wtf is tox?!
Within the aesthetics industry, neurotoxins (TOX) are also known as neuromodulators or wrinkle relaxers. But they are more commonly known by their well-known product names, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Jeuveau are the big household names you are likely familiar with. Essentially, the different types of Tox are similar to your variations in beverages- Coke, Pepsi, Sprite, Fanta, etc. Each brand has their own unique “flavor” including time to start seeing results (“kick in”), longevity, and results when Tox has settled.
When our faces animate (smile, frown, excite, etc.) we activate the various facial muscle groups that are responsible for the many expressions we make by contracting those muscles. Over time, when we constantly engage these muscle groups, we in turn cause fine lines and wrinkles to develop on the skin overlying the muscle, eventually etching deeper into the skin as time goes on. Aging, sun exposure, diet, and activity levels play active roles in fine line/wrinkles.
Tox is injected into facial muscles that are responsible for common animations- making you angry (11’s, between the eyebrows), surprised (forehead lines), and crows feet (outside of the eyes). Once injected into the facial muscle, Tox works by inhibiting acetylcholine release within the neuromuscular junction. This temporarily paralyzes the muscle, which in turn diminishes the appearance of fine lines/wrinkles because the muscle is no longer able to contract. This temporary focal muscle paralysis can last for 3-4 months, longer in some patients.
Neurotoxins are prescription medications that are only to be administered by licensed healthcare professionals such as a physician (MD), dentist (DDS), nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP), or physician associate (PA). A licensed healthcare professional will have advanced education on facial anatomy, injection technique, as well as medical knowledge of how underlying medical problems or medications can increase the risk of adverse events or undesirable results. Licensed healthcare professionals also have adequate medical training on how to manage potential complications.
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