The source of expression lines is repeated muscle movements that happen throughout the day and are a natural part of the aging process. Smiling, squinting, and frowning are not something that we’re constantly aware of, so controlling this behavior in order to keep the appearance flawless is nearly impossible. That is where wrinkle-relaxing injectables temporarily come into play, as they reduce that muscle activity to soften the appearance of certain wrinkles.
Lasting SkinSolutions® offers Botox®, Dysport®, and Daxxify®. These three prescription treatments share a similar purpose, but their formulations, approved uses, and expected duration differ.
How Do These Injectables Work?
All three of the injectables we use contain botulinum toxin type A medications (also called neuromodulators). They temporarily interrupt signals that tell targeted muscles to contract. As those muscles relax, the associated wrinkles become less noticeable. For our practice, maintaining a natural look is the overall goal, so we focus on carefully selecting doses and injection placement to soften lines while preserving natural facial expressions.
A common misconception is that these medications restore volume, but in reality, they treat muscle activity rather than restoring lost volume.
Benefits of Wrinkle-Relaxing Treatments
The benefits go beyond just the softening of the facial lines. You can expect the following:
- A refreshed appearance without surgery. Injectable treatments do not take much time or require much recovery, making them an outstanding alternative to much more invasive solutions.
- Minimal downtime: Most people can resume everyday activities promptly, making treatment easier to fit into a busy schedule.
- Personalized results: Targeting specific muscles allows treatment to reflect your facial movement and desired degree of correction.
Botox: An Established Option for Several Treatment Areas
Botox Cosmetic contains onabotulinumtoxinA. Its FDA-approved cosmetic uses include temporarily improving moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and crow’s feet in adults.
Results develop over several days, and wrinkle-relaxing effects commonly last about three to four months. We generally recommend a maintenance schedule based on how your muscles respond and when movement returns.
Dysport: Another Option for Frown Lines
Dysport contains abobotulinumtoxinA. Its FDA-approved cosmetic indication is the temporary improvement of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows in adults younger than 65. The clinical effect may last up to four months, but we see that it varies across our patients
Although Dysport and Botox work similarly, their formulations and dosing differ. A previous response to either treatment can help guide a discussion about which option might be better for you.
Daxxify: A Longer-Duration Option
Daxxify contains daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm and is FDA-approved to temporarily improve moderate to severe frown lines. Its formulation includes a peptide that helps stabilize the medication.
In the SAKURA 1 and SAKURA 2 randomized, placebo-controlled trials, treated participants maintained frown-line severity rated as none or mild for a median of approximately 24 weeks, or about six months. This research does not mean everyone will have the same result or remain completely wrinkle-free for six months, but it does prove the prolonged effectiveness of this medication.
For someone interested in longer intervals between appointments, Daxxify may be worth discussing during our consultation.
Choosing a Treatment and Understanding Safety
A consultation should consider your facial anatomy, goals, previous treatment results, medications, and medical history. Tell us about pregnancy or breastfeeding, muscle or nerve disorders, allergies, and recent botulinum toxin injections. We cannot stress enough that products’ units are not interchangeable, so unit counts alone do not provide a meaningful comparison.
Most of our clients return to everyday activities right away, although temporary redness, swelling, soreness, or bruising can happen.
At Lasting SkinSolutions®, a personalized consultation can help you explore these options and develop a treatment plan best suited for your personal beauty journey.
