What exactly is Botox? First, let’s clear the air. “Botox” is the brand name of a neurotoxin/neuromodulator by Allergan. It’s similar to the kleenex conundrum. Everyone calls it Kleenex, even though it is really a facial tissue. With that being said, I’m going to refer to is as TOX.

TOX is a neurotoxin/neuromodulator that paralyzes the muscle it is injected into. The dosage amount determines the effect. If you injected a small amount into a small muscle, the result will be less dramatic. If you inject a large amount into a small muscle, the result will be a “frozen” appearance. However, when it comes to larger muscles, it does take quite a bit of TOX to make an effect, i.e. Maseter muscle for TMJ.

Areas that TOX can treat include 11 lines between your brows (glabella), forehead, crows feet, eyebrow lift, gummy smile and in your lip line to increase the surface area of your lips (lip flip). Therapeutic uses include TMJ, excessive sweating, migraines. Also, tension headaches can be improved when you use TOX in your forehead and glabella.

Some fear that they will look strange if they have TOX. I always explain, less is more. We can always start at a low dose and work from there. However, sometimes the confusion comes from thinking TOX is the same as a filler. It is not. TOX is used to paralyze muscles helping with fines lines and wrinkles. Fillers are used for volume loss in the face, adding plumping which can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Like I mentioned before, there are many different types of TOX available. The ones I use include Botox by Allergan and Xeomin by Merz. My preference goes to Xeomin for a couple reasons. 1. It does not contain accessory proteins, meaning NO protein additives, it is purified. 2. The price point is lower, so clients can get more ‘bang for their buck.’ and lastly, 3. Due to the puridfied form, clients respond better to Xeomin and they can use it long term without the fear if it no longer working.

TOX has been a great offering to my clients as they notice a difference in their appearance in 2-14 days. It is fast acting and lasts for 3-4 months. Most clients love the fact that their skin is smooth again. The wrinkles seem to lessen with each treatment until they have almost disappeared. They no longer have their makeup creasing in their wrinkles and they don’t look angry all the time with those 11s creeping in. Other clients have loved the decrease in their gummy smile and a little extra lip love with a flip. Also, having their masseter treated helps with TMJ symptoms that so many suffer from.

Once you go TOX, you won’t go back. The results are undeniable and it is such a confidence booster. Trade that cup of coffee or that meal you eat out everyday to treat yourself! You won’t regret it.