The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved botulinum toxin to treat aesthetic concerns in different parts of the face. In addition to the forehead, botulinum toxin is also approved for the glabellar, or the lines between the brows, and the lateral canthal lines, more commonly referred to as crow’s feet. Doctors are also increasingly using botulinum toxin for off-label purposes in other parts of the face and to treat specific conditions. Botulinum toxin is considered a safe, effective, and relatively affordable way to treat wrinkles in the upper portions of the face. The effects of botulinum toxin, which are distinct from fillers, are usually noticeable within about a week and last 3 to 4 months. There are 4 botulinum toxins approved for cosmetic use. The body develops resistance to botulinum toxins, reducing their effects over time.

Botulinum toxins and fillers are, however, different ways of achieving aesthetic results. Unlike fillers, botulinum toxins are paralyzing agents that prevent muscle movements that lead to and worsen wrinkles. There are four types of botulinum toxin that are currently available on the market for cosmetic purposes. These botulinum toxins are type A botulinum toxins and include Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau.

Botulinum toxin type A is an injectable neurotoxin, better known under brand names such as Botox Cosmetic®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, Jeuveau®, and Daxxify®. Neurotoxin treatments are the most popular single cosmetic procedure in the U.S. and are mainly used to smooth dynamic wrinkles, or those wrinkles that form as a result of facial movements like frowning, squinting, smiling, and other expressions we tend to make day after day. These injections do not work on static lines that are present when your face is not moving. Treatment works by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles, causing them to relax. As a result, your expressions soften and the dynamic wrinkles are greatly reduced.

Botox was the first botulinum toxin on the market with FDA approval for cosmetic use. It has a long history of use with a proven record for safety and efficacy. Onset of action is typically 1-3 days, and duration is 3-4 months. Continued use may lead to resistance over time. Xeomin differs from Botox in that it doesn’t contain a protein additive. It’s sometimes called “the naked Botox” because it is considered by some to be more pure. Because it lacks the protein that sometimes leads to your body becoming resistant to the toxin, people sometimes find that they do not develop resistance to Xeomin like they may with Botox. Onset of action is typically 3-5 days, and duration is 3-4 months.

Jeaveau has been dubbed with the nickname NewTox. All of the injectable neurotoxins on the market have minor differences in their formulas. With Jeuveau, the main distinguishing factor is its purification process. The manufacturer uses a proprietary “Hi Pure” technology to ensure quality and vacuum-dries the product instead of freeze-drying it, which is thought to result in a more potent product.