A neurotoxin (also called a neuromodulator) is an injectable form of botulinum toxin type A that relaxes targeted facial muscles that create expression lines. By reducing muscle movement, it softens lines like forehead lines, frown lines (“11s”), and crow’s feet and can also be used for specialty concerns like lip flip, jaw slimming, and excessive sweating.

All three are FDA-approved neuromodulators (neurotoxins) that relax targeted facial muscles to soften expression lines like forehead lines, “11s,” and crow’s feet. The biggest differences patients notice are how quickly it kicks in and how long it lasts.

Quick take

• Botox: classic, precise, very predictable

• Dysport: often feels more “blended” in broader areas for some patients

• Daxxify: designed for longer wear — 6 months is what’s advertised, but ~4 months is more typical for many patients in real life (varies by person)

Other brands you may hear about:

Patients sometimes ask about Jeuveau and Letybo. We’re happy to explain them if you’re comparing options, but our primary focus is Botox, Dysport, and Daxxify.

Steadman Aesthetics offers Botox®, Dysport®, and Daxxify® for neuromodulator treatments.

For most people, results last about 3–4 months for Botox & Dysport

Daxxify typically lasts about 4 months and sometimes longer on some patients.

Across all brands, longevity varies, sometimes a bit shorter or longer depending on metabolism, muscle strength, and dosing.

Important: Neurotoxin “units” are not 1:1 between brands. That means 20 units of one product is not the same as 20 units of another.

At Steadman Aesthetics, we normalize pricing across brands so you don’t have to do conversion math. Your injector chooses the appropriate product and dose based on your anatomy and goals, and we keep the experience straightforward.

For most people, results last about 3–4 months (sometimes a bit shorter or longer depending on metabolism, muscle strength, and dosing).

Most people start noticing results around day 3–4, with full results in 10–14 days.

Plan your appointment at least 2 weeks before a big event if you want the most predictable outcome.

When coming in for your first appointment you should be making sure you have an experienced injector. Here are some examples of questions you should ask:

• “What’s my goal: natural movement, full smoothing, or preventative dosing?”

• “Which product is best for my anatomy—Botox vs Dysport vs Daxxify?”

• “What’s the plan to avoid a heavy brow or an over-arched ‘Spock brow’?”

• “How many units do you estimate—and why?”

• “What are the most likely side effects for my areas?”

• “If I don’t love the result, what’s the adjustment plan at the 2-week mark?”

Look for:

• A licensed medical injector with advanced training and a strong facial anatomy foundation

• Consistent, natural-looking before/afters

• A practice that prioritizes assessment + long-term plan, not just selling units

• Clear consent + complication readiness

At Steadman Aesthetics, treatments are led by Anjanette Steadman, RN, BSN, an Allergan Certified Aesthetic Master Injector with a focus on safety and long-term outcomes.

Common, usually temporary side effects:

• Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising at injection sites

• Headache

• Rarely, eyelid/brow droop (ptosis), depending on anatomy and placement

Rare but serious risks can occur if toxin effect spreads beyond the intended area (labels warn about symptoms like swallowing/breathing difficulty). Always seek urgent care if you develop severe symptoms.

Common “not right now” situations include:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding (typically avoided)

• Certain neuromuscular disorders or specific medical contraindications (your injector will review your history)

If your prescribing clinician says it’s safe for you, many patients minimize bruising risk by:

• Avoiding alcohol the day before

• Avoiding non-essential blood-thinning OTC meds/supplements (like aspirin/NSAIDs, fish oil) for several days prior
  (Always confirm with your medical provider first—don’t stop prescribed meds without guidance.)

Generally speaking, for best results:

• Don’t rub or massage treated areas for ~24 hours

• Stay upright for about 2–4 hours (varies by guidance)

• Avoid strenuous exercise for about 24 hours (often recommended)

• Skip facials/massage/sauna/heat exposure immediately after (to reduce swelling and unintended spread)

Generally yes, but be gentle. Many providers advise waiting several hours and avoiding heavy pressure/brush rubbing over injection sites the same day. If you bruise easily, waiting until the next morning can be safer.

Not if your treatment is planned for your facial anatomy and goals. “Frozen” typically comes from overdosing or treating the wrong muscle balance. If you want movement, ask for:

• “Baby Botox” / natural dosing

• A plan that preserves expression while softening lines

This is one of the most-searched questions—and the most individualized. Units depend on:

• Muscle strength (strong frontalis vs soft)

• Anatomy, brow position, and desired movement

• Whether you want full correction or subtle softening

Your injector should explain dosing logic rather than quoting a one-size-fits-all number.

A lip flip uses small amounts of neurotoxin to relax the upper lip muscle so the lip rolls slightly outward—giving a subtle “show more lip” effect without adding volume. It’s great if you want a small change or have a lip that tucks under when you smile.
Lip filler adds volume/shape. Many patients do one or the other (or both) depending on their goal.

Many practices use neurotoxin in the masseter to reduce clenching/grinding symptoms and create a slimmer jawline over time. Slimming is usually most noticeable later (often weeks after treatment), and results commonly last several months, depending on muscle use and dosing.

Yes—in the right candidate, neurotoxin can be a great option for these smaller, more “targeted” concerns:

• Bunny lines: softens the nose-scrunch lines when you smile

• Gummy smile: relaxes the lift of the upper lip so less gum shows

• Downturned corners of the mouth (DAO): helps lift a “sad” mouth expression

Because these areas are very technique-sensitive, results depend heavily on precise placement and dosing—choose an injector who treats these concerns regularly.

Yes—botulinum toxin injections are a well-known option for hyperhidrosis, often used in the underarms (and sometimes hands).

Many patients maintain results around every 3–4 months for Botox/Dysport (varies by person and area).
For longer-duration products like Daxxify, some patients may do fewer treatments per year depending on response and goals.