatments. Skipping sessions can allow wrinkles to return. Regular appointments, typically every 3 to 4 months, will help maintain your smooth, youthful appearance.
Combine Neurotoxins With Other Treatments
Neurotoxin injections work well on their own, but combining them with other treatments like dermal fillers, a hydrafacial, or laser skin resurfacing can enhance your overall results.
Talk to your injector about creating a custom treatment plan that addresses all your skin concerns.
Conclusion
Neurotoxin treatments are widely used and are a safe and effective non-surgical option for minimizing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and achieving a more rejuvenated, youthful appearance.
There are a lot of myths about neurotoxins, most of which are untrue. However, it’s crucial to do your own research, select a qualified injector, and follow all instructions before and after your treatment if you want optimal results.
If you are interested in neurotoxin treatments, Relive Health has clinics with licensed and experienced neurotoxin injectors across the United States.
In addition to a complimentary consultation to discuss your goals, we also offer the Visia Skin Analysis. This cutting-edge technology evaluates your skin’s strengths and weaknesses and develops a tailored pathway to your best skin.
Check our clinic locator to find a Relive Health near you.
